JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Typically, online consumer health information is seen more beneficial to people combining high level of education and high income. There is no evidence that equity-oriented online consumer health information benefits equally to all. This is especially important for young children’s parents combining a low level of education and low income who usually have a low level of literacy.

Objective:

This study is based on a conceptual framework of information outcomes. In light of this, it is aimed to (a) compare the low education-income mothers’ perception of outcomes of online parenting information versus other mothers, and (b) explore the low education-income mothers’ perspective on contextual factors and information needs and behavior associated with these outcomes.

Methods:

A participatory mixed methods research was conducted in partnership with academic researchers and 'Naitre et grandir' (N&G) editors. N&G is a magazine, website and newsletter offering trustworthy easy to read/listen/watch parenting information on child development, education, health, and wellbeing. Quantitative component (QUAN): 3-year longitudinal observational web-survey. Participants were mothers of 0-8-y children. For each N&G newsletter, the participants’ perception regarding outcomes of specific N&G web pages was instantly gathered using a content validated Information Assessment Method (IAM) questionnaire. Differences between participants combining low education and low income versus others were estimated. Qualitative component (QUAL): Interpretive. Participants were mothers combining low education and low income. The thematic analysis of interview transcripts identified participants’ characteristics, and different sources of information depending on information needs. QUAN + QUAL integration: Findings from the two components were integrated through the conceptual framework, and assimilated into the description of an ideal-typical mother combining low education and low income (Kate). A narrative describes Kate’s perception of outcomes of online parenting information, and her perspective on contextual factors and information needs and behavior associated with these outcomes.

Results:

(QUAN) 1889 participants completed 2447 IAM responses. N&G information was more likely to help low education-income participants to better understand something, decrease worries, and increase self-confidence for decision-making. (QUAL) The 40 participants used four information sources in an iterative manner: websites, forums, relatives, and professionals. The integration of QUAN and QUAL findings provides a short narrative, Kate, which summarizes main findings.

Conclusions:

This is the first study comparing the low education-income mothers’ perception of information outcomes versus other mothers. Findings suggest equity-oriented online parenting information can benefit equally to all, including mothers combining low education and low income. The ‘Kate’ short narrative can be quickly read by decision-policy makers, e.g., web editors, and might encourage them to reach the underserved, i.e., provide and assess trustworthy easy to read/listen/watch online consumer health information.