title: Fetal health locus of control: Scale properties and applications in preconception health programs.
abstract: Preconception health programs have resulted in improved health behaviors among participants and have shown promise in reducing adverse birth outcomes. However, the role of health beliefs in preconception health program outcomes has been overlooked but warrants attention due to reported positive associations between women's views of control over fetal health and health behavior in pregnancy. Towards an ultimate aim of improving preconception health program reach and effectiveness, we examined properties of a fetal health locus of control (FHLC; Labs & Wurtele, 1986) measure in nulliparous, childbearing aged university women and men. Students (n=1467) completed an online survey that included the FHLC subscales maternal, powerful others', and chance control over fetal health. Factor analyses and correlations with related scales supported the soundness of FHLC constructs in both women and men. All participants rated maternal control in fetal health nearly twice as highly as powerful others' and chance. We therefore recommend that FHLC be integrated into preconception health program evaluation as personal agency in fetal health likely has an important role in women's and men's preconception health behavior and health behavior change.
authors.affiliation: Human Development, Washington State University Vancouver, WSU Vancouver, 14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave., Vancouver, WA 98686, United States. Electronic address: esoliday@wsu.edu.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Soliday
authors.affiliation: Psychology Department, Washington State University Vancouver, Vancouver, WA, United States.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Strahm
authors.affiliation: Prevention Science Program, Washington State University Vancouver, Vancouver, WA, United States.
authors.forename: Stefani
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mammenga
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011247:Pregnancy; D037841:Pregnant People / Q000523:psychology*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011594:Psychometrics; D020377:Self Efficacy; D014481:United States
keywords: Health beliefs; Health locus of control; Preconception health; Pregnancy attitudes