[Obstacles for the use of early childhood prevention services : The role of expected ability to control sources].
BACKGROUND
It is well established that preventive measures for pregnant women and families with small children do not reach all families alike. Often enough, it is those families, who due to heightened stresses and strains might gain the most from these measures, who cannot be reached (dilemma of prevention).


OBJECTIVE
This investigation explores whether parents can be grouped according to their views on health, prevention and measures available to young families, and whether belonging to one of the identified groups explains differences in the use of (primary and secondary) preventive measures for pregnant women and young families.


METHODS
In the context of home visits, parents of children aged two to four years (N = 273) completed questionnaires. Additionally, 203 parents took part in qualitative interviews.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on interview data, parents from different sociocultural backgrounds could be grouped along their expected ability to control sources for parental support (Steuerungskompetenz). Parents high and low in Steuerungskompetenz differ regarding their knowledge of, use of, and satisfaction with (primary) preventive measures. Steuerungskompetenz explains the use of primary preventive measures above and beyond socioeconomic control variables as well as family stresses and strains. The use of secondary preventive measures is better explained by family stresses and strains. Results are discussed in terms of untapped services, needs and possibilities of target group-oriented approach.
Nationales Zentrum Frühe Hilfen, in der Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung, Maarweg 149-161, 50825, Köln, Deutschland.
Anna
A
Neumann
Nationales Zentrum Frühe Hilfen, in der Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung, Maarweg 149-161, 50825, Köln, Deutschland. ilona.renner@nzfh.de.
Ilona
I
Renner
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D011315:Preventive Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014600:Utilization Review; D055815:Young Adult
Control; Early childhood; Early childhood prevention; Families; Psychosocial risk