Peer-Reviewed Journal Details
Mandatory Fields
Escañuela Sánchez, Tamara; Meaney, Sarah; O’Donoghue, Keelin
2020
September
Journal Of Communication In Healthcare
Stillbirth and risk factors: an evaluation of Irish and UK websites
Published
Optional Fields
Stillbirth Behavioural risk factors Websites Online health information Online health information seeking Stillbirth information seeking
1
10
Background: Research indicates that the internet is used to source health-related information, including pregnancy-related information. The aim of this study was to examine websites targeted at the pregnant population and to assess the content therein relating to stillbirth and modifiable risk factors. Methods: The study was limited to websites hosted in Ireland and the UK, and results organized by provider and topic. A codebook was designed to record the information found on the websites. Data were collected on different website characteristics, and a search was undertaken for basic information related to stillbirth (prevalence, causes, procedures, consequences, etc.), and information relating to modifiable risk factors (smoking, alcohol/drug use, medicines use, sleep position, attendance at antenatal care, and weight management). Results: 92 websites were included in the study, of which 39.1% (n?=?36) contained basic information about stillbirth and 29.3% (n?=?27) contained information related to modifiable risk factors. Only one website (1.1%) contained all the information that was sought. Websites hosted by charities were more likely to contain basic information related to stillbirth, (39.3%, n?=?11 of the 28 websites hosted by charities) whereas the commercial sites were more likely to contain information about modifiable risk factors (53.3%, n?=?8 of the 15 commercial sites). Conclusion: The results of this study illustrate that websites directed at the pregnant population are a poor source for information related to stillbirth. Some stillbirth risk factors are modifiable; therefore, it is crucial that women and stakeholders can avail of reliable sources of information to make informed decisions.
1753-8068
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17538068.2020.1807887
10.1080/17538068.2020.1807887
Grant Details
Science Foundation Ireland
grant number 12/RC/2272