1
|
Moura MSSD, Carvalho SBD, Braz ZR, Leal LB, Santos AMRD, Gouveia MTDO, Avelino FVSD, Silva ARVD. Use of technologies by nurses to promote breastfeeding: a scoping review. Rev Esc Enferm USP 2024; 57:e20220466. [PMID: 38407608 PMCID: PMC10896493 DOI: 10.1590/1980-220x-reeusp-2022-0466en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To map evidence on technologies used by nurses to promote breastfeeding in Health Services. METHOD This is a scoping review, based on the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute and following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews, carried out in 2022. The searches took place in seven databases, using the following combined descriptors: "nurse", "technology", "breastfeeding", and "health services". RESULTS Fifteen articles were found, the first from 2000 and the last from 2022, all published in English with a predominance of productions in the United States of America (n = 5) and Brazil (n = 3). The link was the technology present in most studies (n = 11). However, with regard to classification, educational and hard technologies were the most used in promotion strategies (n = 14 and n = 12), respectively. CONCLUSION The articles showed a variety of technologies used to promote breastfeeding in health services, and thus, contributing for the maintenance and duration of breastfeeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zeila Ribeiro Braz
- Universidade Federal do Piauí, Departamento de Graduação em Enfermagem, Picos, PI, Brazil
| | - Loisláyne Barros Leal
- Universidade Federal do Piauí, Departamento de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Teresina, PI, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ahmadzadeh K, Bahrami M, Zare-Farashbandi F, Adibi P, Boroumand MA, Rahimi A. Patient education information material assessment criteria: A scoping review. Health Info Libr J 2023; 40:3-28. [PMID: 36637218 DOI: 10.1111/hir.12467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient education information material (PEIM) is an essential component of patient education programs in increasing patients' ability to cope with their diseases. Therefore, it is essential to consider the criteria that will be used to prepare and evaluate these resources. OBJECTIVE This paper aims to identify these criteria and recognize the tools or methods used to evaluate them. METHODS National and international databases and indexing banks, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, the Cochrane Library, Magiran, SID and ISC, were searched for this review. Original or review articles, theses, short surveys, and conference papers published between January 1990 and June 2022 were included. RESULTS Overall, 4688 documents were retrieved, of which 298 documents met the inclusion criteria. The criteria were grouped into 24 overarching criteria. The most frequently used criteria were readability, quality, suitability, comprehensibility and understandability. CONCLUSION This review has provided empirical evidence to identify criteria, tools, techniques or methods for developing or evaluating a PEIM. The authors suggest that developing a comprehensive tool based on these findings is critical for evaluating the overall efficiency of PEIM using effective criteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khadijeh Ahmadzadeh
- Health Information Technology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Student Research Commitee, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran
| | - Masoud Bahrami
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Firoozeh Zare-Farashbandi
- Health Information Technology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Payman Adibi
- Gastroenterology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Boroumand
- Department of Medical Library and Information Sciences, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Rahimi
- Health Information Technology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Alibhai KM, Murphy MSQ, Dunn S, Keely E, O'Meara P, Anderson J, El-Chaâr D. Evaluation of a breastmilk hand expression toolkit: the M.I.L.K survey study. Int Breastfeed J 2022; 17:8. [PMID: 35033140 PMCID: PMC8760591 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-021-00448-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breastmilk hand expression (BMHE) is recommended to promote lactation, relieve breast engorgement, and collect milk for future infant feedings. Resources to teach this skill are limited and infrequently developed in partnership with the obstetrical population. In collaboration with maternity care experts and individuals with recent breastfeeding experience, we designed a one-page toolkit that describes the process of BMHE and includes step-by-step instructions and images to illustrate the technique. This study aimed to evaluate the readability, clarity of content, layout, and informational value of this BMHE toolkit. Methods Individuals who intended to breastfeed, were currently breastfeeding, or had recently breastfed were electronically surveyed and completed a two-part survey that consisted of radio, multi-select, Likert scale, and open-ended questions. Part one captured sociodemographic factors, obstetrical history, and breastfeeding practices. Part two collected feedback on the BMHE toolkit. Participants were recruited electronically through social media and posters were circulated in antenatal and postnatal care settings in Ottawa, Canada between November 2020 and February 2021. Results Of the 123 participants, 117 (95.1%) had heard of hand expression prior to reviewing the toolkit and 99 (80.5%) had hand expressed before. Among the 48 participants who were no longer exclusively breastfeeding at the time of the survey, 22 (45.8%) had exclusively breastfed their infant for at least six months and 7 (14.6%) had discontinued exclusive breastfeeding within the first month. When asked about the BMHE toolkit, 118 (95.9%) participants said it was informative, 115 (93.5%) said it was easy to understand, and 114 (92.7%) said it was well laid-out. When asked about information seeking behaviours, participants indicated a preference for online resources (58.5%) and video resources (22.0%). Conclusions The BMHE toolkit was well received by participants and the feedback was favourable overall. The survey feedback will be used to create a revised version of the toolkit that has been validated by the obstetrical patient population. Future research should focus on identifying implementation strategies to optimize the use of the toolkit and increase its effectiveness as an educational resource to teach participants correctly BMHE. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13006-021-00448-3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kameela Miriam Alibhai
