Perceived health competence, health locus of control, and patient adherence in renal dialysis

An emerging view in the literature regarding health locus of control (NLC) and health behavior suggests that HLC beliefs might affect behavior only through the interaction of HLC with other health-related expectancies. We examined internal and powerful others HLC beliefs as moderators of the relationship between a recently developed measure of ''perceived health competence'' and medical regimen adherence in 81 renal dialysis patients. The hypothesized interaction was significant, suggesting a moderating role for HLC. The pattern of the interaction differed from prediction. Greater perceived health competence was associated with more favorable adherence only for those patients scoring low on internal and high on powerful others HLC, This pattern suggests that a high degree of perceived competence is advantageous for those patients with predominant confidence in the actions of their health-care providers.