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McCarthy EK, Ní Riada C, O'Brien R, Minogue H, McCarthy FP, Kiely ME. Access to nutrition advice and knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women in Ireland: A cross-sectional study. J Hum Nutr Diet 2024. [PMID: 38881396 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.13342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthy nutritional status, appropriate gestational weight gain and a balanced diet are important predictors of perinatal health outcomes. However, gaps exist in the translation of nutrition recommendations into dietary practices of women before and during pregnancy. The present study explored the relationship between access to nutrition advice, nutrition knowledge, attitudes and practices among pregnant women. METHODS Pregnant women aged > 18 years in Ireland were eligible to complete a self-administered survey consisting of four subsections (demographics, nutrition knowledge, attitudes and practices) delivered online through Qualtrics. RESULTS In this convenience sample (n = 334, median [interquartile range] gestation, 25.0 [16.0, 34.0] weeks), 85% had at least an honours bachelor degree and 88.9% planned their pregnancy. Two out of five women received nutrition advice during their pregnancy, mostly from a midwife. Based on the percentage of correct answers (of 15 questions), women with previous nutrition education (e.g., school home economics) had better median [interquartile range] nutrition knowledge than those with none (80.0% [66.7, 86.7%] vs. 73.3% [60.0, 80.0%], p < 0.001). Those who received nutrition advice during pregnancy did not score higher than those who did not (73.3% [66.7, 80.0%] vs. 73.3% [66.7, 80.0%], p = 0.6). Over three-quarters of participants considered nutritional supplement use to be very or extremely important. Although 73.6% and 92.4% took supplements prior to and during pregnancy, only 25.7% reported compliance with periconceptional folic acid supplementation guidelines. Half of respondents considered healthy eating during pregnancy as very or extremely important. CONCLUSIONS Access to nutrition advice during pregnancy was inadequate with poor nutrition knowledge, attitudes and practices observed. Accessible, evidence-based nutrition education for women prior to and during pregnancy is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine K McCarthy
- Cork Centre for Vitamin D and Nutrition Research, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Clodagh Ní Riada
- Cork Centre for Vitamin D and Nutrition Research, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Roisin O'Brien
- Cork Centre for Vitamin D and Nutrition Research, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Hannah Minogue
- Cork Centre for Vitamin D and Nutrition Research, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Fergus P McCarthy
- INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Mairead E Kiely
- Cork Centre for Vitamin D and Nutrition Research, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Bernier E, Plante AS, Lemieux P, Robitaille J, Lemieux S, Desroches S, Bélanger-Gravel A, Maheux-Lacroix S, Weisnagel SJ, Demers S, Camirand Lemyre F, Boulet M, Baillargeon JP, Morisset AS. Promoting healthy eating in early pregnancy in individuals at risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: does it improve glucose homeostasis? A study protocol for a randomized control trial. Front Nutr 2024; 10:1336509. [PMID: 38312142 PMCID: PMC10834641 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1336509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Healthy eating during pregnancy has favorable effects on glycemic control and is associated with a lower risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). According to Diabetes Canada, there is a need for an effective and acceptable intervention that could improve glucose homeostasis and support pregnant individuals at risk for GDM. Aims This unicentric randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to evaluate the effects of a nutritional intervention initiated early in pregnancy, on glucose homeostasis in 150 pregnant individuals at risk for GDM, compared to usual care. Methods Population: 150 pregnant individuals ≥18 years old, at ≤14 weeks of pregnancy, and presenting ≥1 risk factor for GDM according to Diabetes Canada guidelines. Intervention: The nutritional intervention initiated in the first trimester is based on the health behavior change theory during pregnancy and on Canada's Food Guide recommendations. It includes (1) four individual counseling sessions with a registered dietitian using motivational interviewing (12, 18, 24, and 30 weeks), with post-interview phone call follow-ups, aiming to develop and achieve S.M.A.R.T. nutritional objectives (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound); (2) 10 informative video clips on healthy eating during pregnancy developed by our team and based on national guidelines, and (3) a virtual support community via a Facebook group. Control: Usual prenatal care. Protocol: This RCT includes three on-site visits (10-14, 24-26, and 34-36 weeks) during which a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test is done and blood samples are taken. At each trimester and 3 months postpartum, participants complete web-based questionnaires, including three validated 24-h dietary recalls to assess their diet quality using the Healthy Eating Food Index 2019. Primary outcome: Difference in the change in fasting blood glucose (from the first to the third trimester) between groups. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval. Discussion This RCT will determine whether a nutritional intervention initiated early in pregnancy can improve glucose homeostasis in individuals at risk for GDM and inform Canadian stakeholders on improving care trajectories and policies for pregnant individuals at risk for GDM. Clinical trial registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05299502, NCT05299502.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Bernier
