117A digital resource for enhancing parental health literacy during the transition to parenthood. (2nd September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Middleton, Nicos; Kolokotroni, Ourania; Christodoulides, Veronica; Hadjigeorgiou, Eleni; Gourounti, Claire; Leinweber, Julia; Gouni, Olga; Lykeridou, Katerina; Sarantaki, Antigoni; Karanikola, Maria; Nicolaou, Christiana; Kouta, Christiana; Bachetta, Britta; Papain, Shabira; Pedersen, Eline; Baum, Alison
• Is Part Of: International journal of epidemiology. Volume 50(2021)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2021-09-02
• Subjects: Epidemiology -- Periodicals; 614.4
• DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyab168.438
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-5771

Abstract

Abstract: Background: While the transition to parenthood is critical for mother-child health, traditional antenatal education has been questioned. Digital resources provide opportunities for reducing social disparities and enhancing health literacy, particularly important in a medicalized and decentralized birth environment with high caesarean and low breastfeed rates. Methods: Within a Participatory Action Research (PAR) framework, formative qualitative and quantitative methods were employed to assess the cross-national transferability of Baby Buddy (UK), and deliver a locally relevant resource to inform, enhance user-provider communications and support shared decision-making. Results: Using consensus-building and priority-setting techniques, we engaged with the local health professional community and parents-to-be to assess available resources, identify gaps and priorities in an eDelphi survey (N = 275 mums, 193 professionals) and gain an in-depth understanding on information-seeking behaviours and participation in decision-making in a series of focus groups with antenatal educators (N = 20) and new mums/ mums-to-be (N = 62). New material was co-created with participants and an intervention for embedding the tool in clinical practice was proposed within the COM-B behavioural change framework. Conclusions: The project is a "proof of concept" for exchange of innovation and a "complimentary" model of maternal healthcare delivery. Beyond a learning experience for the participants, the use of PAR provided ground for building transdisciplinary alliances. Key messages: Other than enhancing health literacy, digital resources can support the educational role of health professionals PAR provides a framework to engage with the community, building a sense of common purpose