Medical Journal of The Islamic Republic of Iran (MJIRI)

  Background: Epidemiological changes leading to chronic diseases are becoming more important day by day. Hypertension is also known as a chronic disease. Worldwide prevalence of hypertension have caused serious complications. The disease has become a health problem in all communities. This research aims at analyze the correlation between compliance with the treatment regimen and health locus of control in hypertension patients.

  Methods : In this study, 130 patients diagnosed with high blood pressure have been included using convenience sampling. Information has been gathered including demographic data, compliance with the treatment regimen and health locus of control. The patient's blood pressure was measured twice and the mean was compared with the first blood pressure recorded in medical records. Data were analyzed using SPSS 17.

  Results : The results showed that there is a direct correlation between the adherence to the treatment regimen with internal health locus of control. In patients with internal health locus of control, better compliance with treatment regimen was detected.

  Conclusion : Health locus of control is associated with treatment regimen. Considering health locus control can help nurses and managers in their health programs and also can motivate patients to participate in their self-care and improve patients care quality.