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BMC Psychiatry

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01-12-2021 | Coronavirus | Research

Association between health locus of control and perceived stress in college student during the COVID-19 outbreak: a cross-sectional study in Iran

Authors: Mahasty Ganjoo, Akram Farhadi, Reza Baghbani, Safieh Daneshi, Reza Nemati

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic as a global mental health crisis has affected everyone, including students. The present study aimed to determine and investigate the relationship between health locus of control and perceived stress in students of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences (southern Iran) during the outbreak of COVID-19.

Methods

The present cross-sectional study examined 250 students of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences. We performed simple random sampling and utilized the demographic information form, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale (MHLCS) by Wallston, and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) by Cohen to collect data. We analyzed data using the SPSS, Pearson correlation coefficient, and the hierarchical regression model with an error level of 5%.

Results

The mean perceived stress was 30.74 ± 8.09, and 92.4% of the students had moderate and high stress levels. Among the components of the health locus of control, the internal health locus of control (IHLC) had the highest mean in students (27.55 ± 3.81). Furthermore, the internal health locus of control (R = − 0.30, P < 0.001) had a significant inverse relationship, with perceived stress and the chance health locus of control (CHLC) (R = 0.30, P < 0.001) had a significant direct relationship. In the final regression model, the health locus of control and all the variables predicted 22.7% of the perceived stress variation in students during the COVID-19 period.

Conclusion

The results indicated that the internal health locus of control was associated with a reduction of perceived stress, and the powerful others health locus of control (PHLC) was related to its increase in students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the uncertain future, in the present work, universities are suggested to design web-based educational interventions alongside the curriculum to further strengthen the internal health locus of control and thus help reduce their perceived stress.

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Title: Association between health locus of control and perceived stress in college student during the COVID-19 outbreak: a cross-sectional study in Iran
Authors: Mahasty Ganjoo
Akram Farhadi
Reza Baghbani
Safieh Daneshi
Reza Nemati
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Coronavirus
COVID-19
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03543-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Association between health locus of control and perceived stress in college student during the COVID-19 outbreak: a cross-sectional study in Iran

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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