Age and sex differences in health beliefs and behaviours.

200 adults completed various questionnaires about their general health awareness, health locus of control, and the perceived causes of illness. Whereas there were fewer age differences than expected, a number of consistent sex differences appeared. For example, the women relied less on "provider control" of health (doctors being in charge), expressed greater "nutritional consciousness," and believed more than men that psychological factors play an important part in the aetiology of illness.