| This study explored if there was a relationship between internal and external health locus of control and the use of nutritional supplements. The study was performed in Western New York. The study sample was 198 college students who completed a questionnaire. The theoretical framework, health locus of control, referred to the extent to which a person believes his or her health is determined by chance, fate, luck, powerful others, or by his or her own effort. Health locus of control did not seem to be consistent with determining differences between those who were users of nutritional supplements or non-users, however external (chance) mean scores showed a significant difference in certain relationships. Over 75% of this study sample used nutritional supplements, and over 40% used them daily. Patients, physicians, and academic medical centers need to put further research into understanding the utilization, prevalence, and perception of nutritional supplement use. |
