The influence of the web in the decision process of the pregnant woman: prenatal screening and type of birth

Authors

  • Marta Ferraz Universidade de Aveiro, Universidade do Porto. Porto, Portugal.
  • Ana Margarida Almeida Universidade de Aveiro, Departamento de Comunicação e Arte. Aveiro, Portugal.
  • Alexandra Matias Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto. Porto, Portugal.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29397/reciis.v9i4.913

Keywords:

Decision-making process, Web, Pregnant woman, Prenatal screening, Birth.

Abstract

This article explores the answers given by pregnant women concerning the options “prenatal screening” and “type of delivery”. The influence of the web on the decision-making processes of pregnant women is analysed, aiming to understand how search practices, peer influence and opinion sharing are carried out on the web. The results are based on data collected through an exploratory survey conducted with a questionnaire applied to 178 Portuguese pregnant women. Although research on the internet has great effect on the respondents, face to face contact is what most influences them, especially with the doctor. Relatives and friends are also relevant. The study pointed to the biggest influence of the doctor’s opinion over the internet in their decision-making process. These results should be useful for pressuring policy-makers to find prompter and better quality answers.

Author Biographies

Ana Margarida Almeida, Universidade de Aveiro, Departamento de Comunicação e Arte. Aveiro, Portugal.

Research Gate

Alexandra Matias, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto. Porto, Portugal.

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Published

2015-12-18

How to Cite

Ferraz, M., Almeida, A. M., & Matias, A. (2015). The influence of the web in the decision process of the pregnant woman: prenatal screening and type of birth. Revista Eletrônica De Comunicação, Informação & Inovação Em Saúde, 9(4). https://doi.org/10.29397/reciis.v9i4.913

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 4 (2015)

Section

Original articles

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