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Naz R, Akacı O, Erdoğan H, Açıkgöz A. Can large language models provide accurate and quality information to parents regarding chronic kidney diseases? J Eval Clin Pract 2024. [PMID: 38959373 DOI: 10.1111/jep.14084] [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: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Artificial Intelligence (AI) large language models (LLM) are tools capable of generating human-like text responses to user queries across topics. The use of these language models in various medical contexts is currently being studied. However, the performance and content quality of these language models have not been evaluated in specific medical fields. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This study aimed to compare the performance of AI LLMs ChatGPT, Gemini and Copilot in providing information to parents about chronic kidney diseases (CKD) and compare the information accuracy and quality with that of a reference source. METHODS In this study, 40 frequently asked questions about CKD were identified. The accuracy and quality of the answers were evaluated with reference to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guidelines. The accuracy of the responses generated by LLMs was assessed using F1, precision and recall scores. The quality of the responses was evaluated using a five-point global quality score (GQS). RESULTS ChatGPT and Gemini achieved high F1 scores of 0.89 and 1, respectively, in the diagnosis and lifestyle categories, demonstrating significant success in generating accurate responses. Furthermore, ChatGPT and Gemini were successful in generating accurate responses with high precision values in the diagnosis and lifestyle categories. In terms of recall values, all LLMs exhibited strong performance in the diagnosis, treatment and lifestyle categories. Average GQ scores for the responses generated were 3.46 ± 0.55, 1.93 ± 0.63 and 2.02 ± 0.69 for Gemini, ChatGPT 3.5 and Copilot, respectively. In all categories, Gemini performed better than ChatGPT and Copilot. CONCLUSION Although LLMs provide parents with high-accuracy information about CKD, their use is limited compared with that of a reference source. The limitations in the performance of LLMs can lead to misinformation and potential misinterpretations. Therefore, patients and parents should exercise caution when using these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rüya Naz
- Bursa Yüksek Ihtisas Research and Training Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Okan Akacı
- Clinic of Pediatric Nephrology, Bursa Yüksek Ihtisas Research and Training Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Hakan Erdoğan
- Clinic of Pediatric Nephrology, Bursa City Hospital, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Ayfer Açıkgöz
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey
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Međaković J, Čivljak A, Zorčec T, Vučić V, Ristić-Medić D, Veselinović A, Čivljak M, Puljak L. Perceptions on support, challenges and needs among parents and caregivers of children with developmental disabilities in Croatia, North Macedonia and Serbia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pediatr 2024; 24:297. [PMID: 38702636 PMCID: PMC11067112 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04770-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents/caregivers of children with developmental disabilities (CDD) have a wide range of support needs and there are various interventions available. Support, challenges, and needs among parents/caregivers of CDD likely vary in different geographical settings. This study aimed to analyze the perceptions of support, challenges, and needs among parents/caregivers of CDD in Croatia, North Macedonia, and Serbia. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study in March-April 2023 within the Erasmus + SynergyEd project. The eligible participants were parents and caregivers of CDD in Croatia, North Macedonia, and Serbia, who filled out a modified Caregiver Needs Survey online. RESULTS Among 953 participants, 542 (57%) were from Croatia, 205 (21%) were from North Macedonia and 206 (22%) were from Serbia. The most common diagnosis of participants' children was autism spectrum disorder (26%). The child most often received the first diagnosis at the median of 2 years, diagnosed by a team of professionals. More than half (58%) of children attended preschool and public school, while 22% did not attend any schooling. Additional support from the state/city/county was received by 66% of CDD. Most participants declared not participating in association/organization for family support. Participants mostly (68%) used experts who work with the child as a source of information about their child's condition, followed by the Internet (53%). In the last 12 months, 60% of participants had difficulties with the availability of services in their area or problems getting appointments. The biggest problem in getting support was ensuring the child's basic rights were protected. Participants stated that ensuring greater rights for CDD was the greatest need for their families. CONCLUSION Parents/caregivers of CDD in Croatia, North Macedonia, and Serbia faced multiple challenges, but most of them were satisfied with the services provided to their children. Future efforts to develop policies and services related to CDD should consider the opinions of their parents/caregivers and disparities in access to services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Međaković
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine and Health Care, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 242, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - Antonia Čivljak
- Institute of Emergency Medicine of Zagreb County, Velika Gorica, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tatjana Zorčec
- University Children's Hospital Medical Faculty, Skopje, North, Macedonia
| | - Vesna Vučić
- Centre of Research Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism, Group for Nutritional Biochemistry and Dietology, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Ristić-Medić
- Centre of Research Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism, Group for Nutritional Biochemistry and Dietology, Institute for Medical Research, National institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Veselinović
- Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Research and Development Institute "Life Activities Advancement Centre", Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Marta Čivljak
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine and Health Care, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 242, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - Livia Puljak
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine and Health Care, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 242, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia.
