Abstract

Preconception counseling can improve womens health and pregnancy outcomes. Internal health locus of control and belief in the benefits of health-promoting behaviors improve peoples engagement in health-promoting behaviors. This study examined whether preconception counseling was related to health locus of control.

This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 152 healthy 18-35-year-old women intending to become pregnant. The intervention group received six sessions of group counseling, and the control group received only usual care.

Repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant post-intervention increase in the mean internal health locus of control (P<0.001) and chance health locus of control (P= 0.013) decreased significantly.

Keywords: Preconception; Counseling; Health locus of control.

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