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,OMNI Research Group, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Box 241, 501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Malia S Q Murphy
- OMNI Research Group, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Box 241, 501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Sandra Dunn
- OMNI Research Group, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Box 241, 501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada.,BORN Ontario, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada.,CHEO Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada.,School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Erin Keely
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Paloma O'Meara
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Division of General Internal Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Josdalyne Anderson
- Division of Maternal and Newborn Care, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada.,Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Darine El-Chaâr
- OMNI Research Group, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Box 241, 501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada. .,Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Collins S, Brueton R, Graham TG, Organ S, Strother A, West SE, McKendree J. Parenting Science Gang: radical co-creation of research projects led by parents of young children. RESEARCH INVOLVEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT 2020; 6:9. [PMID: 32161665 PMCID: PMC7053073 DOI: 10.1186/s40900-020-0181-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents are increasingly searching online for information supported by research but can find it difficult to identify results relevant to their own experiences. More troublingly, a number of studies indicate that parenting information found online often can be misleading or wrong. The goal of the Parenting Science Gang (PSG) project was to use the power of the Internet to help parents ask questions they wanted to have answered by scientific research and to feel confident in assessing research evidence. METHODS By using Facebook to recruit groups and facilitate interactions, PSG was able to engage fully the target public of parents of young children in the radical co-production of scientific studies, while not creating an undue burden on time or restricting participants due to disability, financial status or location. By giving parents true partnership and control of creation of projects, PSG ensured that the chosen questions were ones that were of most relevance and interest to them. RESULTS This paper presents a summary of eight projects, with three in more detail, designed and implemented by PSG Facebook groups in collaboration with experts. Most projects had health related themes, often prompted by dissatisfaction with treatment of parents by health professionals or by feelings of being marginalised by pregnancy and motherhood, as well as by the lack of evidence for their questions and concerns. The PSG approach meant that these frustrations were channelled into actions. All eight of the PSG groups engaged in meaningful interactions with experts and co-produced studies with the groups defining the questions of interest. CONCLUSIONS This radically user-led design meant that the PSG staff and the collaborating experts had to live with a high degree of uncertainty. Nevertheless, PSG achieved its goal of academically productive, truly co-produced projects, but as important were the positive effects it had on many of the participants, both parents and experts. At the point of writing this paper, PSG projects have led to outputs including at least eight papers published, in press or in preparation, seven conference presentations, testimony to the Infant Feeding All-Party Parliamentary Group, and with more to come.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Stephanie Organ
- The Science Communication Unit, Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, Frenchay Campus Coldharbour Lane, University of the West of England, Bristol, BS16 1QY UK
| | | | - Sarah Elizabeth West
- Stockholm Environment Institute, Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York, YO10 5NG UK
| | - Jean McKendree
- Stockholm Environment Institute, Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York, YO10 5NG UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Regan S, Brown A. Experiences of online breastfeeding support: Support and reassurance versus judgement and misinformation. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2019; 15:e12874. [PMID: 31299699 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Breastfeeding support is integral to many women's successful breastfeeding experiences. However, cuts to professional and peer support services, distance from family, and a predominant formula-feeding culture mean that many women in the United Kingdom do not receive the support they need. Turning to online support is an increasingly popular means of gaining both informational and emotional support, but research into online breastfeeding support groups is sparse in the United Kingdom. Data from Australia and the United States tend to focus on the positives: Women value such groups, finding information, reassurance, and a feeling of belonging. This study explored 14 women's experiences of using online support for breastfeeding in the United Kingdom, using semistructured interviews to understand their motivations and positive and negative experiences. Mothers were drawn to online support due to a lack of professional, familial, and partner support. Online support was reassuring, empathetic, and available around the clock and less daunting than attending a face-to-face group. Many attributed their continued breastfeeding to the support they received. However, women also experienced negativities: judgement for using formula, polarised debate, and a lack of regulation, meaning that unhelpful information was sometimes posted. The findings have important implications for those working to support mothers. These groups provide a safe space for breastfeeding mothers, but moderation is needed of such groups to ensure information is accurate and debate respectful. Online support groups are currently plugging a gap in funded support; they should be in addition not in replacement to professional and trained peer support services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sian Regan
