Researchers have long noted a reliance of low-income women on nonprofessional sources of advice on pregnancy. Yet little is known today about the content of lay health advice and how friends and relatives may complement or counteract messages from health professionals on matters related to diet, drinking alcohol, and smoking. This study examines the role of female friends and relatives ('confidantes') as advice givers during pregnancy. Methods: A questionnaire was verbally administered to 225 pregnant women enrolled in the WIC program and focus group discussions were held with nine of their confidantes. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected on the types of advice confidantes give to women during pregnancy, the frequency of this advice, and how it differs from doctors' in its persuasiveness, content, and quality. Results: Data revealed important differences in the characteristics of advice provided by doctors and confidantes. Survey results indicated that pregnant women considered advice from doctors to be generally more persuasive. Focus group discussions clarified that trust in doctors related to the medical knowledge they provided on specific problems that arose. Confidantes, in contrast, were valued for their daily comfort and first-hand experience on general health-related matters. Relatives were often expected to share similar experiences in pregnancy, which added to the value of their advice. Conclusions: Established levels of trust and comfort may lead pregnant women to seek advice from their confidantes first, before approaching doctors. Reliance of low-income women on confidante advice and experience is important to consider in the development of pregnancy interventions.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. Identify the relative influence of female friends and relatives ('confidantes') as advice givers during pregnancy as compared to doctors. 2. Describe the qualitative differences in the health advice given by confidantes as compared to doctors. 3. Assess the importance of considering confidante advice in the development of pregnancy interventions
Keywords: Pregnancy, Interventions
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.