scholarly journals “Let me know when I’m needed”: Exploring the gendered nature of digital technology use for health information seeking during the transition to parenting

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 205520762110486
Author(s):  
Bradley Hiebert ◽  
Jodi Hall ◽  
Lorie Donelle ◽  
Danica Facca ◽  
Kim Jackson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Transition To Parenthood ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Information Work ◽  
Transition To Parenting

This paper presents results of a qualitative descriptive study conducted to understand parents’ experiences with digital technologies during their transition to parenting (i.e. the period from pre-conception through postpartum). Individuals in southwest Ontario who had become a new parent within the previous 24 months were recruited to participate in a focus group or individual interview. Participants were asked to describe the type of technologies they/their partner used during their transition to parenthood, and how such technologies were used to support their own and their family's health. Focus group and interview transcripts were then subjected to thematic analysis using inductive coding. Ten focus groups and three individual interviews were conducted with 26 heterosexual female participants. Participants primarily used digital technologies to: (1) seek health information for a variety of reproductive health issues, and (2) establish social and emotional connections. The nature of such health information work was markedly gendered and was categorized by 2 dominant themes. First, “‘Let me know when I’m needed’”, characterizes fathers’ apparent avoidance of health information seeking and resultant creation of mothers as lay information mediaries. Second, “Information Curation”, captures participants’ belief that gender biases built-in to popular parenting apps and resources reified the gendered nature of health and health information work during the transition to parenting. Overall, findings indicate that digital technology tailored to new and expecting parents actively reinforced gender norms regarding health information seeking, which creates undue burden on new mothers to become the sole health information seeker and interpreter for their family.

scholarly journals The 'obvious' stuff: exploring the mundane realities of students' digital technology use in school

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Neil Selwyn ◽  
Selena Nemorin ◽  
Scott Bulfin ◽  
Nicola F Johnson
Keyword(s):  
High Schools ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Individual Study ◽  
School Work ◽  
Per Se ◽  
Work Scheduling

This paper explores the ways in which students perceive digital technology as being helpful and/or useful to their schooling. Drawing upon survey data from students (n=1174) across three Australian high schools, the paper highlights seventeen distinct digital ‘benefits’ in domains such as information seeking, writing and composition, accessing prescribed work, scheduling and managing study tasks. While these data confirm the centrality of such technologies to students’ experiences of school, they also suggest that digital technology is not substantially changing or ‘transforming’ the nature of schools and schooling per se. Instead, students were most likely to associate digital technologies with managing the logistics of individual study and engaging with school work in distinctly teacher-led linear and passive ways. As such, it is concluded that educationalists need to temper enthusiasms for what might be achieved through digital technologies, and instead develop better understandings of the realities of students’ instrumentally-driven uses of digital technology.

First-Time Mothers: For Vaccine Questions, Consult Your Peers on Facebook

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Bradshaw
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Transition To Parenthood ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
First Time Mothers ◽  
Childhood Vaccine ◽  
First Time

Despite numerous scientific studies affirming the safety and efficacy of vaccinations, decreased parental uptake has led in part to disease resurgence in the United States (Ventola, 2016). A systematic review of 42 studies revealed that exemption rates for vaccination requirements to enter public schools or daycares have been increasing and occur in geographic“clusters,” where vaccination rates fall dangerously below the national average (Wang, Clymer, Davis-Hayes, & Buttenheim, 2014). At the transition to parenthood, mothers rely on Facebook with increased intensity for health information-seeking purposes. In a rejection of the health information deficit model, the purpose of this study was to propose a conceptual model which describes how first-time mothers’ dependence on Facebook may lead to childhood vaccine avoidance, in accordance with social network theory. A model is presented and propositions are offered to explain why discerning first-time mothers, who are consistently more vaccine hesitant, may seek and rely on information from peers in closed Facebook groups rather than from health professionals. While research has separately explored both vaccine hesitancy and social network utilization for health information seeking, no conceptual model to date has linked these concepts with first-time mothers’ childhood vaccine avoidance. Published research supports the constructs included in the proposed causal pathway, and this “Maternal Facebook Dependence-Childhood Vaccine Avoidance Model” will act as a springboard for advancement in operationalization of this complex relational construct.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Age-Related Patterns in Health Information Seeking Behaviors and Technology Use Among Skin Cancer Survivors: Survey Study (Preprint)

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Armando Marchetti ◽  
Liliane Sar-Graycar ◽  
Stephen W Dusza ◽  
Japbani K Nanda ◽  
Nicholas Kurtansky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviors

