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.