As pregnant women need extensive information to be able to take care of themselves and their babies, their information needs should be identified and taken into consideration when planning educational programmes for this group of women.
Background The Internet often represents a source of accessible information. The aim of this study was to examine pregnant women’s interest and anxiety when they use the Internet and also to determine the criteria by which they evaluated the correctness and reliability of the information on the Internet.Methods A descriptive study was conducted between April and July 2015. The pregnant women at the offices of obstetricians/gynecologists were invited to participate in the study by filling out a questionnaire.Results Of the 450 distributed questionnaires, 420 were completed and analyzed. The mean of interest and anxiety scores respectively was 12.21 and 6.69 out of 20. The most important criteria for judging the reliability and trustworthiness of a website were whether its information is continuously updated (69.2%), or it is recommended by a doctor, nurse or other health professionals (63.1%).Conclusions : Since the interest to a website lowers the anxiety of pregnant women to use it, it is recommended to consider pregnant women’s preferences and needs and follow user-centered approaches when designing websites. Medical content of the websites also should be carefully reviewed by a multidisciplinary board of medical specialists for the correctness and reliability of the information.
BACKGROUND
Today, the Internet may be a promising tool for interventions for pregnant women. However, these kinds of tools are only helpful if users are ready to use them.
OBJECTIVE
The present study was conducted with the aim of readiness assessment of pregnant women to use the Internet to access health information about pregnancy and childbirth.
METHODS
This study was carried out on a sample of 384 pregnant women. Data were collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire. The first section of this questionnaire collected demographic characteristics of the participants. The second part of the questionnaire contains 27 questions covering the following components: infrastructure readiness (6 questions); affordability readiness (3 questions); and skill readiness (12 questions). Data were analyzed with SPSS 19.0 using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and T-test.
RESULTS
This study was carried out on a sample of 384 pregnant women. Data were collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire. The first section of this questionnaire collected demographic characteristics of the participants. The second part of the questionnaire contains 27 questions covering the following components: infrastructure readiness (6 questions); affordability readiness (3 questions); and skill readiness (12 questions). Data were analyzed with SPSS 19.0 using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and T-test.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of the Internet by pregnant women depends on factors such as infrastructure, affordability, and skills readiness. This study showed that speed and the quality of the Internet, hardware and software availability, affordability of the Internet, and access to the Internet training were factors in measuring E-health readiness assessment.
CLINICALTRIAL
Not applicable
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