Abstract
Background
Pregnant women are turning to the Internet for a wide range of health-related information during pregnancy. The implications of this practise for midwives have not been fully explored.
Aim
To report quantitative and qualitative data from a cross sectional exploratory, descriptive survey on midwives’ perception of pregnant women using the Internet as a source for pregnancy related information.
Methodology
A global sample of 303 midwives accessed and completed a web-based questionnaire. Data was downloaded into SPSS for analysis. NVivo software was utilised to code and identify themes or patterns emerging from the supplementary qualitative data provided. The study received ethical approval from the Office of Research Ethics Committee Northern Ireland.
Results
Eighty-nine percent (n=271) were aware of an increase in Internet use is among pregnant women. Midwives reported women use the Internet for information on a broad range of pregnancy related topics. Eighty-six percent (n=260) experience of pregnant women discussing information Internet with them in last year. Of these only 3% (n=8) viewed the information as ‘not relevant’ and 19% (n=49) regarded the information to be either ‘not very’ or ‘not at all’ accurate. Sixty-seven per cent (n=174) considered the information had an effect on how the woman thought her pregnancy should be managed. A description of case studies depicts how the Internet has an impact on the changing power relation between pregnant woman and health professionals.
Conclusion
Midwives recognise that women use the Internet has an information source and outcomes from this research demonstrates a change in women's decision-making. Midwives’ skills in Internet use need to be developed so they can be effective and competent partners it's supporting post-modern women. Formal Internet training needs to be included within the midwifery curriculum.
Pregnant women are turning to the Internet for a wide range of health-related information during pregnancy. The implications of this practise for midwives have not been fully explored.
Aim
To report quantitative and qualitative data from a cross sectional exploratory, descriptive survey on midwives’ perception of pregnant women using the Internet as a source for pregnancy related information.
Methodology
A global sample of 303 midwives accessed and completed a web-based questionnaire. Data was downloaded into SPSS for analysis. NVivo software was utilised to code and identify themes or patterns emerging from the supplementary qualitative data provided. The study received ethical approval from the Office of Research Ethics Committee Northern Ireland.
Results
Eighty-nine percent (n=271) were aware of an increase in Internet use is among pregnant women. Midwives reported women use the Internet for information on a broad range of pregnancy related topics. Eighty-six percent (n=260) experience of pregnant women discussing information Internet with them in last year. Of these only 3% (n=8) viewed the information as ‘not relevant’ and 19% (n=49) regarded the information to be either ‘not very’ or ‘not at all’ accurate. Sixty-seven per cent (n=174) considered the information had an effect on how the woman thought her pregnancy should be managed. A description of case studies depicts how the Internet has an impact on the changing power relation between pregnant woman and health professionals.
Conclusion
Midwives recognise that women use the Internet has an information source and outcomes from this research demonstrates a change in women's decision-making. Midwives’ skills in Internet use need to be developed so they can be effective and competent partners it's supporting post-modern women. Formal Internet training needs to be included within the midwifery curriculum.
Original language | English |
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Pages | 54 |
Number of pages | 1 |
Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - 1 Sept 2010 |
Event | Doctoral Midwifery Research Society, Jordanstown, 1-3 Sept. 2010: DMRS Conference - Ulster University, , Jordanstown, United Kingdom Duration: 1 Sept 2010 → 3 Sept 2010 https://www.doctoralmidwiferysociety.org/conference |
Conference
Conference | Doctoral Midwifery Research Society, Jordanstown, 1-3 Sept. 2010 |
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Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
City | Jordanstown |
Period | 1/09/10 → 3/09/10 |
Internet address |
Keywords
- Pregnant women
- Midwives
- Internet
- Decision Making