Locus of Control Predicts Treatment Decisions and Health Outcomes of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Patients: A Study based on Socio-economic Status

Rationale: In pluralistic culture like India, the treatment decisions are generally taken by the families or significant others with little or no involvement of the patients. On the contrary, in the western cultures, treatment decisions are usually taken at the individual’s end. Socio-economic status (SES) is another substantial factor bear on treatment decision making profoundly. It seems that the treatment decision making is not determined only by the cultural factor, but also by the economical dimension. Thus, the present study was conducted to ascertain as to what extent correlates of locus of control predict treatment decisions and health outcomes of the patients. Methodology: Sample: 100 male CAD diagnosed patients from varying SES were drawn from IMS, BHU. Tools: Locus of control, the predictor of the study was measured using illness controllability scale. The criterion variables, treatment decision making and psychological health were assessed using treatment decision making and general health questionnaires. Results: The result reflects that patients from lower SES either avoid taking decisions or take decisions impulsively without evaluating its pros and cons which profoundly worsens their psychological health. The findings further declare that though being better on economical dimension, CAD patients adopted maladaptive treatment decisions, thereby, resulting in poor health outcomes. Astonishingly, the patients adopted vigilant and defensive avoidance decision making steles almost equally. This finding leads us to further explore the role of some mediating variables underlying this trend. Conclusion: LOC predicted varying degree of treatment decisions and psychology health in as per the SES of the patients. The finding indicated that poor health conditions are generally caused by both poor treatment decisions as well as the SES of the patients. Impact: The findings of the research would be relevant primarily to the researchers, medical practitioners and counselors to promote physical and mental health.