The behavioral implications of some old wives' tales

A study was designed to gain information on the concerns, attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge that women have about reproduction to determine how these affect their health practices during pregnancy. A low-income multiethnic clinic population was studied in which the majority of the patients were in a high-risk category for pregnancy. They often failed to follow suggested regimens and/or engaged in negative health behaviors. Interviews with patients revealed that they too identified a number of risk factors in pregnancy, but that there was a disparity between their perceived risks and those of concern to the clinic staff. Many of the problems ascribed to patient noncompliance may be attributable to this differential perception of what constitutes a danger to pregnant women. In clinical settings where patients and professionals are divided by social class and cultural differences, it is suggested that physicians be aware of such beliefs so that patients may be reeducated to improve pregnancy outcomes.