JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Perinatal women are increasingly turning to digital media for maternal health information; however, concerns regarding the quality of this information persist. Understanding women's perceptions of information quality is essential for enhancing the effectiveness of information services.

Objective:

This review aims (1) to identify the key features that perinatal women focus on and prefer when perceiving the quality of maternal health information on digital media; (2) to summarize the quality issues with maternal health information on digital media that perinatal women have reported.

Methods:

A scoping review was conducted using databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and ScienceDirect to synthesize research on perinatal women's perceptions of the quality of maternal health information available on digital media from 2000 to 2024. Data were synthesized using thematic analysis and reported according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

Results:

From a total of 5290 records identified, 30 articles were selected for inclusion in this review. The perceived quality of information among perinatal women can be categorized into four distinct aspects: (1) quality of information providers, which encompasses two features: transparency and authority; (2) quality of information content, consisting of nine features: trustworthiness, evidence-based, timeliness, comprehensiveness, need-based relevance, practicality, motivational simulation, emotional supportiveness, and cultural sensitivity; (3) quality of information presentation, which includes three features: understandability, attractiveness, and conciseness; and (4) quality of information platforms, comprising 3 features: user-friendly navigation, proactive delivery, and interactivity. Furthermore, several perceived quality issues associated with these aspects are noteworthy. Specifically, (1) quality issues regarding information providers primarily pertain to their lack of credibility; (2) quality issues of information content encompass an overwhelming volume of information, inaccuracies, lack of scientific evidence, prevalence of contradictory information, insufficient breadth and depth, a mismatch between content and the needs of women, and information that induces negative emotions. (3) presentation issues manifest as difficulties in understanding the information; and (4) quality issues of information platforms include poor usability and the commercialization of these platforms.

Conclusions:

Our review identifies 17 key quality features across various dimensions that are valued by perinatal women. While there are similarities with quality indicators found in general health information, the unique quality features shaped by the specific characteristics of the perinatal population cannot be overlooked. These distinctive attributes highlight the importance of tailoring maternal health information to meet the unique needs and preferences of perinatal women.Although digital media information services offer many benefits, this study indicates that women are dissatisfied with the quality of existing maternal health information. Clearly, future efforts should focus on integrating perinatal women's perceptions of information quality to ensure ongoing improvements in information quality.