JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

In early childhood allergy prevention (ECAP) parents act on behalf of their children. Parental health literacy as well as the availability of high-quality information – both online and ‘offline’ – are crucial for effective ECAP. Recent research highlights three main points: First, parents need sufficient HL to discriminate between high-quality and low-quality information. Second, ECAP information behaviors may vary between phases of childhood development and according to individual circumstances. Third, to strengthen user-centeredness of available services, a better overview of parents’ information practices and needs, but also insights into how they handle uncertainties and changing recommendations is required.

Objective:

This study aims to explore why, how and when parents search for and apply ECAP-specific health information; which individual (e.g. understanding of advice) and organizational challenges (e.g. information services, information complexity, changing recommendations) they perceive and how they handle them; and which needs and preferences they express for (future) information formats and contents. The findings should inform the practical design of ECAP information, as well as formats and channels specific to different parent groups.

Methods:

The above-named issues will be explored with parents in four German cities as one element in our efforts to cover the spectrum of perspectives. Based on a mixed methods design including qualitative and quantitative parts, the first year serves to prepare focus groups, a piloted focus group guide, a short, standardized survey adapted from The European Health Literacy Project (HLS-EU), recruitment channels and the recruitment of participants. After conducting the n=20 focus groups in year two, data will be analysed (constant comparison method) in year three. We will then derive practice implications on channels (where?), formats (how?) and contents (what?) of ECAP-specific information, and discuss and consent them with parents and associated project partners before its dissemination to relevant ECAP actors, e.g. child care institutions and paediatrics.

Results:

We began by pre-selecting recruitment channels, drafting of recruitment and study information for potential participants, and agreed on a first full version of the guideline. We then compiled a detailed contact list (n=386) of health professionals, administrative and social institutions, and relevant social media channels to be approached for assistance in contacting parents. The recruitment was postponed due to COVID-19 and will start in November 2020.

Conclusions:

ECAP is a relevant example for assessing how users (parents) handle not only health information as such, but moreover the various and continuous changes, uncertainties and controversies attached to them. So far, it is unclear how parents implement respective scientific recommendations and expert advice, which is why we aim to inform those who communicate ECAP messages to parents.