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More and more pregnant women in industrialized countries are turning to the internet as their primary source of information about pregnancy (Romano, 2007). This study explores the use of the internet by Israeli pregnant women. Guided by the Uses and Gratifications Perspective as the theoretical framework, this study employs a qualitative approach, using semi-structured in-depth interviews with 50 Israeli pregnant women. The interviews serve as a basis for obtaining a deeper understanding of Israeli women’s online needs, communicative practices, and perceived challenges associated with internet use during pregnancy.The findings of this study indicate perceived advantages and challenges of using the internet for pregnancy-related purposes. This study underscores the prominence of various informational needs fulfilled by the internet and sheds light on pregnancy related issues motivating Israeli pregnant women to go online. These issues include: information on prenatal tests, information on fetal development, information related to the physical symptoms involved with pregnancy, information about nutrition during pregnancy, and information focused on health care providers’ recommendations. Additionally, the findings of this study illuminate the significant role of online pregnancy support forums as a venue for obtaining emotional and social support for Israeli pregnant women.As for the role of internet within doctor-patient interaction, this study does not simply celebrate internet use as an empowering activity for patients; the study also calls attention to possible negative implications of this practice for doctor-patient interaction and emphasizes the complexity of communicating internet use during interactions with health care providers. This dissertation contributes to Uses and Gratifications research in the context of internet use, research on doctor-patient interaction in light of the internet, and research on online health information seeking. In addition to its theoretical implications, this study offers practical suggestions for health care providers, website content writers, and Israeli pregnant women who utilize the internet for pregnancy-related purposes. |
