TY  - JOUR
AU  - El Sherif, Reem
AU  - Pluye, Pierre
AU  - Paquet, Virginie
AU  - Ibekwe, Fidelia
AU  - Grad, Roland
PY  - 2023
DA  - 2023/4/28
TI  - How People Use Web-Based Parenting Information to Support Others in Their Social Circle: Qualitative Descriptive Study
JO  - JMIR Pediatr Parent
SP  - e40043
VL  - 6
KW  - consumer health information
KW  - information seeking behavior
KW  - child development
KW  - child health
KW  - information outcomes
KW  - health information
KW  - digital health
KW  - parenting
KW  - web-based information
AB  - 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. 
SN  - 2561-6722
UR  - https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2023/1/e40043
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2196/40043
UR  - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37115603
DO  - 10.2196/40043
ID  - info:doi/10.2196/40043
ER  -