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Yang T, Wu Y, Han N, Liu T. Chinese Women's Concept of Childbirth Based on the Social Media Topic "What Does Childbirth Mean to a Woman": Content and Thematic Analysis. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2024; 7:e50512. [PMID: 38180784 PMCID: PMC10799277 DOI: 10.2196/50512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, women's fertility desire has attracted increasing attention in China. OBJECTIVE This study aims to detect attitudes toward giving birth among young female users on Douban, a very popular Chinese social media platform. METHODS A total of 2634 valid posts from 2489 users discussing the topic "What does childbirth mean to a woman" on Douban were crawled and retained for analysis. We utilized content and thematic analysis methods to capture users' concepts of childbirth. RESULTS The findings reveal that a significant majority of users conveyed generally neutral (1060/2634, 40.24%) or negative (1051/2634, 39.90%) attitudes toward childbirth, while only about one-fifth of users expressed positive (523/2634, 19.86%) sentiments. Notably, posts with negative attitudes garnered more replies and likes, and the proportion of posts expressing negativity exhibited fluctuations over time. Health risk (339/2634, 12.87%) emerged as the most frequently cited aspect of childbirth cost, with subjective happiness and the fulfillment of mental needs identified as primary benefits. Surprisingly, only a minimal number of posts (10/2634, 0.38%) touched upon the traditional objective benefits of raising children for old-age care. Thematic analysis results suggest that discussions about fertility on social media platforms might contribute to an exaggerated perception of health risks among women. Additionally, a lack of knowledge about childbirth was observed, partially attributable to longstanding neglect and avoidance of communication on these matters, likely influenced by traditional cultural biases. Moreover, there is a prevailing assumption that women should naturally sacrifice themselves for childbirth and childcare, influenced by the idealization of the female figure. Consequently, women may harbor hesitations about having a baby, fearing the potential loss of their own identity in the process. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate a shift in the perception of childbirth among modern Chinese women over time, influenced by their increasing social status and the pursuit of self-realization. Implementing strategies such as public education on the health risks associated with pregnancy and delivery, safeguarding women's rights, and creating a supportive environment for mothers may enhance women's willingness to undergo childbirth. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/preprints.50468.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yang
- Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yihan Wu
- Graduate School of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Nuo Han
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Data Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tianli Liu
- Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Walker RE, Quong S, Olivier P, Wu L, Xie J, Boyle J. Understanding Preconception Women’s Needs and Preferences for Digital Health Resources: Qualitative Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e39280. [PMID: 35930344 PMCID: PMC9391970 DOI: 10.2196/39280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Improving preconception health can benefit all women, their children, and their families regardless of their individual pregnancy intentions. Rapidly increasing access to information technology and online engagement have created opportunities to use digital health resources to engage with preconception women regarding lifestyle behaviors. Objective This study explores how preconception women engage with digital health resources and online platforms to inform the design and development of a digital health resource to support women to make positive behavior change for their preconception health. Methods This codesign research followed the Double Diamond process, which focuses on contextualization and explorative processes in phase 1 and ideation and development processes in phase 2. Phase 1 is reported on in this study and was undertaken via a series of 1-on-1 in-depth interviews with female participants (N=12) aged 18-45 years over 3 months. Interviews were designed to explore participants’ lived experiences in relation to their health and desired supports for healthy lifestyle behaviors. The first interview focused on participants’ perceptions of health and health behaviors, the second interview focused on social connections for health, and the third interview focused on digital health information and supports. Conversations from the first interview informed the development of the second interview, and conversations from the second interview informed the development of the third interview. Community advisors (N=8) met to provide feedback and advice to the researchers throughout the interview process. Qualitative analyses of transcripts from interviews were undertaken by 2 researchers before a deductive process identified themes mapped to the capability, opportunity, motivation, and behavior (COM-B) framework. Results In total, 9 themes and 8 subthemes were identified from 124 codes. In relation to digital health resources, specifically, participants were already engaging with a range of digital health resources and had high expectations of these. Digital health resources needed to be easy to access, make women’s busy lives easier, be evidence based, and be reputable. Social connectedness was also highly important to our participants, with information and advice from peers with similar experiences being preferred over yet more online health information. Online communities facilitated these social interactions. Participants were open to the idea of chatbots and virtual assistants but acknowledged that they would not replace authentic social interactions. Conclusions Codesigned digital health resources should be evidence based, reputable, and easy to access. Social connections were considered highly important to women, and designers of digital health resources should consider how they can increase opportunities for women to connect and learn from each other to promote health behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Elizabeth Walker
