Use of the Internet by women seeking information about potentially teratogenic agents

Santis, Marco De; Luca, Carmen De; Quattrocchi, Tomasella; Visconti, Daniela; Cesari, E.; Mappa, Ilenia; Nobili, Elena; Spagnuolo, Terryann; Caruso, Alessandro

doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2010.04.018

Cited by 70 publications

(66 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…Most important, we found significant differences in beliefs about medicines in those with limited versus adequate health literacy controlling for age (and education level). Numerous studies have shown that the perception of risk surrounding pregnancy, particularly regarding medication use is exaggerated, and they have also shown that the primary source of information on teratogenic risk is the internet, rather than a healthcare professional (De Santis et al, 2010; Sanz, Gomez-Lopez, & Martinez-Quintas, 2001). The negative attitudes highlighted in the BMQ reflect these perceptions.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 93%

Associations Between Health Literacy and Beliefs About Medicines in an Irish Obstetric Population

Duggan¹,

McCarthy²,

Curtis³

et al. 2014

Journal of Health Communication

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The authors wanted to determine the prevalence of limited health literacy, and the relation between health literacy and beliefs about medicines, in an obstetric population. A survey was administered in Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland. The Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine and the general section of the Beliefs About Medicines Questionnaire were used. Of 404 women, 15.3% (n=62) displayed limited health literacy. Age and health literacy were significantly associated with one another, as were health literacy and level at which participants completed formal education. In the general harm domain, level of education and health literacy were associated with stronger beliefs: M=11.85, SD=2.81 vs. M=9.75, SD=2.11; F(3)=13.69, p<.001. In the general overuse domain, those with limited literacy scored higher compared with those with adequate health literacy: M=12.48, SD=2.73 versus M=11.51, SD=2.63 (p=.01). These associations remained despite controlling for age (and education) in multivariable analyses. More than 1 in 7 had limited health literacy; these women may benefit from educational initiatives. Limited health literacy is associated with a more negative perception of medicines in this cohort.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 93%

Associations Between Health Literacy and Beliefs About Medicines in an Irish Obstetric Population

Duggan¹,

McCarthy²,

Curtis³

et al. 2014

Journal of Health Communication

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…One explanation could be the nature of information and the context within which women access it; for example, reading about others' positive experiences of labour and parenting on popular internet forums had been perceived as positive only if it there was a sense of shared community and support among the women (Plantin and Daneback, 2009). However, when women searched for specific information around pregnancy and risk, sharing apprehensions and doubts with other women increased their anxiety (De Santis et al, 2010).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The experience of psychological distress, depression, and anxiety during pregnancy: A meta-synthesis of qualitative research

2015

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“…[1][2][3][4] This may result in discontinuation of treatment for even life-threatening medical conditions 1 or termination of an otherwise wanted pregnancy when exposure occurs. [2][3][4][5] Sudden discontinuation of medications during pregnancy may lead both to withdrawal symptoms, as well as to re-emergence of the primary disorder. 6 In previous work, 2 we have assessed the perception of teratogenic risk by 80 women attending an antenatal consultation service for different exposures in pregnancy.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Perception of Teratogenic Risk and the Rated Likelihood of Pregnancy Termination: Association with Maternal Depression

et al. 2011

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Objective: Women are often exposed to various medications and medical conditions during pregnancy. Unrealistically high maternal teratogenic risk perception, related to these exposures, may lead to abrupt discontinuation of therapy and (or) termination of a wanted pregnancy. The association between maternal depression and the teratogenic risk perception has not been studied, nor were the actions resulting from this perception. Our objectives were to explore the association between maternal depression, teratogenic risk perception, and the rated likelihood to terminate pregnancy. Additionally, we evaluated possible benefits of counselling. Methods:We administered the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to all women who attended the Motherisk Clinic between October 2007 and April 2010. A visual analogue scale was used to determine maternal risk perception in relation to the specific exposure, and the rated likelihood to terminate the pregnancy, before and after counselling. Results:We analyzed data from 413 women. Maternal teratogenic risk perception and the rated likelihood to terminate the pregnancy were significantly lower following counselling. An EPDS score of 13 or more was significantly associated with a higher rated likelihood to terminate the pregnancy (P = 0.03). In a multivariable regression analysis, an EPDS score of 13 or more was found to be an independent predictor of a higher personal teratogenic risk perception (P = 0.03). Conclusions:Both maternal depression and exposure-directed counselling are associated with maternal risk perception and the rated likelihood to terminate pregnancy. Appropriate counselling may reduce fear of teratogenicity and the likelihood of pregnancy termination.Can J Psychiatry. 2011;56(12):761-767. Clinical Implications• Counselling women about different exposures in pregnancy may reduce a maternal fear of potential teratogenicity.• Maternal depression is associated with a mother's perception of exposure-related teratogenic risk and the rated likelihood to terminate the pregnancy.• Addressing maternal depression in this setting may result in improved perinatal outcome. Limitations• The study population has specific characteristics and generalizability of the conclusions should be confirmed.• The finding that counselling results in a reduction in risk perception may reflect a maternal need to please the counsellor rather than a mother's true perception.• Maternal-rated likelihood to terminate the pregnancy does not necessarily reflect a mother's actual future action.

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Use of the Internet by women seeking information about potentially teratogenic agents

Cited by 70 publications

References 9 publications

Associations Between Health Literacy and Beliefs About Medicines in an Irish Obstetric Population

Associations Between Health Literacy and Beliefs About Medicines in an Irish Obstetric Population

The experience of psychological distress, depression, and anxiety during pregnancy: A meta-synthesis of qualitative research

Perception of Teratogenic Risk and the Rated Likelihood of Pregnancy Termination: Association with Maternal Depression

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