Abstract:

This study aimed to examine the relationship between internet use and fear of childbirth in pregnant women. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 385 pregnant women who were referred to a hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using a personal information form and the Women Childbirth Fear – Prior to Pregnancy Scale (WCF-PPS). The WCF-PPS total mean score of the pregnant women was 38.04±10.49 (17-60) and there was a weakly significant positive correlation between their WCF-PPS total score and duration of daily internet use. In addition, there was a statistically significant relationship between their WCF-PPS total mean score, the issues searched on the Internet about pregnancy/childbirth, the status of believing in the accuracy of the information they obtained on the Internet, the status of confirming this information by health professionals, and the status of having concerns about this information (p<0.05). It is recommended that health professionals be aware of the information needs of pregnant women and take appropriate initiatives in this regard.

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