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Sara Quong
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | | | - Ling Wu
- Action Lab, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jue Xie
- Action Lab, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Boyle
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Box Hill, Australia
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Planning is not equivalent to preparing, how Dutch women perceive their pregnancy planning in relation to preconceptional lifestyle behaviour change - a cross-sectional study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:577. [PMID: 35854217 PMCID: PMC9295368 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04843-4] [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: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Unhealthy prenatal lifestyle behaviours are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, but little is known about what motivates women to comply with preconceptional lifestyle recommendations or consciously plan their pregnancy. Therefore, the objective of this study is to explore the associations between preconceptional lifestyle behaviours, health beliefs and pregnancy planning among Dutch pregnant women. Methods In this cross-sectional study based on the data of the APROPOS-II study, 1,077 low-risk pregnant women were eligible for inclusion. Preconception lifestyle behaviours and actively preparing for pregnancy were assessed in relation to planned pregnancies (based on the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancies) and health beliefs (14 statements). The following preconceptional lifestyle behaviours were assessed through a self-administered questionnaire in the first trimester of pregnancy: fruit intake, vegetable intake, caffeine intake, (second-hand)smoking, alcohol intake, folic acid supplement use and exercise. Data were analysed using multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results A total of 921 (85.5%) women in our cohort had a planned pregnancy. However, of these women, 640 (69.5%) adequately used folic acid supplements and 465 (50.5%) women consumed alcohol at any point during pregnancy. Of the women considering themselves ‘healthy enough and not needing preconception care’, 48 (9.1%) women had an adequate vegetable intake, 294 (55.6%) women consumed alcohol at any point during pregnancy and 161 (30.4%) women were either over-or underweight. Conclusion Despite consciously planning their pregnancy, most women did not adhere to preconceptional lifestyle behaviour recommendations. Women’s health beliefs and overestimation of their health status seem to interfere with actively planning and preparing for pregnancy. Findings from our study may encourage the development of prospective health-promoting interventions that focus on health beliefs and actively preparing for pregnancy, to improve preconceptional lifestyle behaviours, thereby optimizing the health of future generations. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04843-4.
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Álvarez-Pérez Y, Perestelo-Pérez L, Rivero-Santanta A, Torres-Castaño A, Toledo-Chávarri A, Duarte-Díaz A, Mahtani-Chugani V, Marrero-Díaz MD, Montanari A, Tangerini S, González-González C, Perello M, Serrano-Aguilar P. Co-Creation of Massive Open Online Courses to Improve Digital Health Literacy in Pregnant and Lactating Women. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19020913. [PMID: 35055733 PMCID: PMC8775560 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Digital health literacy (DHL) increases the self-efficacy and empowerment of pregnant and lactating women (PLW) in using the Internet for health issues. The European project IC-Health aimed to improve DHL among PLW, through the co-creation of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). Methods: The co-creation of the MOOCs included focus groups and the creation of communities of practice (CoPs) with PLW and healthcare professionals aimed to co-design the MOOCs. The quantitative measures of MOOCs’ acceptability, experience in the co-creation process and increase in DHL (dimensions of finding, understanding and appraisal) were assessed. Results: 17 PLW participated in focus groups, 113 participants were included in CoPs and 68 participants evaluated the acceptability of MOOCs. A total of 6 MOOCs aimed at improving PLW’s DHL were co-designed. There was a significant improvement in self-perceived DHL after using MOOCs (p-value < 0.001). The acceptability of MOOCs and co-creation experience were positively valued. Conclusions: The preliminary results of the quantitative assessment showed a higher self-perceived DHL after the IC-Health MOOCs. These results suggest that IC-Health MOOCs and the co-creation methodology appear to be a viable process to carry out an intervention aimed to improve DHL levels in European PLW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Álvarez-Pérez
- Canary Islands Health Research Institute Foundation (FIISC), 38109 Tenerife, Spain; (A.R.-S.); (A.T.-C.); (A.T.-C.); (A.D.-D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Lilisbeth Perestelo-Pérez
- Evaluation Unit (SESCS), Canary Islands Health Service (SCS), 38109 Tenerife, Spain; (L.P.-P.); (P.S.-A.)