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Dratva J, Schaeffer D, Zeeb H. [Digital health literacy in Germany: current status, concepts, and challenges]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2024; 67:277-284. [PMID: 38315221 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-024-03841-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
A key prerequisite for the successful digital transformation of the healthcare system is a well-developed level of digital health literacy (DHL) among the population. DHL is the ability to deal with health-relevant digital information and information options with the aim of promoting and maintaining health and well-being for oneself and one's environment. This article examines the discussions about digital health literacy, the existing studies and measurement tools used in them, the data situation in Germany, and current challenges.DHL consists of various sub-competencies that reflect current digital information behavior, opportunities, and risks. The data situation is very heterogeneous due to different study designs and instruments, which limits the informative value. Two representative studies, HLS-Ger‑2 by Bielefeld University and the study by AOK Rheinland/Hamburg and the Leibniz-WissenschaftsCampus, both indicate a high proportion of people with low DHL despite different methods. Both nationally and internationally, DHL is subject to a social gradient and is associated with educational level, social status, financial deprivation, and age.According to the current empirical data, the acquisition of DHL in Germany is still insufficient, so there is a great need for action. The necessary legal framework conditions have been established, but there is still a lack of reliable and financial resources, as well as a solid data basis on DHL at population level. This is essential to identify vulnerability factors and to prepare and evaluate the implementation of measures. In addition, there is a need for an in-depth conceptual discussion on DHL that builds on the established health literacy concept and addresses the emerging health-related infodemic and its consequences for DHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Dratva
- Institut für Public Health, ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften, Katharina-Sulzer-Platz 9, 8400, Winterthur, Schweiz.
- Fakultät Medizin, Universität Basel, Basel, Schweiz.
| | - Doris Schaeffer
- Fakultät für Gesundheitswissenschaften, Universität Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Deutschland
| | - Hajo Zeeb
- Leibniz ScienceCampus Digital Public Health, Leibniz-Institut für Präventionsforschung und Epidemiologie - BIPS, Bremen, Deutschland
- Health Sciences Bremen, Universität Bremen, Bremen, Deutschland
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Chou FL, Donovan DJ, Weller RJ, Fremed MA, Glickstein JS, Krishnan US. Disparities in resource utilisation by families of children with cardiac conditions. Cardiol Young 2024; 34:325-333. [PMID: 37415565 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951123001634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There are limited data documenting sources of medical information that families use to learn about paediatric cardiac conditions. Our study aims to characterise these resources and to identify any disparities in resource utilisation. We hypothesise there are significant variations in the resources utilised by families from different educational and socio-economic backgrounds. METHODS A survey evaluating what resources families use (websites, healthcare professionals, social media, etc.) to better understand paediatric cardiac conditions was administered to caretakers and paediatric patients at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital. Patients with a prior diagnosis of CHD, cardiac arrhythmia, and/or heart failure were included. Caretakers' levels of education (fewer than 16 years vs. 16 years or more) and patients' medical insurance types (public vs. private) were compared with regard to the utilisation of resources. RESULTS Surveys completed by 137 (91%) caretakers and 27 (90%) patients were analysed. Websites were utilised by 72% of caretakers and 56% of patients. Both private insurance and higher education were associated with greater reported utilisation of websites, healthcare professionals, and personal networks (by insurance p = 0.009, p = 0.001, p = 0.006; by education p = 0.022, p < 0.001, p = 0.018). They were also more likely to report use of electronic devices (such as a computer) compared to those with public medical insurance and fewer than 16 years of education (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION Both levels of education and insurance status are associated with the utilisation of informative resources and digital devices by families seeking to learn more about cardiac conditions in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca L Chou
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Denis J Donovan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachel J Weller
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael A Fremed
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julie S Glickstein
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Usha S Krishnan
