Locus of Control in Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Ulcerative Colitis: A Comparative Study.

Abstract

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic condition characterised by inflammation of the large intestine, causing an impact on a patient's psychological well-being. Earlier research has demonstrated the important role of locus of control (LOC) in facing the challenges brought out by many gastrointestinal system diseases.

Purpose: The aim of this research is to assess LOC in patients with mild-to-moderate UC as compared to non-UC individuals. This study also explored the impact of various demographic variables: age, gender, education level, type of family, working status, socio-economic status (SES), marital status and region of residence, on LOC among UC patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted for a period of two months. The tool used was Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC). A chi-squared test was used to investigate the LOC among individuals with UC (100 patients) in comparison to a control group of non-UC (100) healthy individuals. The age group was between 30 and 50 years.

Results: In the UC group, 31% endorsed an internal LOC, while 40% attributed outcomes to chance, and 29% believed in powerful others. A chi-square test indicated a significant association between LOC and UC, χ²(2) = 38.1, P < .001. These findings suggest that individuals with UC are more likely to attribute outcomes to external factors, such as chance or powerful others, rather than their own actions. A positive effect of SES, region and working status on LOC was seen.

Conclusion: The observed tendency towards external LOC highlights the need for targeted interventions aimed at enhancing patients' sense of agency and control over their health. Healthcare professionals can help people with these chronic conditions live better lives and achieve better results by enabling them to actively participate in their health.