The Relationship of Multidimensional Health Locus of Control and Attitude toward HIV/AIDS: College Students' PerspectiveS

摘要

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) often results in interrelated social factors that hinder attainment of appropriate quality of life and economic independence for survivors. The existence of a statistically significant connection between external locus of control (LOC) (both general and health-related) and negative attitude toward persons with a diagnosed sexually transmitted disease is well documented. Health locus of control is the perception of an individual regarding degree of control the person, or chance, or luck, or others has/have on his/her health. However, research on connection between the two above mentioned variables for populations with AIDS is scarce. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify any existing relationship between health locus of control and attitudes towards patients with AIDS in a sample of undergraduate and graduate students. A majority of the participating students were majoring in human service and health related fields. The AIDS Attitude Scale (AAS) and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scale were used to collect data from 166 undergraduate and graduate students on two university campuses. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression. Results indicated that age, race, and powerful other health LOC factors were predictors of attitudes toward AIDS in college students. Recommendations for future research are made. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]