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Duchsherer A, Platt CA, Haak J, Earle K. How Resources Combining Expertise and Social Support Help Breastfeeding Women Address Self-Doubt and Increase Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy: A Mixed-Methods Study. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37963882 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2281077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Existing research on parental information literacy focuses on parents' ability to evaluate information. This approach does not account for conflicting or unwanted information and obscures the emotional impact of unsought information. We aimed to (1) document the sources women use most frequently for accessing breastfeeding information, (2) explore the reasons women choose some sources over others, (3) test the relationship between source characteristics and breastfeeding self-efficacy, and (4) determine the extent to which four source characteristics - competence, trustworthiness, goodwill, and social support - predict breastfeeding self-efficacy. This study was conducted in two phases. The first phase consisted of interviews and focus groups, which we analyzed inductively using a grounded theory approach. In phase two, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of women who were currently breastfeeding, collecting data on the source credibility and social support associated with the source they use most frequently and the participants' breastfeeding self-efficacy. We used multiple regression to analyze our survey data. The frequency with which our participants encountered conflicting and unsought prompted them to view sources that combine expertise and social support as ideal. However, these sources are often difficult to access, leading to a reliance on online sources. This compromise has implications for breastfeeding tenure, as both competence and social support predicted breastfeeding self-efficacy. This study demonstrates how emotional aspects of information seeking shape women's preferred sources, how accessibility limits the use of preferred sources, and how source competence and social support influence breastfeeding self-efficacy.
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Frey E, Bonfiglioli C, Frawley J. Parents' Use of Social Media for Health Information Before and After a Consultation With Health Care Professionals: Australian Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2023; 6:e48012. [PMID: 37933198 PMCID: PMC10644947 DOI: 10.2196/48012] [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: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Social media is a crucial source of health information for many parents due to its integration into modern life, raising critical concerns for public health. Parents use various social media platforms to find health information for their children, with most information created and shared by parents with no medical or health training. The extent to which parents seek health information from social media before and after a consultation and their motivations for doing so remain underresearched. Objective This study aimed to investigate Australian parents' use of social media for health information for their children, aged between 6 months and 5 years, before and after consulting with health care professionals. Methods A representative cross-sectional survey of 1000 Australian parents with children aged 6 months to 5 years was conducted between November and December 2021. Data were cleaned and analyzed using IBM SPSS software. The primary outcomes were (1) parental motivation and prevalence of social media use for health information and (2) parental motivation for using social media before and after a consultation with their child's health care professional. Results Of the 1000 parents surveyed, 82.2% (n=822) reported using social media for health information for their child. Parents were more likely to consult social media before and after a health consultation if they were aged 30-39 or ≥50 years and born in Australia. Parents with higher levels of education were less likely to consult social media. Parents were motivated to seek health information before a consultation for a variety of reasons, including exchanging opinions and experiences (639/767, 83.3%), having information that is available 24/7 (622/767, 81.1%), receiving emotional support (599/767, 78.1%), having previous positive experiences (597/767, 77.8%), and having friends and family that use social media for health information (577/767, 75.2%). Parents sought information after a consultation to connect with parents with similar experiences (546/794, 68.8%), seek a second opinion (505/794, 63.6%), fact-check information provided by their health care professional (483/794, 60.8%), and look for other treatment options (353/794, 44.5%). Conclusions Using social media for child health information is part of the modern parenting experience. It can be challenging to discern the quality of health information on social media, leaving parents open to incorrect information and misinformation. Although access to immediate social support is a welcomed feature of social media, receiving incorrect health information can have unwanted consequences for the child, family, health provider, and wider community. The upskilling of parental health literacy to navigate the unique health literacy challenges that social media brings, alongside the creation and delivery of accessible, evidence-based information in varying formats, is urgently required. The provision of this information is the responsibility of every level of the health system, not just the treating health care professional.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Frey
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, UltimoNew South Wales, Australia
| | - Catriona Bonfiglioli
