Self-concept and health locus of control: factors related to children's adherence to recommended asthma regimen.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relationships of adherence to daily peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) monitoring, recommended for asthma self-management, with self-concept and health locus of control in a sample of 42 children, ages 7 through 11.


METHODS
Secondary analysis was conducted on data collected as part of our 5-week randomized, controlled asthma self-management clinical trial. During the study, the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale (PHCSC) and Children's Health Locus of Control Scale (CHLOC) were administered at baseline (Week 1) and Week 5 for comparison, while adherence to electronically-measured peak flow monitor (PFM) was evaluated during Week 5.


RESULTS
Adherence was positively correlated with higher self-concept (r(s) = .33, p = .03) and internal health locus of control (r(s) = .30, p = .05). Adherence to PFM and the intellectual and anxiety subscales of the PHCSC also were positively associated (r(s) = .38, p = .01, in both cases).


CONCLUSIONS
Children who have a positive self-concept, particularly in the areas of intellect and anxiety, are more adherent to their recommended asthma regimen. Similarly, those who perceive their ability to control their health more positively adhere better to daily PEFR monitoring. These results suggest that children's adherence interventions may need to include components aimed at enhancing self-concept and health locus of control.
Burkhart
Patricia Vernal
PV
College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
Rayens
Mary Kay
MK
D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D001249:Asthma / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D011209:Power, Psychological; D002666:Psychology, Child; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014903:West Virginia