The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #43946

Clare Houseman, PhD, RN, CS¹, Joni Taylor McFelea, MS¹, and Ardythe L Morrow, PhD². (1) College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23529-0286, (2) Center for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnett Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45229

The health of children is an important public health concern that requires active participation by parents. Given the time constraints impacting both parents and health professionals, efficient communication between both groups is essential. In light of the popularity of the Internet and the abundance of health information available through it, parents’ use of the Internet and the need for an informational website were explored. In 2000, three focus groups were conducted with 26 parents of children and adolescents residing in three geographic regions in Virginia. Parents were asked to describe their current sources of pediatric health information and what they would like to see available through an Internet-based website. Parents discussed the ways in which they were currently utilizing the Internet to obtain information relevant to the preventive and general health care needs of their children, which included those both with and without chronic illnesses and disabilities. Parents described both positive and negative responses to Internet research from providers and expressed concerns about how parents with limited access to the Internet can be accommodated. They identified ways in which a state website could be more helpful than what is currently available and how to best organize, format, and present information. Parents suggested general content for a website. They specified health information not currently available from their providers and how a website could be used to evaluate health providers, insurers, and services. Depending upon their geographic region, parents expressed more or less need for social support and chat rooms.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants will be able to

(
• describe the types of pediatric health information desired by parents and how parents currently access it; (
• discuss the positive and negative aspects of Internet use as perceived by parents; (
• articulate parent preferences regarding content and process for an Internet-based pediatric health website; and (
• apply the information learned during future interactions with parents, providers, and policymakers.

Keywords: Internet, Pediatrics

Related Web page: None.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Not applicable.
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.