- School of Communication, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, UltimoNew South Wales, Australia
| | - Jane Frawley
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, UltimoNew South Wales, Australia
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Zysset AE, Schwärzler P, Dratva J. Seeking Health in a Digital World: Exploring Immigrant Parents' Quest for Child Health Information-A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6804. [PMID: 37835074 PMCID: PMC10572919 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20196804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
During pregnancy and early parenthood, parents' strong interest in pediatric health information presents a valuable opportunity to positively impact long-term health-seeking behavior and overall child health. In line with the increasing prevalence of digital transformation, a scoping review was conducted to explore two key aspects: (1) information seeking and use of digital health information among immigrant parents, and (2) associated reasons and factors. The literature search covered the period until July 2022, using Web of Science, MEDLINE, and CINAHL Complete databases. Out of 625 articles, 12 were included, comprising six qualitative, five quantitative studies, and one review. The majority of studies focused on immigrants in North America, primarily from Latin America and Asia. The studies varied in topics and methodologies, making it challenging to draw general conclusions. Nevertheless, while most immigrant parents rely on digital information on child health, they often prefer human sources such as family, friends, or healthcare providers. Trustworthiness and accessibility emerged as critical criteria for health resources. Two focus group discussions, derived from the results of the review, confirmed these findings for migrant mothers in Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annina E. Zysset
- Departement of Health, Institute of Public Health, ZHAW Zürich University of Applied Sciences, 8401 Winterthur, Switzerland; (A.E.Z.); (P.S.)
| | - Patricia Schwärzler
- Departement of Health, Institute of Public Health, ZHAW Zürich University of Applied Sciences, 8401 Winterthur, Switzerland; (A.E.Z.); (P.S.)
| | - Julia Dratva
- Departement of Health, Institute of Public Health, ZHAW Zürich University of Applied Sciences, 8401 Winterthur, Switzerland; (A.E.Z.); (P.S.)
- Medical Faculty, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
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Jawad D, Taki S, Baur L, Rissel C, Mihrshahi S, Ming Wen L. Resources used and trusted regarding child health information by culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Australia: An online cross-sectional survey. Int J Med Inform 2023; 177:105165. [PMID: 37531718 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2023.105165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents' play a proactive role in seeking health information to ensure optimal growth and development for their children. To date, very little is known about the differences between information seeking behaviour for child health and engagement with resources between culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and non-CALD parents. OBJECTIVE To investigate the differences in resources used and trusted for information related to child health behaviours and engagement with online features among CALD and non-CALD respondents in Australia. METHODS An analysis of a theory informed online cross-sectional survey was conducted using data from 122 CALD and 399 non-CALD parents who had a child younger than 24 months or were currently pregnant in Australia. Descriptive statistics and chi-squared were used to compare the differences, and logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with using health resources. RESULTS The most trusted sources for information reported by respondents were health professionals (76.2 %), websites run by health professionals (59.5 %), and government websites (53.2 %). Social media was significantly more trusted as a source of information for child health behaviours among CALD respondents than non-CALD respondents (odds ratio (OR) 1.92, P = 0.01). In contrast, booklets/ pamphlets and friends were significantly more trusted by non-CALD parents than for CALD parents (OR 0.54, P = 0.02). General search engines were used very frequently among CALD respondents for child health information (39.3 % vs 24.1 %, p = 0.013). Overall, the most common features respondents enjoyed on websites were images (81 %), videos (40.1 %), and discussion forums (39.9 %). CALD respondents significantly favoured videos (p = 0.003) while non-CALD respondents preferred obtaining information through attachments (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Despite parents' reporting health professionals, websites run by health professionals, and government websites as trustworthy, general search engines and social media were still the most frequently used information source for parents with young children. Credible resources parents deem as trustworthy should take into account effective and engaging means of disseminating information that are accessible to both CALD and non-CALD communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Jawad
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia; Health Promotion Unit, Population Health Research & Evaluation Hub, Sydney Local Health District, Australia; Centre of Research Excellence in Translating Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH-Translate CRE), Australia.
