A qualitative examination of women's experiences with risk information exchange during pregnancy: similarities in experiences across a multi-state U.S. Based sample. (2nd October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Richards, Sharlene T.; Basnyat, Iccha
• Is Part Of: Journal of communication in healthcare. Volume 14:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 324
• Page End: 332
• Publication Date: 2021-10-02
• Subjects: Information Seeking Behavior -- emotions -- pregnancy complications -- information dissemination -- decision making; Communication in medicine -- Periodicals; Communication -- Periodicals; Health promotion -- Periodicals; 610.696
• DOI: 10.1080/17538068.2021.1947095
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1753-8068

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: This qualitative study examines women's experiences with risk information exchange during their pregnancy. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 women (aged 25–38) from September 2018 to February 2019. A non-random purposive sample of women who had given birth in the past year was invited to participate in the study. Women were invited by reaching out to personal contacts as well as through sending out a bulk institutional email, posting on mothers' Facebook groups' pages, and by giving out flyers to OB/mid-wife offices. The women represent an educated sample, and nearly half of the participants reported experiencing complications. Thematic analysis was conducted, with researchers individually engaging in open coding, and then collectively engaging in selective coding across multiple analysis sessions. Results: Thematic analysis showed that all the women had different information preferences. Women who had a prior history of pregnancy risk reported engaging in active information seeking. All of the women in this study felt that information was withheld from them, with the exception of information about C-sections, birth plans, and genetic testing. Some women also reported that information was withheld from them when complications occurred during the pregnancy. Lastly, the data illustrate a need for verifying underlying emotions during information exchange as noted by all women. Conclusions: Women in this study reported varying preferences for information exchange. The women reported unmet information needs. The women highlight the need for providers to attend to emotions during information exchange.