R A K Kennedy1, L Mullaney2, C M E Reynolds3, S Cawley2, D M A McCartney2, M J Turner3. 1. School of Biological Sciences, Dublin Institute of Technology, Kevin Street, Dublin 8, Ireland. Electronic address: rachel_kennedy@live.ie. 2. School of Biological Sciences, Dublin Institute of Technology, Kevin Street, Dublin 8, Ireland. 3. UCD Centre for Human Reproduction, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: During pregnancy, women are increasingly turning to web-based resources for information. This study examined the use of web-based nutritional information by women during pregnancy and explored their preferences. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. METHODS: Women were enrolled at their convenience from a large maternity hospital. Clinical and sociodemographic details were collected and women's use of web-based resources was assessed using a detailed questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the 101 women, 41.6% were nulliparous and the mean age was 33.1 years (19-47 years). All women had internet access and only 3% did not own a smartphone. Women derived pregnancy-related nutritional information from a range of online resources, most commonly: What to Expect When You're Expecting (15.1%), Babycenter (12.9%), and Eumom (9.7%). However, 24.7% reported using Google searches. There was minimal use of publically funded or academically supported resources. The features women wanted in a web-based application were recipes (88%), exercise advice (71%), personalized dietary feedback (37%), social features (35%), videos (24%) and cooking demonstrations (23%). CONCLUSIONS: This survey highlights the risk that pregnant women may get nutritional information from online resources which are not evidence-based. It also identifies features that women want from a web-based nutritional resource.
OBJECTIVES: During pregnancy, women are increasingly turning to web-based resources for information. This study examined the use of web-based nutritional information by women during pregnancy and explored their preferences. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. METHODS:Women were enrolled at their convenience from a large maternity hospital. Clinical and sociodemographic details were collected and women's use of web-based resources was assessed using a detailed questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the 101 women, 41.6% were nulliparous and the mean age was 33.1 years (19-47 years). All women had internet access and only 3% did not own a smartphone. Women derived pregnancy-related nutritional information from a range of online resources, most commonly: What to Expect When You're Expecting (15.1%), Babycenter (12.9%), and Eumom (9.7%). However, 24.7% reported using Google searches. There was minimal use of publically funded or academically supported resources. The features women wanted in a web-based application were recipes (88%), exercise advice (71%), personalized dietary feedback (37%), social features (35%), videos (24%) and cooking demonstrations (23%). CONCLUSIONS: This survey highlights the risk that pregnant women may get nutritional information from online resources which are not evidence-based. It also identifies features that women want from a web-based nutritional resource.
Authors: Loretta M Musgrave; Nathalie V Kizirian; Caroline S E Homer; Adrienne Gordon Journal: JMIR Mhealth Uhealth Date: 2020-11-16 Impact factor: 4.773