The Relationship Between Health Locus of Control and the Management of Skin Fissure Wounds in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: This study was motivated by the belief held by some patients that their health condition would deteriorate without family support in managing it. Some patients expressed despair regarding their illness and frequently shared their concerns with family or others, while some attributed their condition to their own negligence in maintaining health. Others perceived their current health status as destiny or divine will. Patients suffering from skin fissure wounds often felt hopeless and believed that they would not recover due to diabetes mellitus.

Methods: This study employed a quantitative approach with a correlational design. The sample consisted of 40 respondents, selected through a probability sampling technique using cluster sampling. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, yielding a p-value of 0.04 (<0.05), indicating a significant relationship between health locus of control and the management of skin fissure wounds in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Results:The findings suggest that the three dimensions of health locus of control—internal, powerful others, and chance—are statistically associated with the care of skin fissure wounds among diabetic patients at Subulussalam City General Hospital.

Conclusion: The findings indicate a statistically significant association between the three dimensions of Health Locus of Control and the management of skin fissure wounds in patients with Diabetes Mellitus at Subulussalam City General Hospital.