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Social Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.,Centre for Lactation, Infant Feeding and Translation (LIFT), Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Amy Brown
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Social Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.,Centre for Lactation, Infant Feeding and Translation (LIFT), Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abbass-Dick J, Xie F, Koroluk J, Alcock Brillinger S, Huizinga J, Newport A, Goodman WM, Dennis CL. The Development and piloting of an eHealth breastfeeding resource targeting fathers and partners as co-parents. Midwifery 2017; 50:139-147. [DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
7
|
Vogel TK, Kleib M, Davidson SJ, Scott SD. Parental Evaluation of a Nurse Practitioner-Developed Pediatric Neurosurgery Website. JMIR Res Protoc 2016; 5:e55. [PMID: 27072930 PMCID: PMC4846784 DOI: 10.2196/resprot.5156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents often turn to the Internet to seek health information about their child's diagnosis and condition. Information, support, and resources regarding pediatric neurosurgery are scarce, hard to find, and difficult to comprehend. To address this gap, a pediatric nurse practitioner designed a website called the Neurosurgery Kids Fund (NKF). Analyzing the legitimacy of the NKF website for parents seeking health information and fulfilling their social and resource needs is critical to the website's future development and success. OBJECTIVE To explore parental usage of the NKF website, track visitor behavior, evaluate usability and design, establish ways to improve user experience, and identify ways to redesign the website. The aim of this study was to assess and evaluate whether a custom-designed health website could meet parents' health information, support, and resource needs. METHODS A multimethod approach was used. Google Analytic usage reports were collected and analyzed for the period of April 23, 2013, to November 30, 2013. Fifty-two online questionnaires that targeted the website's usability were collected between June 18, 2014, and July 30, 2014. Finally, a focus group was conducted on August 20, 2014, to explore parents' perceptions and user experiences. Findings were analyzed using an inductive content analysis approach. RESULTS There were a total of 2998 sessions and 8818 page views, with 2.94 pages viewed per session, a 56.20% bounce rate, an average session duration of 2 minutes 24 seconds, and a 56.24% new sessions rate. Results from 52 eligible surveys included that the majority of NKF users were Caucasian (90%), females (92%), aged 36-45 years (48%), with a university or college degree or diploma (69%). Half plan to use the health information. Over half reported turning to the Internet for health information and spending 2 to 4 hours a day online. The most common reasons for using the NKF website were to (1) gather information about the 2 summer camps, (2) explore the Media Center tab, and (3) stay abreast of news and events supported by NKF. Parents were unanimous in reporting that the NKF website was pleasing in color and design, very easy to use and navigate, useful, and that they would continue to access it regularly. CONCLUSIONS Parents perceive the NKF website to be useful and easy-to-use in meeting their health information needs, finding social support, and learning about resources relevant to their child. A custom-designed website can be used to augment parents' health information needs by reinforcing, supplementing, and improving their understanding of their child's medical needs.
Collapse
|
8
|
Jin SV, Phua J, Lee KM. Telling stories about breastfeeding through Facebook: The impact of user-generated content (UGC) on pro-breastfeeding attitudes. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2014.12.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
9
|
Shahrzadi L, Mojiri S, Janatian S, Taheri B, Ashrafi-Rizi H, Shahrzadi Z, Zahedi R. Quality assessment of persian mental disorders websites using the webmedqual scale. Acta Inform Med 2014; 22:183-8. [PMID: 25132712 PMCID: PMC4130691 DOI: 10.5455/aim.2014.22.183-188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nowadays, anyone with any level of Internet knowledge can act as producer and distributor of information. It differs from most traditional media of information transmission, lack of information control and lack of quality management to contents. This leads to quality of health information on the internet is doubtful. The object of this study is guidance patients to select valid mental disorders and determine the quality of Persian mental disorders websites. METHODS The sample of this study comprised 29 Persian mental disorders websites that were chosen by searching the Google, Yahoo and AltaVista search engines for the Persian equivalents of the three concepts "depression," "anxiety," and "obsession". website was created by individuals or organizations. Data collection was performed with the WebMedQual checklist. Websites was assessed based on indicators as content, authority of source, design, accessibility and availability, links, user support, and confidentiality and privacy (Maximum score for any website was 83, mean score 41.5 and minimum score was 0). Collected data analyzed by one sample T- test in SPSS 20. Findings presented by Mean score and optimal score. RESULTS Based on the WebMedQual scale the mean score of Persian mental disorders websites in sex constructs including "content" (7.02±2.10), "authority of source" (4.71±1.96),"accessibility and availability" (2.19±0.47), "links" (1.45±0.97), "user support" (4.28±1.33), and"confidentiality and privacy" (2.81±2.81) are poor and below average, but the score for the "design" (9.17± 1.59) is above average. The best website of mental disorders was that of the "IranianPsychological Association". CONCLUSIONS According to the results, only one website obtained the average score, so the quality of Persian mental disorders websites is low. Therefore, it is essential for users to criticize websites' content and not trust them before evaluating them. It is better to use the ranked list websites or search on the internet by help information experts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leila Shahrzadi