- École de Nutrition, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS) de l'Institut sur la Nutrition et des Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Anne-Sophie Plante
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS) de l'Institut sur la Nutrition et des Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Patricia Lemieux
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Julie Robitaille
- École de Nutrition, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS) de l'Institut sur la Nutrition et des Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Simone Lemieux
- École de Nutrition, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS) de l'Institut sur la Nutrition et des Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Sophie Desroches
- École de Nutrition, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS) de l'Institut sur la Nutrition et des Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Ariane Bélanger-Gravel
- Centre de Recherche Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS) de l'Institut sur la Nutrition et des Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de Communication, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie de Pneumologie de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Sarah Maheux-Lacroix
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - S John Weisnagel
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Suzanne Demers
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Félix Camirand Lemyre
- Département de Mathématiques, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Mélanie Boulet
- Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Service Sociaux de l'Estrie-CHU de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Patrice Baillargeon
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Anne-Sophie Morisset
- École de Nutrition, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS) de l'Institut sur la Nutrition et des Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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Schwartz H, McCusker J, Da Costa D, Singh S, Baskaran S, Belzile E, Van Roost K. A pilot randomized controlled trial of a lay telephone coaching and web-based intervention for postpartum depression and anxiety: The MPOWER study. Internet Interv 2022; 31:100597. [PMID: 36698424 PMCID: PMC9867972 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2022.100597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health problems are frequent in the postpartum period, but accessible treatment options are lacking. The MPOWER study investigated whether the use of trained lay coaches could increase the uptake and effectiveness of a web-based intervention (WBI) for women with postpartum depression and/or anxiety. OBJECTIVES First, to compare the feasibility and acceptability of a WBI for women with postpartum depression and anxiety, with and without the addition of telephone coaching calls. Second, to estimate the effectiveness of the WBI at decreasing symptoms of depression and anxiety at 6 months, with and without coaching calls. METHODS We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) that enrolled women who had recently given birth and had mild to moderate postpartum depression and/or anxiety. Study participants were provided access to the WBI. Women randomized to the intervention group also received up to 7 telephone coaching calls during the 6 months of follow up. We evaluated the feasibility of the intervention through participants' usage of the WBI, as well as the completion and fidelity of planned coach calls. We measured acceptability via two questionnaires on the usability of the WBI and participant satisfaction with the intervention. To determine the potential effectiveness of the intervention, the primary outcomes were defined as symptoms of depression and anxiety at 6 months and adjusted mean differences between groups for these outcomes were estimated using linear regression models. RESULTS We recruited 52 participants (25 intervention; 27 control). At 6 months, 88 % (22/25) of participants randomized to the intervention arm and 59 % (16/27) of participants randomized to the control arm remained in the study. The intervention group had an average of 11 (95 % CI: [5, 18]) more website logins than the control group. Intervention group participants completed a mean of 6.2 coaching calls with high fidelity. The estimates of the effect of the intervention on mental health outcomes at 6-months were imprecise but point estimates and confidence intervals were consistent with a moderate beneficial effect of the intervention on both symptoms of depression and anxiety (fully adjusted effects sizes: 0.51 (95 % CI: [-0.14, 1.17]) and 0.56 (95 % CI: [-0.09, 1.22]), respectively). CONCLUSIONS WBIs with coaching are feasible, acceptable, and potentially effective treatment options for women with mild to moderate postpartum depression and/or anxiety. The addition of coaching calls markedly increased engagement with the WBI, but a larger RCT is needed to determine the effectiveness of such an intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Schwartz
- St. Mary's Hospital Center, Montréal, QC, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada,Corresponding author at: St. Mary's Hospital Center, Department of Psychiatry, 3830 Avenue Lacombe, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1M5, Canada.
