Exploring health information needs and preferences of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women during pregnancy: A mixed methods study

Objectives
Pregnancy is associated with increased health information needs. Migrant, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women face increased barriers accessing credible, timely and culturally appropriate health information. We explored health information preferences and navigation of digital information to identify current gaps and opportunities to better meet the needs of this population during pregnancy.
Methods
A mixed-methods design explored pregnancy-related information needs, preferences and engagement with digital health resources. Semi-structured interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis, and findings were triangulated with quantitative findings to explore common and emerging themes.
Results
Overall, 17 participants, with a mean age of 32.2 (4.5) years, born in South, East and Southeast Asia, were recruited. While primary healthcare providers were considered the most trustworthy source of information, health information was primarily sourced digitally for reasons including ease of readability (77%) and, interactive and engaging features (59%). Thematic analysis of interviews identified themes: of 1/ blended use of informal and formal sources for health information, 2/ cultural preferences in maternal health information, 3/ the influence of cultural beliefs and practices on maternal health behaviours and decision making, 4/ visual and interactive digital resources as a learning preference and 5/ accessing information between antenatal care interactions.
Conclusions
migrant women of CALD background prefer easily accessible, visual, interactive, and culturally tailored online health information during pregnancy. Results emphasise the role of healthcare providers as a conduit to credible and reliable digital information. Co-designing digital health tools is critical in this population to promote culturally responsive, relatable and engaging health information during pregnancy.
Practice Implications
Findings reinforce the need for health systems and practitioners to co-design and co-produce equitable and accessible pregnancy health resources that meet the needs of all women during pregnancy. This includes ensuring resources not only consider language translation, but ensure information is culturally appropriate, inclusive, relatable, trustworthy and engaging.