| | - Sarah Taki
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia; Health Promotion Unit, Population Health Research & Evaluation Hub, Sydney Local Health District, Australia; Centre of Research Excellence in Translating Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH-Translate CRE), Australia; Sydney Institute for Women, Children and their Families, Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Louise Baur
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia; Centre of Research Excellence in Translating Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH-Translate CRE), Australia; Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Chris Rissel
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia; Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Rural and Remote Health SA and NT, Darwin, Australia
| | - Seema Mihrshahi
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Li Ming Wen
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia; Health Promotion Unit, Population Health Research & Evaluation Hub, Sydney Local Health District, Australia; Centre of Research Excellence in Translating Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH-Translate CRE), Australia; Sydney Institute for Women, Children and their Families, Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, Camperdown, Australia
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Lander J, Bitzer EM, von Sommoggy J, Pawellek M, Altawil H, John C, Apfelbacher C, Dierks ML. How do parents access, appraise, and apply health information on early childhood allergy prevention? A focus group and interview study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1123107. [PMID: 37139377 PMCID: PMC10149846 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1123107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background When parents want to make health-related decisions for their child, they need to be able to handle health information from a potentially endless range of sources. Early childhood allergy prevention (ECAP) is a good example: recommendations have shifted from allergen avoidance to early introduction of allergenic foods. We investigated how parents of children under 3 years old access, appraise and apply health information about ECAP, and their respective needs and preferences. Methods We conducted 23 focus groups and 24 interviews with 114 parents of children with varied risk for allergies. The recruitment strategy and a topic guide were co-designed with the target group and professionals from public health, education, and medicine. Data were mostly collected via video calls, recorded and then transcribed verbatim. Content analysis according to Kuckartz was performed using MAXQDA and findings are presented as a descriptive overview. Results Parents most frequently referred to family members, friends, and other parents as sources of ECAP information, as well as healthcare professionals (HCPs), particularly pediatricians. Parents said that they exchanged experiences and practices with their peers, while relying on HCPs for guidance on decision-making. When searching for information online, they infrequently recalled the sources used and were rarely aware of providers of "good" health information. While parents often reported trying to identify the authors of information to appraise its reliability, they said they did not undertake more comprehensive information quality checks. The choice and presentation of ECAP information was frequently criticized by all parent groups; in particular, parents of at-risk children or with a manifested allergy were often dissatisfied with HCP consultations, and hence did not straightforwardly apply advice. Though many trusted their HCPs, parents often reported taking preventive measures based on their own intuition. Conclusion One suggestion to react upon the many criticisms expressed by parents regarding who and how provides ECAP information is to integrate central ECAP recommendations into regular child care counseling by HCPs-provided that feasible ways for doing so are identified. This would assist disease prevention, as parents without specific concerns are often unaware of the ECAP dimension of issues such as nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Lander
- Institute for Epidemiology, Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Eva Maria Bitzer
- Department of Public Health and Health Education, University of Education Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julia von Sommoggy
- Medical Sociology, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Maja Pawellek
- University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hala Altawil
- Institute for Epidemiology, Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Cosima John
- Institute for Epidemiology, Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Apfelbacher
- Institute for Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marie-Luise Dierks
- Institute for Epidemiology, Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