BACKGROUND Information is an unmet need among cancer survivors. There is a paucity of population-based data examining the health information seeking behaviors and attitudes of skin cancer survivors (SCSs). OBJECTIVE To identify prevalence and patterns of health information seeking behaviors and attitudes among SCSs across age groups. METHODS Analysis of National Cancer Institute population-based 2019 Health Information National Trends Survey 5, Cycle 3. RESULTS The 5438 respondents included 346 (6.4%) SCSs. Skin cancer respondents had a mean age of 65.8; the majority were white (96%, and 171 were men (48%). Most reported having ever looked for health (86%) or cancer (77%) information; 28% stated their last search took a lot of effort and 22% were frustrated. The internet was most often cited as being the first source that was recently used for health or medical information (46%). Compared to SCSs <65 years old, those ≥65 years of age were more likely to see a doctor first for important health information (68% vs. 36%, p<0.001) and less likely to have health/wellness apps (26% vs. 65%, p=0.1), to have watched a health-related YouTube video (13% vs. 27%, p=0.02), and to have used electronic means to look for information (61% vs. 82%, p<0.001) CONCLUSIONS Health information searches are common among SCSs, but behaviors and attitudes are associated with age, highlighting the importance of access to doctors and personalized information sources.

Health Information Seeking and Technology Use Among Veterans With Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders

PM&R ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy P. Hogan ◽  
Jennifer N. Hill ◽  
Sara M. Locatelli ◽  
Frances M. Weaver ◽  
Florian P. Thomas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Spinal Cord Injuries ◽  
Health Information Seeking

scholarly journals Digital maternal health booklets – do they help reaching migrant populations

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Zysset ◽  
J Dratva
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Information Seeking Behavior ◽  
Primary Study ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Migrant Populations ◽  
Seeking Behavior

Abstract Background Societies and health systems are increasingly digitally transformed. Digital communication is considered a means to reach persons in vulnerable contexts, such as migrant families. We performed a scoping literature review to evaluate the assumption in the context of maternal and child health (MCH) and validate results qualitatively. Methods Jan. 2020 a literature search was conducted (Web of Science, MEDLINE, CINAHL) using synonyms for migrants, health, digital media and information seeking, limited to publications in English. Two researchers independently rated titles and then abstracts for suitability, obtaining consensus at each step. Primary target group, health topic and related life phase, country of data origin, and primary study question were extracted from remaining manuscripts. Data on digital health information seeking (impact, reasons, barriers, context) will be extracted from full texts and discussed. A focus group with mothers with migrant background in Switzerland will be held in Sept. to validate findings. Results After title and abstract screening 41 from 315 articles remained. 25 articles focused primarily on migrant populations and information seeking behavior. Dominant populations were Latinos, Hispanics and Asians. Studies were performed in North America (n = 32), Europe, Asia and Australia (each n = 3); seven were on MCH, four on child and adolescent and 30 on adult health (mainly general health and health access). Further results extracted from manuscripts and focus group validation results will be presented at the conference. Conclusions Few studies on health information seeking behavior of migrants and MCH exist. Evidence on digital information seeking overall is scarce. The many North American studies indicate an advanced digital transformation of health promotion and care. The discussion will focus on the generalizability of literature findings and potential of digital health promotion via MCH in vulnerable populations.

scholarly journals Calling Doctor Google? Technology Adoption and Health Information Seeking among Low-income African-American Older Adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyunjin Seo ◽  
Joseph Erba ◽  
Mugur Geana ◽  
Crystal Lumpkins
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
African American ◽  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Kansas City ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
African American Older Adults

We conducted focus groups with low-income African American older adults in Kansas City, MO, to examine how this underserved group adopts and uses technology and how technology adoption/use is associated with health information seeking behavior. Low-income African American older adults have been shown to lag behind in terms of their technology access and use. Our findings show that although low-income African American older adults perceive technology to be highly useful, they do not view it as easy to use, thus preventing them from further adopting or using relevant technologies. Consequently, there is skepticism with respect to using technology to search for health information. Our study advances research on underserved groups’ technology use and health information seeking by looking at the intersectionality of race/ethnicity, age, and income. 

scholarly journals Perceptions towards the use of digital technology for enhancing family planning services: Focus group discussion with beneficiaries and key informative interview with midwives (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hind Yousef ◽  
Nihaya Al-Sheyab ◽  
Mohannad Al Nsour ◽  
Malika Al Kattan ◽  
Marco Bardus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Health System ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Side Effect ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Syrian Refugees

