SRFP071: Outcomes of Searching for Online Health and Parenting Information on Behalf of Others: A Mixed Methods Research Study

Reem El Sherif, MBChB, MSc; Roland Grad, MD, CCFP, FCFP; Pierre Pluye, MD, PhD

Abstract

Context: Use of trustworthy online consumer health information (OCHI) is generally associated with benefits, yet barriers such as low health literacy may reduce these benefits. One of the largest groups of OCHI consumers is parents of young children. In addition to OCHI, parents reach out to their social circle for tailored advice, emotional support, and culturally relevant parenting information. However, little is known, about the use of parenting OCHI by the parents’ social circle. Objective: To uncover OCHI outcomes when members of parents’ social circle search for OCHI. Study Design: Convergent mixed methods study. Setting: Online parenting and child health information newsletter and magazine, available at naitreetgrandir.com (N&G). Population studied: Participants who completed a questionnaire about the information presented by N&G between April 13th, 2019 to March 30th, 2021. Instrument: The validated Information Assessment Method (IAM) questionnaire, implemented by N&G since 2015. Main outcome measures: IAM responses on OCHI outcomes by participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and responses compared between parents and their entourage (grandparents, family, friends and neighbours). Qualitative component: 14 parents’ entourage members were interviewed to uncover perceived OCHI outcomes (up to saturation) and thematic analysis was conducted. Quantitative and qualitative components were conducted and analysed separately; results were compared using a joint display to provide a complete picture. Results: 51,320 completed IAM questionnaires (81% by parents) were included in the analysis, pertaining to 1079 N&G webpages (mean 47.6; range 1-637). Entourage members were more likely than parents to report using the information in a discussion with someone else and this led them to being better able to make a decision with those persons. Interviewees described sharing the information they found in some situations or not sharing it to avoid conflict. They used the information to provide support or do something for the parent(s) or child. Sharing information led to improved decision making, improved relationships, less worry and better health outcomes, or in some cases led to tensions. Conclusion: By better understanding how people use information together, health information can be adapted to meet both individual and group needs. Public health interventions aimed at supporting parents can do so by facilitating shared decision making.
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Viv Ramsden
viv.ramsden@usask.ca 11/21/2021

Reem, the results/findings are amazing. It would be interesting to see if this approach builds sustainable behaviour change over time. I look forward to seeing next steps. Best...

Reem
11/21/2021

Thank you so much dear Viv, that's a great point and one that I will explore in the discussion of my thesis. Thank you for your ongoing feedback!

Jack Westfall
jwestfall@aafp.org 11/21/2021

Terrific poster and presentation. Thanks for your work.

Reem
11/21/2021

Thank you so much Jack!

Gillian Bartlett
gillian.bartlett@health.missouri.edu 11/21/2021

Fantastic progress on your PhD Reem - this is even more relevant today than when you started!! Wonderful presentation.

Reem
11/21/2021

Thank you so much Jill, you've always been our biggest cheerleader ❤

William R. Phillips
wphllps@uw.edu 11/22/2021

Great work. Sophisticated study of one of the most important processes in primary care. Nice poster. Wish it was a live poster session so I could hear from you more about recent findings and their implications. Great work. Thanks for sharing your work here at NAPCRG. - Bill Phillips

Reem El Sherif
11/23/2021

Thank you so much Bill! Hopefully next year I can share more about my final results in-person.

Diane Harper
harperdi@med.umich.edu 11/22/2021

Thank you for sharing your work with NAPCRG!

Reem El Sherif
11/23/2021

Thank you so much Diane, always a pleasure to present at NAPCRG!

Pierre Pluye
11/22/2021

Great video, very hellpful:)!

Reem El Sherif
11/23/2021

Thank you dear Pierre :)

Andy Pasternak
avpiv711@sbcglobal.net 11/27/2021

Interesting topic- just wondering why you picked this area to focus on? I think it's great but I'm just interested to hear the story behind it

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