1- Master of Science in Health Information Technology, School of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Student Researches Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
2- Associate Professor, Department of Health Information Sciences, School of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
3- Ph.D. Candidate in Health Information Management, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Health Information Management Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran , Farrahir1@gmail.com
Abstract: (3439 Views)
Background and Aim: The online social networks as new and widespread sources of information have been able to facilitate the accessibility of people to health information. The aim of this study was to determine the use of online social networks and their role in sharing health information among pregnant women.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in Kerman in the winter of 2017. The study participants were the pregnant women referring to 21 gynecologists’ private offices in Kerman city. Data were collected by a researcher-made questionnaire. The validity of this questionnaire was confirmed by 4 medical informatics and health information management specialists, and its reliability (71%) was estimated with Cronbach's alpha. Data were analyzed by SPSS using descriptive statistics and analytical tests.
Results: In general, 89% of pregnant women used online social networks and more than 80% of them used it daily. Moreover, more than 57% used these networks for the related information about health and pregnancy period care, and almost 68% of pregnant women considered these networks useful.
Conclusion: This study showed the widespread use of online social networks among pregnant women in Kerman city. If accurate and trustworthy information bits were shared in such networks, they could provide an appropriate platform to improve the awareness, knowledge and health literacy of pregnant woman, and facilitate the exchange of information and experience among them.
Type of Study:
Original Research |
Subject:
Health Information Technology ePublished: 1399/07/23