Health literacy of mothers accessing child development services: a model of information use

Abstract

This study aimed to explore how mothers use information in home therapy programs within child development services. A grounded theory study using semistructured interviews was conducted with 14 mothers of children aged 3-6 years accessing occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech pathology services for developmental needs. A conceptual model of mothers' information use was developed. Findings showed that the mothers went through a cyclical process of information use and decision making: acquisition (collaboration, learning preferences), appraisal (understanding, relevance), application (capacity, resourcefulness) and review (evaluation, modification), with contextual factors including information characteristics, environment, personal characteristics and relationships. Mothers who used information effectively had a sense of confidence, control and mastery, and were empowered to apply information to make decisions and adapt their child's home therapy. This study adds to knowledge about health literacy, specifically how mothers interpret and use health-related information at home. Findings will enable health professionals to address families' unique health literacy needs and empower them to support their child's optimal development, functioning and participation at their stage of life.research; tables/charts. Journal Subset: Australia & New Zealand; Double Blind Peer Reviewed; Expert Peer Reviewed; Peer Reviewed; Public Health. Special Interest: Pediatric Care. Grant Information: This work was financially supported by the Griffith University Primary Health Care Research Evaluation and Development Program, Brisbane Australia which is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and Child & Youth Community Health Services (South), Bayside, Queensland Health.. NLM UID: 101123037. <br />