| | - Jane McCusker
- St. Mary's Research Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada,Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Santokh Singh
- St. Mary's Hospital Center, Montréal, QC, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Eric Belzile
- St. Mary's Research Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Kaya Van Roost
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
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The information behaviours of disadvantaged young first-time mothers. JOURNAL OF DOCUMENTATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/jd-03-2022-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the information behaviours of socioeconomically disadvantaged young first-time mothers, an understudied and at-risk group (health and well-being).Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaire and semi-structured interviews with 39 young mothers (aged up to 25 years of age) from UK areas of multiple deprivations.FindingsOur participants' preferred sources of information are interpersonal sources with which they have formed close supportive relationships. Support groups are important sources of interpersonal connection, but young mothers are reluctant to attend groups involving older mothers. With the exception of support group staff and health visitors, institutional and professional information sources are used very little. Societal stigma is a significant issue influencing behaviours, but issues of institutional bureaucracy, information overload, conflicting information and practical access are also reported. A further key factor influencing behaviour is self-identity.Research limitations/implicationsFindings should not be considered representative of young mothers as a whole as not all young mothers are disadvantaged. As our participants identified as ethnically white, findings also cannot speak to the additional barriers experienced by women of colour. Further studies with further population groups are recommended. More broadly, further studies exploring the influence of self-identity on people's information behaviours are also recommended.Practical implicationsFindings provide practical direction for health and welfare services, and public libraries, to better support young mothers.Originality/valueFindings contribute to conceptual and practical understanding of information poverty in the socio-ecological context. Findings also evidence the role of self-identity in shaping people's information behaviours.
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Van Scyoc S, Farris AR, Roy M, Nunnery D. Nutrition Practitioner Perceptions of Nutrition Education with Pregnant Clients. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 53:938-943. [PMID: 34538566 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2021.08.004] [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: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nutrition education during pregnancy is associated with improved maternal and fetal outcomes. This study explored nutrition practitioner perceptions of providing nutrition education to this population and examined gaps in current practices. METHODS North Carolina nutrition practitioners (n = 73) working with pregnant women were asked to complete a survey about their provision of nutrition services to pregnant clients. Data were analyzed for descriptive statistics. RESULTS Cost (91%) and lack of time to cook (83%) were perceived as the largest barriers for clients to making dietary changes. Topics most requested by clients paralleled those practitioners identified as needs: weight gain (69%), lactation (63%), and general nutrition information (57%). Pamphlets (97%), posters (66%), telehealth (42%), and texting (38%) were accepted education methods. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Evidence-based education on weight, lactation, and general nutrition, using time and cost-efficient approaches, and embracing technology were desired by pregnant clients when receiving nutrition education from nutrition and other health care practitioners and may result in improved maternal and fetal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Van Scyoc
- Department of Nutrition and Health Care Management, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC
| | - Alisha R Farris
- Department of Nutrition and Health Care Management, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC.
