Factors predicting completion of a home visitation program by high-risk pregnant women: The North Carolina Maternal Outreach Worker Program

Objectives. This study sought to identify characteristics of high-risk preg nant women that predicted longterm participation in a home visitation progr am. Methods. Data regarding sociodemographic characteristics, perceived needs, psychological functioning, substance use, and informal social support were collected prospectively from 152 short-term and 221 long-term program parti cipants. Results. In comparison with shortterm participants, long-term participants were more likely to have been African American, married, nonsmokers, and en rolled in the program during their second trimester of pregnancy, and they were more likely to have had emotional and instrumental support needs. Conclusions. Women with greater social support needs and healthier behavior s were more receptive to long-term home visitation than other women.