- Medical Library and Information Science, Health Information Technology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shahin Mojiri
- Medical Library and Information Science, Health Information Technology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sima Janatian
- Faculty of Psychology and Education, Isfahan University, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Behjat Taheri
- Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hasan Ashrafi-Rizi
- Medical Library and Information Science, Health Information Technology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Zeinab Shahrzadi
- Information Systems Managements, Foolad Institute of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Practitioner Response to Parental Need in Email Consultation: How Do They Match? A Content Analysis. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10566-014-9253-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
11
|
Zahedi R, Taheri B, Shahrzadi L, Tazhibi M, Ashrafi-rizi H. Quality of persian addiction websites: a survey based on silberg, discern and wqet instruments (2011). Acta Inform Med 2013; 21:46-50. [PMID: 23572862 PMCID: PMC3610591 DOI: 10.5455/aim.2012.21.46-50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nowadays, World Wide Web is an accessible and widespread resource to attain medical information. So physicians and health institutions try to inform patients about different domains of medicine through Web. Addiction is a noteworthy subject in medicine and a controversial issue among them. However, quality of health information on the internet is doubtful. The objective of this study is to determine the quality of Persian addiction websites to offer recommendation for their improvement. Methods This was survey and an applied study that the study population was all Persian addiction websites. Sample of this study was 28 Persian addiction website which were chosen by searching Persian equivalences of 7 key terms (addiction, addict, addiction center, drug, treatment of addiction, recovery of addiction, addiction withdrawal) into the Google and Yahoo search engines. Finally, the websites were ranked based on the Silberg, DISCERN and WQET instruments. Data were analyzed with Excel software using descriptive statistics. Results The overall mean of websites in Silberg, DISCERN and WQET instruments were 1.42, 41.89, 64.57. Also the results showed that “Unit of Substance Abuse Treatment” belonging to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences was ranked first based on the Silberg, DISCERN and WQET instruments. 5 (from total of 9), 60 (from total of 80) and 82 (from total of normalized grade 82) were grades for this website for these instruments respectively. Conclusion It showed that the quality of Persian websites according to Silberg, DISCERN and WQET instruments was “low”, “more than half” and “very good” respectively. Not assigning date of entering data, author names, and references of information (authority) were most important missing characteristics of these websites. In addition, lack of interactive opportunities like chat rooms was another problem that leads to dissatisfaction of users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Razieh Zahedi
- Medical library and information Science, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Weber BA, Derrico DJ, Yoon SL, Sherwill-Navarro P. Educating patients to evaluate web-based health care information: theGATORapproach to healthy surfing. J Clin Nurs 2010; 19:1371-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2008.02762.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
13
|
Plantin L, Daneback K. Parenthood, information and support on the internet. A literature review of research on parents and professionals online. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2009; 10:34. [PMID: 19450251 PMCID: PMC2694765 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2296-10-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2008] [Accepted: 05/18/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this article was to address questions on how parents use the internet to find information and support regarding children, health and family life. Another aim was to find out how professionals use the internet to provide support and information to parents. This was done by a literature review. METHODS Articles were searched for in five databases with a search strategy called "building block" approach. RESULTS The review showed that the majority of today's parents search for both information and social support on the internet. However, there are considerable differences due to gender, age and socio-economic differences. First time middle class mothers aged 30-35 are most active in looking up health and parent information on the internet. In the same time, several studies report diminishing class differences on parent web sites. An important reason to the increasing number of parents who turn to the internet for information and interaction has shown to be the weakened support many of today's parents experience from their own parents, relatives and friends. Professionals have recognized the parents' great interest for going online and offer both information and support on the net. CONCLUSION Many benefits are reported, for example the possibility to reach out to a wider audience and to increase access to organisations without an increase in costs. Other benefits include the possibility for parents to remain anonymous in their contacts with professionals and that parents' perceived need for information can be effectively met around the clock. Interventions for wider groups of parents, such as parent training on the net, are still very rare and more research is needed to evaluate different types of interventions on the net. However, most studies were empirical and lacked theoretical frameworks which leave questions on how we can more fully understand this phenomenon unanswered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lars Plantin
- Department of Social Work, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | | |
Collapse
|