Mothers' health beliefs and use of well‐baby services among a high‐risk population

Abstract

The relationship between mothers' health beliefs and use of well-baby services among a poor, minority, high-risk population is reported. Data were collected from 61 black mothers attending a maternal-child clinic by interviews at the first and sixth months after the birth of their infants. The analysis focused on four health beliefs (susceptibility, severity, benefits, and efficacy) and two health behaviors (clinic visits and immunizations during the first 6 months). Although mothers' health beliefs were not predictive of clinic visits, health beliefs at the sixth month accounted for 30% of the variance in the number of immunizations. This relationship was dominated by perceived efficacy of immunizations and perceived benefits of well-baby services. The findings indicate a need to consider the nature and extent of possible changes in relationships between health beliefs and health behaviors over time.

Patient-Specific Reminder Letters and Pediatric Well-Child-Care Show Rates

“…15 They were one page in length, specified the date and time of the appointment, and described age-specific interventions that the child was to receive. The interventions that were described …”

Parental Beliefs and Children's Receipt of Preventive Care: Another Piece of the Puzzle?

“…Andersen (1995) has described health beliefs as “attitudes, values, and knowledge that people have that might influence their subsequent perceptions of need and use of health services.” It is unclear whether parents perceive regular preventive visits as unimportant or if they are deterred by obstacles. The few studies of parental beliefs and preventive care have been limited to immunizations for young children and have shown mixed results (Becker et al 1977; Kviz, Dawkins, and Ervin 1985; Strobino et al 1996; Prislin et al 1998). …”

Causes Of Low Preschool Immunization Coverage In The United States

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