Who is in charge when I have a headache? Brazilian version of the Headache-Specific Locus of Control Scale

ABSTRACT Background: Headache-Specific Locus of Control (LOC) refers to individuals’ beliefs about their control over the onset, course and consequences headaches. LOC have been associated with depression, coping strategies, headache-related disability treatment outcomes. Objective: To test cross-cultural adaptation psychometric properties a Brazilian version Scale (HSLC). Methods: One hundred thirty-four migraine outpatients completed HSLC provided measurements psychopathological symptoms, pain catastrophizing, anxiety, quality life disability. Results: The three-factor structure (LOC-P, LOC-C LOC-I) was confirmed in sample. instrument showed good internal consistency, Cronbach's α 0.77 for total 0.70, 0.83 0.87, LOC-P, LOC-I, respectively. correlated headache frequency intensity. Along intensity, depression LOC-I accounted 45% variance (adjusted R2=0.45; F=12.97; p<0.01) Conclusions: is valid reliable measure headache-specific beliefs. It important consider balance between three LOCs each individual, instead interpreting them separately.