A qualitative study of assessing learning needs and digital health literacy in pregnancy: Baby Buddy Forward Greek findings

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to explore the learning needs and the digital health literacy of pregnant women in Greece regarding perinatal health and care issues.

Methods: This was a qualitative study involving thirteen Greek pregnant women, in two focus groups of primiparous and multiparous. The interview topic guide was developed by consensus during a training workshop of the European Baby Buddy Forward research program. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and inductively content analyzed.

Results: Pregnant women described a range of learning needs and identify antenatal classes, health professionals, Internet, books, friends and relatives, as their main sources of information. Women expressed satisfaction in terms of their communication with midwives, but they expressed ambiguity regarding communication with doctors. With regard to the Internet, women highlighted their concern about the validity of information and point out the difficulties they face in order to access reliable scientific resources. Moreover, the process of seeking information online occurs in parallel and independently from healthcare providers, who discourage it, thus, many women were reluctant to discuss any information they retrieved from the Internet with health professionals.

Conclusions: The content of antenatal classes should be tailored to address pregnant women learning needs more holistically. However, taking into consideration that a major source of information for pregnant women is the Internet, it is vital for health professionals to acknowledge this reality and provide pregnant women with trusted websites. It is also particularly important for health professionals to practice their communication skills and update their digital knowledge.

Keywords: digital health literacy; information seeking; learning needs; pregnancy; qualitative study.