and utilization of health care services is people's health beliefs about their own health and the health care system. For example, Strain (1990) has reported that a host of beliefs can influence people's utilization of the health care system. For example, skepticism about the medical establishment can lead to delay in seeking treatment.
Regarding the health beliefs of pregnant females as they relate to their nutritional intake, Carruth and Skinner (1991) have noted that there are a number of health beliefs that have been well-established as determinants of pregnant females' nutritional habits. Such beliefs include the notion that one must eat for two, or that one must only eat selected foods.
Carruth and Skinner (1991) state that during extensive interviews with a large (N=546) culturally heterogeneous sample of women, they identified more than 2,000 beliefs (many of which were myths) that dictated the dietary habits of pregnant females. Based on data collected from this sample, the authors went on to de
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