Maternal health locus of control beliefs, utilization of childhood preventive health services, and infant health.

This study examined the relationships among mothers' health locus of control beliefs concerning their children's health, utilization of childhood preventive health services, and child health status. Mothers' health beliefs were measured with the Parental Health Belief (PHB) scales developed to explore three factors: (1) mothers' degree of perceived control or internality with respect to their children's health, (2) the extent to which they believe that "chance" or (3) "powerful others" affected their children's health. Eighty-eight low- and middle-socioeconomic status black and Caucasian mothers and infants participated. Results indicate relationships among maternal health locus of control beliefs, utilization of preventive health services, and child health outcome, suggesting targeted ways in which utilization of childhood preventive health services and child health levels might be improved.