Effects of social supports on attitudes,health behaviors and obtaining prenatal care

The influence of social support on attitudes, health behaviors and attaining prenatal care was assessed in 300 postpartum patients. Demographic, medical, sociocultural, attitudinal and behavioral factors were assessed by interview and review of the medical chart. Three discrete social support factors (intimacy, comfort, security) were identified by factor analysis. The presence of social support was correlated with positive prenatal attitudes, not using drugs, and adequate health resources. Stepwise multiple-regression analysis demonstrated that one social support factor (intimacy), two health behaviors (not drinking and not smoking while pregnant), and parity accounted for 22% of the variance in amount of prenatal care.Paul T. Giblin, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics; Marilyn L. Poland, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Joel W. Ager, PhD is a Professor in the Department of Psychology Wayne State University Detroit, Michigan.This project was supported by a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health Care Delivery and Assistance No. MCJ-263811.