Predictors of Health Maintenance Behavior of Young Adults with Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

The purpose of this ex-post facto study was to explore the relationships between health locus of control (HLOC) characteristics, family type, and health maintenance behaviors of young adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). A criterion sample of 143 young adults with CF, ages 18-28 years, was drawn from ten CF centers in the Midwest. The group's FEV1 ranged from 21% predicted to 115% predicted. A comparison group of healthy individuals was obtained by convenience sampling from a large Midwestern university (power analysis =.94). Four instruments were administered to each subject in both groups: The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (HLOC); FACES III; The Cantril Self-Anchoring Ladder; and a Demographic Information Sheet. The CF group also completed the CF Health Maintenance Activity List. The two groups were compared on the variables of HLOC and family type. Only the CF group was further analyzed on the relationships of health maintenance behaviors to HLOC and family type. Chi square, Pearson r correlations, analysis of variance and regression techniques were used to analyze the data. Statistical testing revealed that the two groups were much more alike than expected. Young adults with CF were very well adjusted to their chronic condition and saw themselves only slightly less well than healthy young adults. In each group, 84% were internal in their HLOC orientation. However, more individuals in the CF group compared to healthy young adults, attributed control over their health to powerful others. Regardless of their family type, both groups would like to have been raised in a family that was less structured and more emotionally close. HLOC and family-of-origin type were not correlated with health maintenance behaviors (HMB). The only statistically significant variable related to HMB was physical condition. In conclusion, type of family-of-origin and HLOC do not differentiate between healthy young adults and young adults with CF. Furthermore, type of family-of-origin and HLOC do not affect HMB. Being raised in a certain type of family does not necessarily guarantee a certain HLOC, and a certain HLOC does not predict HMB. These results may indicate that alternative constructs should be explored in future studies.