Abstract:
Background: Information-seeking plays an effective role in self-care of pregnant mothers and
the advancement of their quality of life during pregnancy. Pregnant women need more relevant
information about caring themselves, babies and childbirth. Therefore, identifying the
information needs of pregnant women is essential to provide relevant and accurate information.
Objectives: To evaluate the pregnancy, childbirth, and infant care-related information-seeking
of pregnant women admitted to the antenatal wards at Teaching Hospital Mahamodara (THM),
Galle, Sri Lanka.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the pregnant women
admitted to antenatal wards at THM, Galle. Data were collected from 420 pregnant women by
using a pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire which was developed by the principal
investigator. Questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic factors, information needs, sources
and barriers of getting information. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, Chi-square
test and independent sample t-test using SPSS version 25.0.
Results: Of the participants, 138 (32.9%) indicated that they needed ‘much’ information about
pregnancy, childbirth and infant care. Pregnant women needed information mostly regarding
new-born care 158 (37.6%), health and protection of the infant 155 (36.9%), growth and
development of the infant 148 (35.2%) and breastfeeding 142 (33.8%). About 112 (26.7%) of
mothers needed childbirth-related information. The most common information source was
family members 354 (84.3%) and most frequently reported barrier was ‘failure to make a
distinction between correct and incorrect information’ 113 (26.9%). Gravidity (p<0.001) and the
number of children (p<0.001) were significantly associated with the amount of needed
information by pregnant women.
Conclusions: The information needs of the pregnant women were varied. They need more
relevant information regarding pregnancy, childbirth and infant care and mothers need less
information when they got experienced with their pregnancies and motherhood. As health care
professionals were one of the main information sources, more relevant information should be
provided for the pregnant women.
