The Role of Health Information Sources in Decision-Making Among Hispanic Mothers During Their Children’s First 1000 Days of Life

Abstract

Objective This qualitative research aimed to explore how health information sources inform decision-making among Hispanic mothers during their children’s first 1000 days of life (conception-age 24 months), and to generate appropriate health information sources and communication strategies for future interventions. Methods We conducted 7 focus groups with 49 Hispanic women who were pregnant or had children < 2 years old. Domains included interpersonal and media sources, source trustworthiness, dealing with contradictory information, and how information affects decision-making. We used immersion/crystallization process for analysis. Results Trusted health information sources included health care providers, female and male family members, BabyCenter.com and other Internet sources, selected social media, and television. Some immigrant women reported preferring the Internet citing less established local support networks. Women highlighted the importance of validating health information through checking multiple sources for consistency and resolving contradictory information. Mothers expressed interest in receiving reliable website links from healthcare professionals and outreach to extended family. Conclusion Cultural factors, including immigration status, are important in understanding the use of health information sources and their role in decision-making about pregnancy and child health among Hispanic mothers. Healthcare providers and public health professionals should consider Hispanic mothers health information environment and provide culturally-relevant communication strategies and interventions during this high information-seeking time period.

Online information use on health/illness by relatives of hospitalized premature infants

“…It was found that the interviewees referred to Google as the main search tool, BabyCenter.com as a frequently used website. The interviewees affirmed access to YouTube to watch videos on various topics related to gestation, childbirth and child care (19) , which is in line with the results obtained here.…”

“…Another study also points out that information sought by mothers, on the internet, is routinely related to the fetus. For example, the identification of gestational weeks and the growth in this period; referring to the newborn; child development; breastfeeding; nutrition, such as the period and correct introduction of solid food; and safety measures such as proper positioning of the child while sleeping (19) .…”

“…This portal sends weekly emails about maternity issues and there is an exchange of experiences between users. In addition, the brand has an application to be used in smartphones (19) , commonly used by pregnant women to monitor the growth of the child and monitoring the formation of organs and the size of the body (28) .…”

e‐Health and new moms: Contextual factors associated with sources of health information

“…Electronic sources of health information are viewed favorably by mothers (Gazmararian et al, 2014). These sources include many options, such as Web sites, blog postings, and social networking sites (SNS) (Criss et al, 2015;McDaniel, Coyne, & Holmes, 2012). What specific e-Health sources mothers use for their differing preferences to obtain health information, and what needs and contextual factors drive their selections are not well understood.…”

In the Absence of Clear Causation, Casting a Wider Net for Prevention

“…8 Though this primarily includes family and friends, they are often receptive to suggestions from trusted professionals, such as pediatricians. 9,10 A greater emphasis on the role of the pediatrician in recommending child care options may be critical to raising parents' awareness of quality options available to them; the pediatrician may serve as an "informed advisor, " using their familiarity with the families' individualized context and situation to promote care options. Pediatricians can also advise parents seeking high-quality child care arrangements to use resources like the Quality Rating and Improvement System to assess the quality of the child care program.…”