The Use of Social Media for Preconception Information and Pregnancy Planning among Young Women.

Helen Skouteris,Melissa Savaglio

doi:10.3390/jcm10091892

Helen Skouteris, Melissa Savaglio

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10091892

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Abstract

Young women of reproductive age (18–25 years) often seek and engage with health-related information via social media. However, the extent to which this population group seek preconception and pregnancy-related information has not been explored. Therefore, this study aimed to: (1) examine the proportion, type, and frequency of social media use to seek general health, preconception, and pregnancy-related information or advice among young women; and (2) explore the relationship between age, education status, relationship status, and planning a pregnancy on social media use for preconception and pregnancy-related health information. Ninety-one Australian women aged 18–25 years completed an online survey about their patterns and preferences of social media use for this information. Forty percent of women used social media for general health information (most often daily), 32% for preconception health advice (most commonly weekly), and 20% for pregnancy-related information (most often weekly), with Facebook the most frequently used platform. Planning a pregnancy within the next 5 years and younger age were associated with greater likelihood of using social media for such information. It is necessary that social media platforms are leveraged to disseminate preconception and pregnancy planning health advice, support, and education to provide better health promotion and preventive care to young women.

Highlights

IntroductionWith advances in social media and technology in recent years, young women of reproductive age (i.e., 18–25 years old) are turning to social media for health-related information, such as lifestyle advice, that was usually exclusively sought directly from health care providers, family, peers, or printed media [2]
Use of established social media platforms for preconception and pregnancy health information remains significantly lower than specific mobile apps, such as those related to pregnancy, which are routinely used by approximately 55–75% of pregnant women [17,18]
In terms of frequency of use, social media was utilised daily for general health information, and weekly for information relating to pregnancy or preconception health

Summary

Introduction

With advances in social media and technology in recent years, young women of reproductive age (i.e., 18–25 years old) are turning to social media for health-related information, such as lifestyle advice, that was usually exclusively sought directly from health care providers, family, peers, or printed media [2]. This age group of young women have the highest rate of social media use and engagement [3]. Social media refers to internet-based social network platforms and media sharing sites or mobile phone applications (apps) that allow individuals to communicate, share content, and collaborate, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter [4,5]

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