- Research Network on Health Services in Chronic Diseases (REDISSEC), 38109 Tenerife, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research of the Canary Islands (CIBICAN), 38320 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Amado Rivero-Santanta
- Canary Islands Health Research Institute Foundation (FIISC), 38109 Tenerife, Spain; (A.R.-S.); (A.T.-C.); (A.T.-C.); (A.D.-D.)
- Research Network on Health Services in Chronic Diseases (REDISSEC), 38109 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Alezandra Torres-Castaño
- Canary Islands Health Research Institute Foundation (FIISC), 38109 Tenerife, Spain; (A.R.-S.); (A.T.-C.); (A.T.-C.); (A.D.-D.)
| | - Ana Toledo-Chávarri
- Canary Islands Health Research Institute Foundation (FIISC), 38109 Tenerife, Spain; (A.R.-S.); (A.T.-C.); (A.T.-C.); (A.D.-D.)
- Research Network on Health Services in Chronic Diseases (REDISSEC), 38109 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Andrea Duarte-Díaz
- Canary Islands Health Research Institute Foundation (FIISC), 38109 Tenerife, Spain; (A.R.-S.); (A.T.-C.); (A.T.-C.); (A.D.-D.)
| | - Vinita Mahtani-Chugani
- Gerencia de Atención Primaria de Tenerife, 38004 Tenerife, Spain; (V.M.-C.); (M.D.M.-D.)
| | | | - Alessia Montanari
- Associazione Comitato Collaborazione Medica (CCM), 10152 Torino, Italy; (A.M.); (S.T.)
| | - Sabina Tangerini
- Associazione Comitato Collaborazione Medica (CCM), 10152 Torino, Italy; (A.M.); (S.T.)
| | - Carina González-González
- ITED Research Group, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of La Laguna (ULL), 38200 Tenerife, Spain;
| | | | - Pedro Serrano-Aguilar
- Evaluation Unit (SESCS), Canary Islands Health Service (SCS), 38109 Tenerife, Spain; (L.P.-P.); (P.S.-A.)
