INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOR OF EXPECTANT MOTHERS IN SOCIAL MEDIA FORUMS IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

Awareness of health information needs, sources of health information, and barriers to accessing health information among pregnant women is critical for the development of health interventions, and providing high-quality prenatal care for them. Hence, the aim of this study was to address a gap in the literature by exploring the use of social media by pregnant women, specifically to examine the use of Facebook to fulfill pregnancy-related information sharing and retrieval. The study was conducted employing a mixed method in two phases using simple random sampling. In the first phase, data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 120 expectant mothers registered in six selected MoH offices in the Colombo district. In the second phase, a subset of questionnaire participants (n = 25) were interviewed to substantiate findings. Data were analysed descriptively using SPSS. The most pressing problems of barriers to information acquisition were identified as lack of support from healthcare providers and no opportunities to discuss sensitive topics. The top main reasons that motivated mothers to turn to Facebook for health information were the acquisition of detailed information, learning from others’ experiences, and obtaining confirmation of already known facts. Nutrition, fetal development, and vitamins and tests were among topics searched greatly. Postpartum preparation, maternity goods, selection of doctors and hospitals, do’s and don’ts during pregnancy, and complications were cross-checked, as multiple experiences and views needed to be examined and evaluated before making choices and decisions. Importantly, psychological and behavioural changes were the most sought. Significantly, respondents believed that effective Facebook groups encouraged mothers in their journey towards motherhood by dispelling information confusion, imparting new knowledge, fostering self-confidence, holding members accountable, discussing delicate subjects, and providing emotional support.