The information source preferences and information monitoring behaviour of pregnant women in Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

Introduction. Pregnant women rely on information during pregnancy for better health outcomes. This paper investigates pregnant women's interests in services that can offer health literacy and health information through appropriate sources and channels. Method. An exploratory study was conducted in 2015 using explanatory sequential mixed methods to investigate thirty-seven women visiting two private gynaecological practices in Pretoria, South Africa. Questionnaires and an interview schedule were used for data collection. Analysis. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used for data analysis. McKenzie's two-dimensional everyday-life information practices model was slightly adapted as theoretical framework. Results. Knowledge of pregnant women’s most preferred information sources and channels by care providers can improve maternal and infant health. Participants mostly reported some interests in information monitoring and current awareness services using mobile technologies. Pregnant women desire information monitoring on a one-off basis and/or an on-going basis. Conclusions. Information monitoring can assist with the promotion of patient-centred information and provision of reliable and new information especially by means of freely available sources. The emphasis in more affluent communities was more on well-being than maternal and infant mortality.