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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 1/2020

Open Access 01-12-2020 | Nutrition | Research article

A mixed-methods investigation of women’s experiences seeking pregnancy-related online nutrition information

Authors: Alexandra Snyder, Hannah Tait Neufeld, Laura Forbes

Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

Background

The objective of this study was to describe women’s processes for finding pregnancy-related nutrition information, their experiences seeking this information online and their ideas for improving internet sources of this information.

Methods

In total, 97 pregnant women completed an online quantitative questionnaire and 10 primiparous pregnant women completed semi-structured telephone interviews. Questionnaires and interviews asked participants to describe sources of pregnancy-related nutrition information; time of seeking; processes of searching online; experiences searching online; ideas for improving information found online. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi square tests; interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Nearly all (96%) survey participants sought nutrition information online. Information was most commonly sought during the first trimester of pregnancy. Motivators for using the internet included convenience and lack of support from health care providers. Barriers to using online information included lack of trust, difficulty finding information and worry. Women adapted the information they found online to meet their needs and reported making positive changes to their diets.

Conclusions

The internet is a key source of prenatal nutrition information that women report using to make positive dietary changes. Women would benefit from improved access to trustworthy internet sources, increased availability of information on different diets and health conditions, and increased support from health care providers.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
A mixed-methods investigation of women’s experiences seeking pregnancy-related online nutrition information
Authors
Alexandra Snyder
Hannah Tait Neufeld
Laura Forbes
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Nutrition
Published in
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2393
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-020-03065-w

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