| | - Manan Roy
- Department of Nutrition and Health Care Management, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC
| | - Danielle Nunnery
- Department of Nutrition and Health Care Management, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC
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Carolan-Olah M, Vasilevski V, Nagle C, Stepto N. Overview of a new eHealth intervention to promote healthy eating and exercise in pregnancy: Initial user responses and acceptability. Internet Interv 2021; 25:100393. [PMID: 34026565 PMCID: PMC8121697 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2021.100393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this project was to develop and evaluate an eHealth intervention to promote healthy lifestyle for pregnant women. The setting was a low socio-economic and multi-ethnic area in Melbourne, Australia. METHODS This paper briefly describes the development of the eHealth intervention, which was aimed at a low level of literacy, and the evaluation of the intervention by pregnant women. A basic descriptive survey was undertaken to evaluate user friendliness, usefulness and acceptability of the intervention. RESULTS The intervention was developed by a team of experts and forty pregnant women participated in the evaluation. Results indicated that participants found the intervention informative, useful and easy to navigate. They also identified some minor areas for improvement which will be addressed prior to proceeding to a formal controlled evaluation. CONCLUSION Results from this evaluation are encouraging and suggest that women found the intervention convenient, trustworthy and engaging. Most enjoyed navigating the website information. As such, it is likely to prove a useful support for delivering dietary and exercise information to pregnant women in the local low socio-economic area. Further formal evaluation will test the efficacy of the website in improving diet and exercise outcomes during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Carolan-Olah
- Victoria University, College of Health and Biomedicine, St Alban's Campus, PO Box 14228, Melbourne 8001, Australia,Corresponding author.
| | - Vidanka Vasilevski
- Research Fellow, School of Nursing & Midwifery – Western Health Partnership, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Cate Nagle
- James Cook University and Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Townsville, QLD 4814, Australia
| | - Nigel Stepto
- Victoria University, Institute of Sport Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL), Footscray Campus, PO Box 14228, Melbourne 8001, Australia
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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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Buchanan S, Jardine C. The complex information needs of disadvantaged young first-time mothers: insights into multiplicity of needs. JOURNAL OF DOCUMENTATION 2020. [DOI: 10.1108/jd-07-2019-0142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to holistically explore the information needs of socioeconomically disadvantaged young first-time mothers and associated issues of complexity.Design/methodology/approachThis paper used survey and semi-structured field interviews with 39 young mothers (aged 15–23) from UK areas of multiple deprivations.FindingsParticipants reported multiple and complex needs spanning interrelated topics of parenting, poverty and personal development. In the majority of instances, participants were either unsure of their ability to meet their needs or needed help with needs, and several described situations of considerable anxiety and stress. Multiplicity is identified and conceptualised as an important factor contributing to complexity, including three component elements: simultaneous occurrence of needs (concurrency), relationships between needs (interconnectivity) and evolving needs (fluidity). In various combinations, these elements influenced a mother's actions and/or ability to selectively attend to needs, with multiple needs often competing for attention, and compounding issues of cognitive load and affect.Research limitations/implicationsThis study draws attention to multiplicity of needs as an understudied topic within human information behaviour and calls for further research into how people recognise and attend to complex needs and influencing factors.Practical implicationsThis study raises important questions regarding how we approach complexity of information needs in our design and delivery of information systems and services.Originality/valueEvidences disadvantaged young mothers to have more extensive and complex information needs than previously understood, and identifies and conceptualised multiplicity as an important factor contributing to the complexity of information needs during major life transitions such as motherhood.
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Arcia A, Stonbraker S, Warner ERA. Continuing Education Module-Information Needs and Information-Seeking Processes of Low-Income Pregnant Women in Relation to Digital Maternity Education Resources. J Perinat Educ 2019; 28:151-162. [PMID: 31341374 DOI: 10.1891/1058-1243.28.3.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnant women need high-quality, timely information for self-management. The extent to which digital education resources meet their needs is unclear. This study elucidated how low-income pregnant women characterize their digital information needs and seeking processes and identified barriers/facilitators to meeting them. Focus groups bookending field-testing of a digital maternity education resource elicited barriers to and facilitators of Internet access, Internet use patterns, preferred methods to access information, and explored acceptability and desired features of online resources. Content analysis was used to analyze transcripts and six thematic categories were identified. Digital maternity education resources should be flexible, easily shared with loved ones, and responsive to users' experiences. Although helpful, digital resources are insufficient to meet pregnant women's need for social support.
