The impact of the Internet on maternal dscisions during pregnancy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What is the impact of the Internet on maternal choices and Decision-Making during pregnancy.
IRAS ID
141497
Contact name
Steven Trenoweth
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of West London
Research summary
Why? For the last decade different publications and studies have suggested that the Internet has become the most popular source of health information among the prospective mothers. However, an inadequate skill of locating and discerning quality information poses a potential threat to the healthcare decision-making. Therefore it is important to understand how, why and when the mothers will access the Internet, what kind of information they are seeking for and how that knowledge forms the decisions they are making during their pregnancy.
How? The study will last for eleven months where the data will be collected, analysed and synthesised to be prepared for publication. During that time the participants will be involved for the maximum period of two weeks where completing the Questionnaire will take approximately one hour. Should the participant decide to withdraw from the study, there will be further action taken.
What? Online health information search and the impact of that on the quality of maternal health services required/expected by expecting mothers.
Who? The nature of the study automatically identifies the participant’s group: pregnant women age between 18 and 50. The study will approach mothers-to-be at their first appointment with a midwife and there will be no exclusions with regards to the number of existing children, religion, ethnicity or any other status.
Where? There will be no additional distressing factors involved, as the study is designed to mimic the natural environment as much as possible and allow the participant to take part as being in their own settings where they would usually access the Internet. A link to the Survey Monkey software will be sent to the participants, with short instructions on how to access and complete the Questionnaire. Survey Monkey is software used in many healthcare surveys and poses no danger to the participant or the equipment [PC].
REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/0239
Date of REC Opinion
15 Apr 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion