Health locus of control and health behaviour in Minangkabau metabolic disorder patients

Vollständiger Abstract

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Metabolic disorders require sustained health behaviors, yet the psychological predictors of such behaviors may operate differently across cultures. This cross-sectional study examined whether health locus of control (HLOC) predicts multidimensional health behavior among Minangkabau adults with self-reported metabolic disorders in West Sumatra, Riau, and Jambi. A total of 274 participants completed multidimensional HLOC and health behavior scales. Reliability testing, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, multiple linear regression, and one-way ANOVA based on dominant HLOC type were conducted. Internal and powerful-others HLOC positively predicted total health behavior, whereas chance HLOC was not significant; however, the overall explanatory power was small (R² = 0.048). Health behavior did not differ meaningfully across dominant HLOC types, with very small effect sizes across diet, sleep, smoking, risky beverage consumption, and exercise (η² < 0.02). These findings suggest that in a collectivistic Minangkabau context, health behavior may be shaped not only by personal control beliefs but also by family, authority, and community norms. The cross-sectional design and self-reported diagnoses limit causal and clinical inference. Family-based education, community leader involvement, and culturally adapted health campaigns are recommended.