| Summary: | Introduction
Relevant and accurate information during the transition to parenthood is
vital for active participation in decision-making. The aim of the study was to gain an indepth
understanding of informational support and information-seeking practices among
women in Cyprus during the transition to parenthood with a focus on the use of the
internet and informed decision making.
Methods
Qualitative descriptive exploratory design of 12 focus groups with 64
participants representing different language-cultural groups served by the Baby Buddy
Cyprus app. A topic guide covering expectations, experiences and practices guided the
discussions. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis.
Results
Seven themes and several subthemes emerged. In an ‘unsupportive system’,
‘void’ of informational support, pregnant women strive to have a ‘confident voice’. They find
themselves ‘self-navigating in parallel worlds’ of formal and informal information, where the
internet holds a prominent place. ‘Supplementing and filtering’, instinctively and selectively,
results in a state of ‘doubt and faith’ towards the trustworthiness of the information but
also healthcare providers. Effective communication with providers is needed to break
the cycle, but seems dependent on the self-efficacy of the women themselves (‘art of
communication’). Women ‘deconstruct and reimagine’ their experiences, often assigning
responsibility on themselves for not having been better prepared.
Conclusions
Women want control over decisions affecting their pregnancy. While
the internet is a prevalent source of information, they value communication with
healthcare providers and want direction. A shift is needed from current practices of
unguided information-searching. Maternity healthcare professionals need to recognize
this phenomenon, offer appropriate guidance, and support active participation in informed
decision-making.
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