Validity and Reliability of Form C of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale in Pregnant Women.

BACKGROUND

The health locus of control (HLC) can indirectly determine the health status. The current study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of Form C of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC-C) scale in pregnant women.

METHODS

554 pregnant women participated in this cross-sectional study conducted in 2017; they referred to community health centers affiliated with Mashhad and Gonabad Medical Sciences Universities. Multi-stage random sampling was done. In this study, first, the questionnaire was translated into Farsi; then, face validity and construct validity were done through exploratory factor analysis, and concurrent criterion validity was also examined. Moreover, the reliability was assessed through internal consistency and stability methods.

RESULTS

The results of the exploratory factor analysis showed that the MHLC-C scale consisted of four subscales, i.e. Chance, Internal, Other People, and Doctors, which accounted for 51.18% of variance. The results of the reliability analysis showed an acceptable internal consistency for the scale (Cronbach's alpha coefficient for subscales from 0.62 to 0.90). Also, the test-retest results showed good stability for all subscales other than Doctors (P<0.05). The concurrent validity of Forms B and C of MHLC scale showed a positive and significant correlation between subscales.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed that the MHLC-C scale had acceptable validity and reliability in pregnant women and is suggested as an applicable criterion for assessing individuals control beliefs with any medical or health-related condition in Iran.