Background:
Pregnancy loss is believed to arise in 15–20% of pregnancies and has been linked to numerous physiological and psychological impacts such as grief, anxiety, and depression. Research suggests online communities can offer important social and health support after pregnancy loss. However, users may be increasingly suspectable to health misinformation when engaging with these communities, particularly if there is an absence of a healthcare professional moderating the content. Aims:
The aim of this research is to examine the experience of interacting with health information on online communities for pregnancy loss, to understand how it impacts health and well-being. Objectives:
To conduct a thematic analysis on qualitative survey and interview data that explores individuals’ experience of interacting with online communities after pregnancy loss. Data collection is ongoing as part of a wider project and aims to gather data from over 120 participants. This specific analysis will examine a sub-set of the data focusing on individuals’ interactions with health misinformation. Research Questions: How do people experiencing pregnancy loss seek health information from online communities? What are the challenges and opportunities that they face when seeking this information? Expected Outcomes: Findings of this study will establish an understanding of the kind of health misinformation users of online communities are exposed to in relation to pregnancy loss. These findings will form the basis of the design of accurate health information forums and safer online communities. This will be developed as part of a wider interdisciplinary project on women’s health and technology.
