A qualitative study of assessing learning needs and digital health literacy in pregnancy: Baby Buddy Forward Greek findings

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONThe 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.

Informational support and information-seeking during transition to parenthood: Baby Buddy Forward’s focus groups with pregnant women and new mothers in Cyprus

“…This phenomenon was also confirmed in the present study. Lack of time is often cited 28 , but it also seems that reluctance of healthcare providers to engage and discuss such information, instead choosing to discourage the use of the internet, is a barrier 29 .…”

Application of epidural analgesia in obstetric hospitals of Ukraine and its alternative

“…знань і навичок щодо застосування цих методів необхідно здійснити підготовку кадрів та членів родини [47,48]. У мета-аналізі [49] оцінювали ефективність різних НММЗ: його результати продемонстрували, що точковий масаж, ароматерапія та масаж мали найвищу ефективність у зменшенні лабораторного болю порівняно зі стандартним лікуванням.…”

Non-Pharmacological Pain Management in Labor: A Systematic Review

“…A growing body of research has demonstrated that continuous labor support substantially reduces medical interventions, the need for PPM, and operative delivery [18]. Engaging in discussions with healthcare professionals or participating in anti-natal labor education classes is advisable to develop effective coping strategies and acquire the necessary knowledge and proficiency in implementing these techniques [94,102]. Earlier work in the field has addressed the efficacy of NPPM compared to controls and/or placebo in RCTs, showing variable degrees of benefits [30,33,35,38,40,42,43,51].…”