A qualitative study of assessing learning needs and digital health literacy in pregnancy: Baby Buddy Forward Greek findings
Journal
European Journal of Midwifery
Date Issued
September 6, 2022
DOI
10.18332/ejm/150770
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the learning needs and the digital health literacy of pregnant women in Greece regarding perinatal health and care
issues.
METHODS This was a qualitative study involving thirteen Greek pregnant women, in two
focus groups of primiparous and multiparous. The interview topic guide was developed
by consensus during a training workshop of the European Baby Buddy Forward research
program. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and inductively content analyzed.
RESULTS Pregnant women described a range of learning needs and identify antenatal
classes, health professionals, Internet, books, friends and relatives, as their main sources
of information. Women expressed satisfaction in terms of their communication with
midwives, but they expressed ambiguity regarding communication with doctors. With
regard to the Internet, women highlighted their concern about the validity of information
and point out the difficulties they face in order to access reliable scientific resources.
Moreover, the process of seeking information online occurs in parallel and independently
from healthcare providers, who discourage it, thus, many women were reluctant to discuss
any information they retrieved from the Internet with health professionals.
CONCLUSIONS The content of antenatal classes should be tailored to address pregnant
women learning needs more holistically. However, taking into consideration that a major
source of information for pregnant women is the Internet, it is vital for health professionals
to acknowledge this reality and provide pregnant women with trusted websites. It is also
particularly important for health professionals to practice their communication skills and
update their digital knowledge.
issues.
METHODS This was a qualitative study involving thirteen Greek pregnant women, in two
focus groups of primiparous and multiparous. The interview topic guide was developed
by consensus during a training workshop of the European Baby Buddy Forward research
program. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and inductively content analyzed.
RESULTS Pregnant women described a range of learning needs and identify antenatal
classes, health professionals, Internet, books, friends and relatives, as their main sources
of information. Women expressed satisfaction in terms of their communication with
midwives, but they expressed ambiguity regarding communication with doctors. With
regard to the Internet, women highlighted their concern about the validity of information
and point out the difficulties they face in order to access reliable scientific resources.
Moreover, the process of seeking information online occurs in parallel and independently
from healthcare providers, who discourage it, thus, many women were reluctant to discuss
any information they retrieved from the Internet with health professionals.
CONCLUSIONS The content of antenatal classes should be tailored to address pregnant
women learning needs more holistically. However, taking into consideration that a major
source of information for pregnant women is the Internet, it is vital for health professionals
to acknowledge this reality and provide pregnant women with trusted websites. It is also
particularly important for health professionals to practice their communication skills and
update their digital knowledge.
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