- Research Network on Health Services in Chronic Diseases (REDISSEC), 38109 Tenerife, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research of the Canary Islands (CIBICAN), 38320 Tenerife, Spain
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Walker R, Drakeley S, Boyle J. Preconception women's views of promoting preconception women's health in Australia. Health Promot J Austr 2020; 32 Suppl 2:22-28. [PMID: 32780533 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED Sub-optimal lifestyle choices made long before pregnancy have the potential to impact negatively maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. However, many women are unaware of this and do not seek preconception health advice. METHODS Using a descriptive qualitative approach, nonpregnant women (n = 31) aged 18-45 years were purposively recruited to participate in a focus group (n = 7) that explored how preconception health is prioritised and how to increase women's awareness and uptake of healthy lifestyle behaviours in the preconception period. Focus group transcripts were coded by two researchers and an inductive process was used to categorise codes into themes. RESULTS Two themes and five sub-themes relating to the aims of this study were identified. Participants believed preconception health to be important for all women, while admitting that was not a high priority if not planning a pregnancy. Participants suggested a range of interventions that spanned the social-ecological model of health to engage preconception women in preventive actions and promote preconception health. These interventions included having access to reputable and easily accessible online sources of preconception health information, education and at secondary schools and public health campaigns. CONCLUSIONS Future initiatives to engage preconception women should span the social-ecological model of health and consider women's personal preferences for accessible and tailored preconception health information and support at individual, interpersonal, community and organisational levels, as well as in the broader environment. SO WHAT?: This research provides guidance to those in health promotion when planning future initiatives to promote and protect women's preconception health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Walker
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Shelia Drakeley
- School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jacqueline Boyle
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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Hopkins M, Meedya S, Ivers R, Charlton K. Review of online breastfeeding information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Women Birth 2020; 34:309-315. [PMID: 32653396 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2020.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breastfeeding provides the healthiest start to life, but breastfeeding rates amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders is lower than non-Indigenous women. AIM To assess the accuracy, quality and appropriate presentation of online breastfeeding information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in Australia. METHODS An online search conducted in Google, Bing and Yahoo search engines to identify any breastfeeding websites that provided information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Relevant websites were evaluated against: a) National Health and Medical Research Council clinical guidelines, b) the quality of health information on the Internet by using DISCERN instrument, and c) appropriate key design features for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. RESULTS The search located 348 sites with 31 being eligible for inclusion. Websites from governmental organizations had the highest accuracy while YouTube videos had the lowest accuracy. Three quarters (74%, n=23) of sites incorporated the national clinical guidelines adequately, and most of the sites (77.8%, n=24) were considered high quality. Only 23% (n=7) of sites had sufficient key design features appropriate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Four websites were considered exemplary for their accuracy, quality and cultural appropriateness of information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. CONCLUSION Some websites are tailored to provide breastfeeding information and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. However, only a few contain culturally appropriate key design features. Further participatory action research is required to design online platforms for women from different cultural backgrounds that take into account cultural principles, beliefs and values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikaela Hopkins
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Shahla Meedya
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.
| | - Rowena Ivers
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Karen Charlton
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
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Emerging Trends in Research on Food Compounds and Women’s Fertility: A Systematic Review. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10134518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pro-healthy behaviours, including the diet, are significant factors in maintaining women’s fertility health. However, to improve the patient’s nutrition management, it is important to seek food-derived bioactive compounds to support fertility treatment. This review analysed recent studies of food compounds related to fertility, using databases including PubMed, Web of Science and Science Direct as well as PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews) to ensure complete and transparent reporting of systematic reviews. This review lists foods associated with a higher birth rate, using original papers from the last five years (2015). The analysis included the impact of food compounds such as caffeine, fatty acids, folates and vitamin D, as well as the intake of fish, whole grains, dairy and soya. In addition, dietary patterns and total diet composition supporting women’s fertility were also analysed. The results will encourage further research on the relationship between food components and fertility.
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UK Internet antenatal dietary advice: a content accuracy and readability analysis. Br J Nutr 2020; 124:1061-1068. [PMID: 32536348 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114520002135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the accuracy and readability of Internet prenatal nutrition advice. Between August and December 2018, 130 Internet pages returned from Google searches on foods to avoid, foods to eat and supplements use were compared with UK government advice for pregnant women. Readability was assessed using the Flesch Readability Ease (FRE) tool. Descriptive and non-parametric tests were used. Spearman's correlation explored associations between accuracy and readability. Kruskal-Wallis tests with Bonferroni correction were used for multiple pairwise tests and Mann-Whitney U tests for two-sample differences in medians. A total of 130 Internet pages were examined: 48 % from publishers, 27 % from other commercial organisations, 22 % from charities and 3 % from governments. Eighty-three (64 %) pages contained inaccurate and accurate advice, twenty-three (18 %) were accurate and complete, twenty-one (16 %) were inaccurate, and three (2 %) lacked any relevant advice. The median percentage accuracy of all advice was 83 (lower quartile, upper quartile: 48, 100). Median FRE was 55 (46, 61) 'fairly difficult'. Eighty-seven pages (67 %) scored below the recommended FRE for public Internet pages. There was a weak positive correlation between accuracy and readability of Internet pages (rho = 0·241, P = 0·006). Accuracy of Internet pages did not differ by dietary theme. Pages on supplements were the most difficult to read. Internet pages from publishers and other commercial organisations were significantly less accurate than those from not-for-profit organisations (median percentage difference -8 (-29, 0·00), P = 0·019). Much pregnancy-related dietary advice online is inaccurate and difficult to read. Advice should be developed in consultation with qualified nutritionists and dietitians.