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Robinson JR, Anders SH, Novak LL, Simpson CL, Holroyd LE, Bennett KA, Jackson GP. Consumer health-related needs of pregnant women and their caregivers. JAMIA Open 2018; 1:57-66. [PMID: 30474071 PMCID: PMC6241505 DOI: 10.1093/jamiaopen/ooy018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To build effective applications, technology designers must understand consumer health needs. Pregnancy is a common health condition, and expectant families have unanswered questions. This study examined consumer health-related needs in pregnant women and caregivers and determined the types of needs that were not met. Materials and Methods We enrolled pregnant women <36 weeks’ gestational age and caregivers from advanced maternal–fetal and group prenatal care settings. Participant characteristics were collected through surveys, and health-related needs were elicited in semi-structured interviews. Researchers categorized needs by semantic type and whether they were met (ie, met, partially met, or unmet). Inter-rater reliability was measured by Cohen’s kappa. Results Seventy-one pregnant women and 29 caregivers participated and reported 1054 needs, 28% unmet, and 49% partially met. Need types were 66.2% informational, 15.9% logistical, 8.9% social, 8.6% medical, and 0.3% other. Inter-rater reliability was near perfect (κ=0.95, P < 0.001). Discussion Common topics of unmet needs were prognosis, life management, and need for emotional support. For pregnant women, these unmet needs focused around being healthy, childbirth, infant care, and being a good mother; caregivers’ needs involved caring for the mother, the natural course of pregnancy, and life after pregnancy. Conclusion Pregnant women and caregivers have a rich set of health-related needs with many not fully met. Caregivers’ needs differed from those of pregnant women and may not be adequately addressed by resources designed for mothers. Many unmet needs involved stress and life management. Knowledge about consumer health needs can inform the design of better technologies for pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie R Robinson
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Ave S, CCC-4312 MCN, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2730, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End, Suite 14107, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, USA
- Corresponding Author: Jamie R. Robinson, MD, MS, Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Ave S, CCC-4312 MCN, Nashville, TN 37232-2730, USA ()
| | - Shilo H Anders
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End, Suite 14107, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Laurie L Novak
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End, Suite 14107, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, USA
| | - Christopher L Simpson
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End, Suite 14107, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, USA
| | - Lauren E Holroyd
- School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, 2215 Garland Avenue, Light Hall, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, USA
| | - Kelly A Bennett
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Gretchen P Jackson
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Ave S, CCC-4312 MCN, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2730, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End, Suite 14107, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
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Blondin JH, LoGiudice JA. Pregnant women's knowledge and awareness of nutrition. Appl Nurs Res 2017; 39:167-174. [PMID: 29422153 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2017.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate effectiveness of an educational intervention on pregnant women's nutritional knowledge. Despite national guidelines, women face personal and healthcare barriers to adequate nutrition education. This quasi-experimental study involved a convenience sample of pregnant women (n=27). The Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (NKQ) was utilized for pre and post-tests. Additionally, participants were asked open-ended questions. Data analysis was performed using paired t-tests, linear regression, and qualitative thematic analysis. The mean pre-test and post-test scores on the NKQ were 30.0 and 38.96 respectively, representing a statistically significant increase (p≤0.00). Six qualitative themes emerged including nutrition as "important" and "a real eye opener." This study validates the use of an educational intervention based on MyPlate guidelines to increase pregnant women's knowledge of nutrition.