BACKGROUND Modern family planning (FP) methods allow married couples to discuss and determine the number of children and years of spacing between them. Despite many significant improvements in FP services in Jordan, there are still many issues related to the uptake of FP services for both host communities and Syrian refugees, due to limitations in the healthcare system based on public health facilities. Digital technologies (DT) can provide opportunities to address the challenges faced in health system, thus offering the potential to improve both the coverage and quality of FP services and practices. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of Jordanian women, Syrian refugees, and midwives in Jordan towards the use of digital health technology to support and enhance access to FP services. METHODS A qualitative explorative study design was followed including semi-structured face-to face- Key Informative Interviews (KIIs) with 17 midwives (providers) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with 32 married women of reproductive age (beneficiaries). Both Midwives and beneficiaries were recruited from nine health centers in two major governorates in Jordan, where seventeen in-depth interviews were conducted with midwives and four focus groups were conducted with the women. Each focus group included four Syrian refugee and four local Jordanian women. The transcribed narratives were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Three major themes derived from the narratives analysis covering: the pros of using digital technology, concerns about digital technology use, and the ideal application or website characteristics. Ten subthemes emerged from these three main themes. Overall, midwives and women (Syrian refugees and host communities) agreed that digital technology can be feasible, cost-effective, well accepted, and potentially beneficial in increasing woman’s awareness and knowledge regarding the FP methods and their side effect. Furthermore, digital technology can assist in enabling women’s empowerment, which will allow them to make better decision regarding FP use. No harmful risks or consequences were perceived to be associated with using digital technology. However, several concerns regarding digital technology use were related to e-health literacy and the accuracy of the information provided. Midwives were mainly concerned about the patients who would rely mostly on the technology and choose to avoid consulting a healthcare professional. CONCLUSIONS As perceived by midwives and women, incorporating digital technology in FP services can be feasible, cost-effective, well accepted, and potentially beneficial in increasing woman’s awareness regarding the FP methods and their side effect. It may also empower the women into the shared decision-making process among Jordanian and Syrian refugee couples. Therefore, digital technologies are recommended to address the challenges faced in health system and to improve both the coverage and quality of FP services and practices.

scholarly journals Investigation of Digital Technology Use in the Transition to Parenting (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorie Donelle ◽  
Jodi Hall ◽  
Bradley Hiebert ◽  
Kimberley Jackson ◽  
Ewelina Szynal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Parenting Practices ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Pregnancy And Postpartum ◽  
Transition To Parenting

BACKGROUND The transition to parenting – that is, the journey from pre-conception through pregnancy and postpartum periods – is one of the most emotionally charged and information intense times for individuals and families. While there is a developing body of literature on the use and impact of digital technology on the information behaviors of children, adolescents and young adults, personal use of digital technology during the transition to parenting and in support of infants to 2 years of age is relatively understudied. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to enhance our understanding of the ways digital technologies contribute to the experience of the transition to parenting; particularly the role these technologies play in organizing and structuring emerging pregnancy and early parenting practices. METHODS A qualitative descriptive study was conducted to understand new parents’ experiences with and uses of digital technology during four-stages – pre-natal, pregnancy, labour, and post-partum – of their transition to becoming a new parent. A purposive sampling strategy was implemented using snowball sampling techniques to recruit participants who had become a parent within the previous 24 months. Focus groups and follow up interviews were conducted using semi-structured interview guides that inquired about parents' type and use of technologies for self and family health. Transcribed audio recordings were thematic analyzed. RESULTS A total of 13 focus groups and three individual interviews were completed with 26 participants. While recruitment efforts targeted parents of all genders and sexual orientations, all participants identified as heterosexual women. Participants reported prolific use of digital technologies to direct fertility (e.g. ovulation timing); information seeking regarding development of their fetus, to prepare for labour and delivery, and in searching for a sense of community during postpartum. Participants expressed their need for these technologies to assist them in the day-to-day demands of preparing for and undertaking parenting, yet expressed concerns about their personal patterns of use, and the potential negative impacts their use. Three themes generated from the data included:“Is this normal; is this happening to you?!”, “Am I having a heart attack; what is this?”, “Anyone can put anything on Wikipedia”: Trustworthiness of Digital Information. CONCLUSIONS Digital technologies were used by mothers to track menstrual cycles during preconception; monitor, document, and announce a pregnancy during the prenatal stage; prepare for delivery during labour/birth stage; and to help babies sleep, document/announce their birth, and to connect to parenting resources during the post-partum stage. Mothers used digital technologies to reassure themselves that their experiences were normal or to seek help when they were abnormal. Digital technologies provided mothers with convenient means to access health information from a range of sources yet mothers were apprehensive about the credibility and trustworthiness of the information they retrieved. Further research should seek to understand how men and fathers use digital technologies during their transition to parenting. Additionally, further research should critically examine how constant access to information effects mothers’ perceived need to self-monitor and further understand the unintended health consequences of constant surveillance on new parents.

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