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Gibson S, Adamski M, Blumfield M, Dart J, Murgia C, Volders E, Truby H. Promoting Evidence Based Nutrition Education Across the World in a Competitive Space: Delivering a Massive Open Online Course. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12020344. [PMID: 32012993 PMCID: PMC7071325 DOI: 10.3390/nu12020344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The internet is the fastest growing source of nutrition information for consumers. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) provide and avenue for nutrition professionals’ urgent need to respond to consumer demand for low-cost, accessible and engaging information. This research aimed to evaluate learner participation and perceptions in an evidence-based nutrition MOOC and provide recommendations for engaging international online lay audiences. Learners completed pre and post course surveys including quantitative and open-ended questions. Pre-course surveys collected demographic data, prior nutrition knowledge and motivations for doing the course. Post-course surveys evaluated their preferred learning modes and learners’ opinions of the course. Quantitative were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Conventional content analysis was conducted on learners’ responses to open-ended survey questions using an inductive approach. Learners represented 158 countries from a range of educational backgrounds. There were 3799 qualitative comments related to learners’ learning and course content preferences. Qualitative analysis identified key themes related to (1) online interaction, the (2) value of the evidence presented by nutrition experts and (3) the course structure and practical aspects. Divergent opinions were expressed within these themes. Satisfying the needs of large international audiences with diverse backgrounds is challenging in promoting sound evidence-based nutrition messages. MOOCs provide a means for delivering evidence based global nutrition education in the online space crowded with food advertising and nutrition conjecture. Recommendations are made as to how to construct and engage diverse on-line audiences.
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Lobo S, Lucas CJ, Herbert JS, Townsend ML, Smith M, Kunkler E, Charlton KE. Nutrition information in pregnancy: Where do women seek advice and has this changed over time? Nutr Diet 2019; 77:382-391. [PMID: 31749295 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
AIM Nutrition during pregnancy is fundamental to both the health of the mother and her baby. Sources of nutrition-related information are available via many sources but their accuracy is unknown. The present study aimed to (a) identify where women source their nutrition information during pregnancy and (2) assess the accuracy of nutrition information for pregnancy that is available on the internet. METHODS A survey instrument that identified the main sources of nutrition information was administered to 68 pregnant women recruited online. Data from this survey were compared to previous similar surveys conducted with pregnant mothers across years 2008, 2011 and 2014. A content analysis of websites was simultaneously conducted to assess the accuracy of available information. RESULTS The main source of nutrition information for a variety of topics was verbal communication from health professionals (% responses affirmative for that source ranged from 6.6% to 69% across survey years). There was an increasing trend in internet sourced information for most nutrition topics, but this source remained low for iodine across all years (range: 7.3%-15.9%). The internet was the main source of information for listeria/food safety (15.3%-32.4%) and healthy eating (25%-42%). Of the n = 165 websites identified by the content analysis, 82.4% (n = 136) were rated as accurate, with government (96.9%) and business/company (100%) sites having the highest accuracy. CONCLUSION Verbal communication from health professionals remains the most important source of nutrition information for pregnancy. The high credibility of websites indicates this to be an additional resource. Further study into health literacy levels among women visiting these sites is needed to assess impact on dietary behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannen Lobo
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong Australia, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Catherine J Lucas
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong Australia, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jane S Herbert
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong Australia, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Psychology, University of Wollongong Australia, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michelle L Townsend
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong Australia, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Psychology, University of Wollongong Australia, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melissa Smith
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong Australia, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Psychology, University of Wollongong Australia, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elise Kunkler
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong Australia, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Psychology, University of Wollongong Australia, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karen E Charlton
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong Australia, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
