Health Locus of Control and Psychological and Somatization Disorder in Icelandic Outpatients with Cancer: A quantitative study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate locus of control amongst outpatients with cancer and its association with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. Women scored higher on the anxiety scale than men. The age group <50 had significantly higher anxiety than the other age groups (p<0.001). Participants who belonged to the age group 61-70 years old reported significantly higher scores for faith in ELC-physicians than those who were in the age group <50 (p<0.001). Those who were in treatment for symptom control only, reported significantly higher scores for MDASI total than those in treatment aiming for cure (p<0.001). For them interference with daily life was also found to be significantly worse (p<0.001). Chemotherapy treatment had significantly more impact on total scores for MDASI total (p<0.001), symptoms severities (p<0.001), and interference with daily life (p<0.001), wen compared to those receiving radiotherapy or combination of both.