Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #105569

Gala True, PhD¹, Nora Madison-Thompson, BA¹, Arnold W. Cohen, MD², and Charles R.B. Beckmann, MD, MHPE³. (1) Einstein Center for Urban Health Policy and Research, Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, One Penn Blvd., Wister Tower Suite 4442, Philadelphia, PA 19144, 215-951-8137, madisonn@einstein.edu, (2) Chairman, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, 5501 Old York Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19141, (3) Director, Medical Education and Residency Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, 5501 Old York Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19141

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to establish feasibility of an Internet-based education intervention to improve pregnancy outcomes among a population of low-income, urban women. Methods: Over 100 web sites with information related to pregnancy and pre-natal care were evaluated according to a number of criteria, including readability, quality of information, authorship, and appeal to a diverse patient audience. In addition, a survey on Internet access and use of the Internet to search for health information was conducted with 306 patients at an urban Ob/Gyn clinic. Results: Of the web sites reviewed, more than half met the criteria for quality and accuracy of information, while less than one-third were readable at an 8th grade level or below. The survey revealed that nearly half of the pregnant patients (48%) had a computer at home. Thirty-eight percent reported that they had Internet access at home, while 80% said they were able to access the Internet at other locations such as the library. Although 90% reported past used of the Internet, less than half had used the Internet to search for health-related information. Discussion: Any web-based intervention must develop methods for directing patients toward high quality and user-friendly sites. While a surprisingly high percentage of urban low-income pregnant patients use the Internet, a smaller number use the Internet to access health information. There is an opportunity to provide pregnant patients with skills and incentive to access information related to pregnancy and pre-natal care, which may lead to improved pregnancy outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize criteria for evaluating quality of information and readability of web sites on pregnancy and pre-natal care.
• Identify barriers and facilitators to implementation of an Internet-based education progam for pregnant women.
• Articulate skills and knowledge linked to improvment of pregnancy outcomes.

Keywords: Internet, Pregnancy Outcomes

Related Web page: www.einstein.edu/HOW

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.