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Walker RE, Choi TST, Quong S, Hodges R, Truby H, Kumar A. "It's not easy" - A qualitative study of lifestyle change during pregnancy. Women Birth 2019; 33:e363-e370. [PMID: 31587965 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2019.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal lifestyle in the months leading up to conception and throughout pregnancy has both immediate and transgenerational impacts on offspring health. AIM To explore how women's lifestyles change when they become pregnant, and their perspectives of the lifestyle advice they receive throughout pregnancy. METHODS A descriptive qualitative approach was used. Semi-structured interviews with 17 childbearing women (mean gestational age, 30.2 ± 2.0 weeks) recruited from a large hospital network in Victoria, Australia between July and October 2018 were transcribed and analysed using an inductive process of thematic analysis. FINDINGS Three themes and six sub-themes were identified. Lifestyle change during pregnancy was highly influenced by participants' preconception lifestyle, the physiological demands of pregnancy and the pressures of daily life. While participants proactively sought lifestyle advice from a range of sources, including the Internet, they were generally less proactive in seeking advice during routine maternity care visits. Participants appreciated the lifestyle advice they received from health professionals, including midwives, as part of their maternity care despite acknowledging that they often received it only if they asked. Overall, it seemed that the lifestyle advice received from health professionals was much less influential on maternal lifestyle behaviour change than the broader socio-ecological environment. CONCLUSION Childbearing women want lifestyle advice that supports positive lifestyle change during pregnancy and health professionals, including midwives, must be proactive as they provide it. Other factors that impact on childbearing women's capability and opportunity to make lifestyle change should be considered when providing advice that supports positive lifestyle behaviour change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth E Walker
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Level 1 264 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia; Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 41-52 Kanooka Grove, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
| | - Tammie S T Choi
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Level 1 264 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Sara Quong
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Level 1 264 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia; Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Monash Health, Clayton Road, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Ryan Hodges
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton Road, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Helen Truby
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Level 1 264 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Arunaz Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton Road, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
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Preconception Health Attitudes and Behaviours of Women: A Qualitative Investigation. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11071490. [PMID: 31261954 PMCID: PMC6682867 DOI: 10.3390/nu11071490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The preconception period is a critical window in which maternal health can profoundly affect both individual and intergenerational health. Despite its importance, little information about women’s preconception health attitudes, behaviours and information preferences exists, yet these details are vital to inform targeted health communication. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore women’s attitudes to preconception health (areas of importance, support sources, enablers and barriers), behaviours (information seeking and health actions taken) and information preferences. Interviews were transcribed, coded and thematically analysed. Fifteen women participated (n = 7 preconception, n = 7 pregnant and n = 1 postpartum). Women perceived optimising lifestyle behaviours including a healthy diet, regular physical activity, reducing alcohol intake and pre-pregnancy vitamin supplementation as important preconception health actions to adopt. Few women acknowledged the importance of formal preconception health checks and screening with health professionals. Barriers to achieving health behaviour change included anxiety, stress and challenges obtaining reputable information. Participants reported a lack of preconception information about supplementation requirements, safe foods and exercise recommendations. Information preferences included the internet or their general practitioner. Whilst women predominantly prioritised optimising diet and physical activity prior to pregnancy, there appeared to be limited awareness of preconception health checks and screening, highlighting a need for broader awareness of overall preconception health and wellbeing.
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Adamski M, Gibson S, Leech M, Truby H. Are doctors nutritionists? What is the role of doctors in providing nutrition advice? NUTR BULL 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/nbu.12320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - S. Gibson
- Monash University; Melbourne Australia
| | - M. Leech
- Monash University; Melbourne Australia
| | - H. Truby
- Monash University; Melbourne Australia
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