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Delemere E, Maguire R. Caregivers of children feel confident about using the internet for health information. Health Info Libr J 2022; 40:54-69. [PMID: 35396806 DOI: 10.1111/hir.12430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregivers of children may rely on internet sources, health care providers, peers or family for health information. OBJECTIVE To examine the impact of sociodemographic factors on the use of the internet for health information by caregivers of children, and the impact on self-efficacy, effort and frustration. METHODS Using data from the 2019 Health Information National Trends Survey, the effects of information source on self-efficacy, effort and frustration was examined using the complex samples module of SPSS. RESULTS The internet was the most common source of health information for caregivers of children (n = 247), with high confidence, low frustration and effort reported. Younger, higher educated and higher income caregivers were significantly more likely to use the internet for health information. Information from Health Care Providers (HCPs) was associated with greater confidence, and information from peers associated with lesser effort and frustration. No significant effects on self-efficacy, effort or frustration for online health information was noted compared to other sources. CONCLUSIONS Efforts to reduce barriers to online health information may be required for some groups of caregivers, and health care providers may have a role to play in this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Delemere
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Rebecca Maguire
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
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Benoit J, Hartling L, Chan M, Scott S. Characteristics of Acute Childhood Illness Apps for Parents: Environmental Scan. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e29441. [PMID: 34665144 PMCID: PMC8564653 DOI: 10.2196/29441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Providing parents with resources that aid in the identification and management of acute childhood illnesses helps those parents feel better equipped to assess their children’s health and significantly changes parental health-seeking behaviors. Some of these resources are limited by accessibility and scalability. Remote locations and staffing limitations create challenges for parents aiming to access their child’s health information. Mobile health apps offer a scalable, accessible solution for improving health literacy by enabling access to health information through mobile devices. Objective The aim of our study is to create an inventory of acute childhood illness apps that are available to North American parents and caregivers, assess their quality, and identify the areas in which future apps can be improved. Methods We conducted an environmental scan to identify and summarize app information for parents and digital health researchers. The Google and Apple app marketplaces were used as search platforms. We built a list of search terms and searched the platforms for apps targeted at parents and related to acute pediatric illnesses in the United States and Canada. We assessed apps meeting the inclusion criteria using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS), a validated tool for assessing the quality of health apps. The MARS examines apps on 5 subscales: engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information quality, and subjective quality. Data were analyzed by MARS subscale averages and individual item scores. Results Overall, 650 unique apps were screened, and 53 (8.2%) were included. On a scale of 1-5, apps had an average engagement score of 2.82/5 (SD 0.86), functionality score of 3.98/5 (SD 0.72), aesthetics score of 3.09/5 (SD 0.87), information quality score of 2.73/5 (SD 1.32), and subjective quality score of 2.20/5 (SD 0.79). On the same scale of 1-5, app scores ranged from 2.2/5 to 4.5/5 (mean 3.2, SD 0.6). The top 3 MARS-scored apps were Baby and Child First Aid (4.5/5), Ada (4.5/5), and HANDi Paediatric (4.2/5). Taken together, the top 3 apps covered topics of emergency pediatric first aid, identification of (and appropriate response to) common childhood illnesses, a means of checking symptoms, and a means of responding to emergency situations. There was a lack of Canadian-based app content available to parents in both marketplaces; this space was filled with content originating primarily in the United Kingdom and the United States. In addition, published evidence of the impact of the included apps was poor: of 53 apps, only 5 (9%) had an evidence base showing that the app had been trialed for usability or efficacy. Conclusions There is a need for evidence-based acute childhood illness apps of Canadian origin. This environmental scan offers a comprehensive picture of the health app landscape by examining trends in acute childhood illness apps that are readily available to parents and by identifying gaps in app design.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Benoit
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lisa Hartling
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Michelle Chan
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shannon Scott
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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