Implications for Nurses and Researchers of Internet Use by Childbearing Women

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Denise Côté-Arsenault, Professor; Department Chair (Parent & Child Nursing) (Creator)
Lynne P. Lewallen, Associate Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to share the growing body of literature on Internet use by childbearing women and to present findings of our pilot study done to learn more about this population's information-seeking behaviors. In our sample of 42 women, 97 percent used the Internet to seek health information. They searched for the purposes of decision making, anticipatory guidance, connecting and for general information. Nurses and other health care providers should anticipate that women are using the Internet for health information and should be proactive in referring them to reputable websites and helping them identify trustworthy websites as part of routine prenatal care and childbirth education. Because so many women use the Internet, this is also a feasible venue for nursing research recruitment and potential intervention delivery.

Additional Information

Publication
Nursing for Women’s Health, 18(5), 392-400
Language: English
Date: 2014
Keywords
childbearing, health education, health information, Internet, pilot study, pregnancy

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