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Da Costa D, Zelkowitz P, Letourneau N, Howlett A, Dennis CL, Russell B, Grover S, Lowensteyn I, Chan P, Khalifé S. HealthyDads.ca: What Do Men Want in a Website Designed to Promote Emotional Wellness and Healthy Behaviors During the Transition to Parenthood? J Med Internet Res 2017; 19:e325. [PMID: 29021126 PMCID: PMC5658653 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.7415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Up to 18% of men experience depression and/or anxiety during the transition to parenthood. Interventions designed specifically to promote the mental health of men during the transition to parenthood are scarce. Internet-delivered interventions may be acceptable and far-reaching in enhancing mental health, parenting knowledge, and healthy behaviors in expectant or new fathers. OBJECTIVE To guide the development of Healthydads.ca, a website designed to enhance mental health and healthy behaviors in expectant fathers, a needs assessment was conducted to identify fathers' perspectives of barriers to seeking help for emotional wellness, informational needs, and factors affecting the decision to visit such a website. METHODS One hundred and seventy-four men whose partners were expecting, or had recently given birth, in 3 Canadian provinces (Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta) completed a Web-based survey inquiring about information needs related to psychosocial aspects of the transition to parenthood, lifestyle behaviors, parenting, and factors associated with the decision to visit a father-focused website. RESULTS Most men (155/174, 89.1%) reported accessing the Internet to obtain information on pregnancy and spent an average of 6.2 hours online per month. Seeking information about parenting on the Internet was reported by 67.2% (117/174) of men, with a mean of 4.4 hours per month of online searching. Top barriers to seeking help to improve emotional wellness during the perinatal period were: no time to seek help/assistance (130/174, 74.7%), lack of resources available in the health care system (126/174, 72.4%), financial costs associated with services (118/174, 67.8%), and feeling that one should be able to do it alone (113/174, 64.9%). Information needs that were rated highly included: parenting/infant care (52.9-81.6%), supporting (121/174, 69.5%) and improving (124/174, 71.3%) relationship with their partner, work-family balance (120/174, 69.0%), improving sleep (100/174, 57.5%), and managing stress (98/174, 56.3%). Perceiving the website as personally relevant (151/174, 86.8%), credible (141/174, 81.0%), effective (140/145, 80.5%), and having an easy navigation structure (141/174, 81.0%) were identified as important factors related to a first website visit. Providing useful (134/174, 77.0%) and easy to understand (158/174, 90.8%) information, which was also free of charge (156/174, 89.7%), were considered important for deciding to prolong a website visit. Providing the possibility to post questions to a health professional (133/174, 76.4%), adding new content regularly (119/174, 68.4%), and personal motivation (111/174, 63.8%) were factors identified that would encourage a revisit. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that there is substantial interest among expectant and new fathers for using Internet-delivered strategies to prepare for the transition to parenthood and support their mental health. Specific user and website features were identified to optimize the use of father-focused websites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Phyllis Zelkowitz
- Department of Psychiatry, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nicole Letourneau
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Cumming School of Medicine, Pediatrics & Psychiatry, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute for Child and Maternal Health, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Andrew Howlett
- Department of Psychiatry, St. Joseph's Health Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cindy-Lee Dennis
- Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Steven Grover
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ilka Lowensteyn
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Peter Chan
- Department of Urology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Samir Khalifé
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Hether HJ, Murphy ST, Valente TW. A social network analysis of supportive interactions on prenatal sites. Digit Health 2016; 2:2055207616628700. [PMID: 29942549 PMCID: PMC6001212 DOI: 10.1177/2055207616628700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The purpose of this exploratory study was to validate and extend previous research on social support by identifying which dimensions of social support are most commonly exchanged on health-related social networking sites and how social network structure varies with each support dimension exchanged. Methods This research applies a multiple case study approach by examining two social networking sites that focus on pregnancy and prenatal health. For one month, support seeking and providing messages were content analyzed and a social network analysis examined the connections between members. Results The sample size consisted of 525 support-seeking messages and 1965 support-providing messages. Findings indicate that participants requested informational and emotional support more than esteem and network support, with no requests for tangible support. Findings also suggest participants substituted emotional support for informational support when they were unable to provide the information sought. The social network analysis showed that network structure varied across support dimensions, with the informational and emotional support networks having the largest number of members and greatest density and reciprocity. Conclusions This study suggests that online support networks are fairly effective in meeting participants’ needs. The support dimension sought was generally provided and when it was not another dimension of support may have been substituted; thus, participants may have benefitted in unintended ways. The data also suggest there may be an optimal network size to support member engagement, whereby too large of a network may facilitate diffusion of responsibility and too small a network may not facilitate enough momentum to support a well-connected community.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sheila T Murphy
- Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California, CA, USA
| | - Thomas W Valente
- Institute for Prevention Research, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, CA, USA
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