Medicines information needs during pregnancy: a multinational comparison

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim was to assess the perceived needs of medicines information and information sources for pregnant women in various countries.DesignCross-sectional internet-based study.SettingMultinational.ParticipantsPregnant women and women with children less than 25 weeks.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe need for information about medicines was assessed by a question: ‘Did you need information about medicines during the course of your pregnancy?’ A list of commonly used sources of information was given to explore those that are used.ResultsAltogether, 7092 eligible women responded to the survey (5090 pregnant women and 2002 women with a child less than 25 weeks). Of the respondents, 57% (n=4054, range between different countries 46–77%) indicated a need for information about medicines during their pregnancy. On average, respondents used three different information sources. The most commonly used information sources were healthcare professionals—physicians (73%), pharmacy personnel (46%) and midwifes or nurses (33%)—and the internet (60%). There were distinct differences in the information needs and information sources used in different countries.ConclusionsA large proportion of pregnant women have perceived information needs about medicines during pregnancy, and they rely on healthcare professionals. The internet is also a widely used information source. Further studies are needed to evaluate the use of the internet as a medicines information source by pregnant women.

Health information needs of pregnant women: information sources, motives and barriers

“…The importance of exploring information needs of pregnant women has attracted attention of governments and many researchers (Cronin, 2003;H€ ameen-Anttila et al, 2013;Herrel et al, 2004;Malata & Chirwa, 2011;Mooko, 2006;Ogunmodede et al, 2013). Identifying and considering women needs in the development of educational plans enables women to function more effectively in their responsibilities.…”

Uso de las tecnologías de información y comunicación para el cuidado del binômio materno-fetal: revisión de tema

“…Ventajas Se ha demostrado que los recordatorios de correo electrónico tienen un efecto positivo en el número de nuevas visitas web y se sugirieron como una estrategia para retener al paciente 39 .…”

Pharmacists counselling of pregnant women: Web-based, comparative study between Serbia and Norway

“…Accordingly, pregnant women are in need of adequate information from health care professionals. In a recent study, 57% of the women reported a need for information about medicines during pregnancy, citing physicians (73%), the internet (60%) and pharmacy personnel (46%) as the three most commonly used information sources (Hämeen-Anttila et al, 2013). However, very few studies have investigated pharmacists' counselling of pregnant women (Appendix 1).…”