@Article{info:doi/10.2196/40043,
author="El Sherif, Reem
and Pluye, Pierre
and Paquet, Virginie
and Ibekwe, Fidelia
and Grad, Roland",
title="How People Use Web-Based Parenting Information to Support Others in Their Social Circle: Qualitative Descriptive Study",
journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent",
year="2023",
month="Apr",
day="28",
volume="6",
pages="e40043",
keywords="consumer health information; information seeking behavior; child development; child health; information outcomes; health information; digital health; parenting; web-based information",
abstract="Background: Almost two-thirds of the North American population have searched for health information on the web, and the majority report searching on behalf of someone else in their social circle, a phenomenon referred to as proxy seeking. Little is known about how proxy seekers use web-based health information and the outcomes they experience. Objective: The main aim of this study was to explore why proxy seekers used a parenting website on behalf of parents in their social circle and the outcomes they reported. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in the context of a partnership with a web-based parenting resource to explore the contexts and motivations for proxy web-based health information seeking, use of information, and subsequent outcomes. A total of 14 participants who self-identified as family members, friends of parents of young children, or professionals who worked with young children were interviewed, and a thematic analysis was conducted. Results: The following 4 reasons for proxy seeking were uncovered: for reassurance, out of personal curiosity, as part of a professional role, or following an explicit request from the parents. Information was used to provide informational support for parents or material support for a child. Positive outcomes of using the information and some of the resulting interpersonal tensions were described. Conclusions: This study provides an in-depth look at proxy seeking behavior and outcomes among users of a web-based parenting resource. ",
issn="2561-6722",
doi="10.2196/40043",
url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2023/1/e40043",
url="https://doi.org/10.2196/40043",
url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37115603"
}