Health literacy of mothers accessing child development services: a model of information use
Winnie Cheung A F , Jeanette Davey B , Winsome St John C D , Carmen Bydeveldt B and Shareen Forsingdal EA Occupational Therapy, Child Development Service – Bayside, Children’s Health Queensland, Redland Health Service Centre, 3 Weippin Street, Cleveland, Qld 4163, Australia.
B Occupational Therapy, Child Development Service – Bayside, Children’s Health Queensland, Wynnum Health Service Centre, 128 Whites Road, Lota, Qld 4179, Australia.
C Population and Social Health Research Program, Griffith Health Institute, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Qld 4222, Australia.
D School of Nursing and Midwifery, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Qld 4222, Australia.
E Speech Pathology, Child Development Service – Bayside, Children’s Health Queensland, Wynnum Health Service Centre, 128 Whites Road, Lota, Qld 4179, Australia.
F Corresponding author. Email: winnie.cheung@health.qld.gov.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 22(6) 497-504 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY15021
Submitted: 10 February 2015 Accepted: 28 September 2015 Published: 27 April 2016
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.
Additional keywords: : developmental delay, family-centred practice, home therapy programs, paediatric therapy.
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