Influence of Locus of Control and Emotional Intelligence on the Health Seeking Behaviour of Hypertensive Patients in Enugu Urban

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of locus of control and emotional intelligence on health seeking behaviour of hypertensives in Enugu, urban. One hundred and twenty-four participants comprising 72 males and 52 females between the ages of 40 to 79 years (M=60.19, SD=12.07) were used in the study. They were sampled, using Multi-stage sampling technique (cluster and odd-even sampling techniques). Three instruments were used in data collection, namely; Wallston, Wallston and Devellis (1978) 18- items multidimensional Health Locus of control, Bastool (2009) 56-item emotional intelligence scale and Osama (2003) 30-item health-seeking behaviour scale. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted while 2 x 2 ANOVA with unequal sample size was applied in statistical analysis. The results revealed that locus of control showed a significant influence on poor health seeking behaviour of hypertensives. (F(1,120)=12.81, P<.001) while emotional intelligence revealed no significant influence (F(1,120)=7.49, P>.007 ). However, a significant interaction was observed. (F(1,120)=3.92, P<.05). The internals (62%) were reportedly engaged in health-related behaviours more than the externals (37%). It was concluded that locus of control had significant influence on the poor health seeking behaviour of hypertensives. It was also observed that the high emotional intelligent, were less involved in health compromising behaviours whereas the low emotional intelligent were more prone to compromise to health damaging behaviours, hence poor health seeking behaviour. It correlated with health seeking behaviour but had no influence on the hypertensive poor health seeking behaviour.