Information seeking of pregnant women : a grounded theory approach

Abstract

The primary aim of this study is to define the processes of information seeking used by pregnant women. The questions asked are "How and when do pregnant women seek information, who do they seek information from, and what information do they seek." The study involves 11 participants recruited through a Public Health Nursing District Office. Data collection is achieved using a semi structured interview schedule and tape recorded interviews. -- A grounded theory method of data analysis is used. The data analysis process is adapted from Glaser and Strauss (1967) with procedural guidelines from Chenitz and Swanson (1986). -- Two main processes of information seeking are identified: (a) the Health/Wellness Information Seeking Process (HWISP), that is concerned with information about activities participants used to achieve a healthy pregnancy, and (b) the Problem Initiated Information Seeking Process (PIISP), that is concerned with information about participants' signs and symptoms and suitable remedies. A third process identified is "making sure," the specific process used to confirm the pregnancy. The determinants of information seeking is the pregnant woman's attitude toward the information source, their valuing of a healthy pregnancy outcome, recognition of salient indicators and receiving cues to action. -- The implications of these findings for nurses planning prenatal education programs and other prenatal services are discussed, as well as implications for future research.