Predicting low-risk pregnant women's attendance at a preterm birth prevention class.

Objective: To determine factors that predict attendance at a preterm birth prevention (PTBP) class in a sample of low-risk pregnant women.

Methods: Predictive correlational. Discriminant function analysis with four predictor variables distinguished between women who did and did not attend a PTBP class. Methods: A prenatal clinic in a large health maintenance organization. Methods: One hundred three pregnant women who were identified as being at low risk for preterm birth. Methods: Early in pregnancy, participants completed the Health Locus of Control scale, the Health Value Scale, the Perceived Barriers Scale, and a demographic questionnaire that included questions about prenatal education. Preterm birth prevention class attendance was determined by checking clients' electronic prenatal records at 26 weeks gestation.

Results: Women who attended the PTBP class had planned to attend pregnancy education classes, F(1, 98) = 5.18, p < .05, and perceived fewer barriers to class attendance, F(1, 98) = 13.53, p < .001, than did women who did not attend.

Conclusions: Surveying clients to determine the most convenient times and locations and the availability of transportation can help nurses plan more accessible classes. Nurses should ascertain women's plans for attending pregnancy education classes and reinforce such plans.