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Beilby K, Hammarberg K. ChatGPT: a reliable fertility decision-making tool? Hum Reprod 2024; 39:443-447. [PMID: 38199794 PMCID: PMC10905498 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The internet is the primary source of infertility-related information for most people who are experiencing fertility issues. Although no longer shrouded in stigma, the privacy of interacting only with a computer provides a sense of safety when engaging with sensitive content and allows for diverse and geographically dispersed communities to connect and share their experiences. It also provides businesses with a virtual marketplace for their products. The introduction of ChatGPT, a conversational language model developed by OpenAI to understand and generate human-like text in response to user input, in November 2022, and other emerging generative artificial intelligence (AI) language models, has changed and will continue to change the way we interact with large volumes of digital information. When it comes to its application in health information seeking, specifically in relation to fertility in this case, is ChatGPT a friend or foe in helping people make well-informed decisions? Furthermore, if deemed useful, how can we ensure this technology supports fertility-related decision-making? After conducting a study into the quality of the information provided by ChatGPT to people seeking information on fertility, we explore the potential benefits and pitfalls of using generative AI as a tool to support decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiri Beilby
- Education Program in Reproduction and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karin Hammarberg
- Global and Women’s Health, School of Public and Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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2
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Cassinelli EH, McClure A, Cairns B, Griffin S, Walton J, McKinley MC, Woodside JV, McGowan L. Exploring Health Behaviours, Attitudes and Beliefs of Women and Men during the Preconception and Interconception Periods: A Cross-Sectional Study of Adults on the Island of Ireland. Nutrients 2023; 15:3832. [PMID: 37686864 PMCID: PMC10490475 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Preconception health is increasingly seen as a key target for improving population health in the UK and Ireland, yet little is known about the attitudes and beliefs of adults regarding preconception care strategies. This online cross-sectional survey aimed to explore the health behaviours, attitudes and beliefs of adults of reproductive age in regard to preconception health and care. The survey was developed by reviewing the previous literature and engaging with those from the target group. It is one of the first surveys to assess the attitudes and beliefs of adults of reproductive age across the Island of Ireland regarding preconception health and care. Results from 386 individuals with a mean age of 29.9 ± 10.3 years were included. A variety of health behaviours, attitudes and beliefs were investigated, with differences being identified between women and men and between participants with or without children (i.e., in the preconception or interconception stage). The majority of respondents held beliefs that preconception care was important, but there was greater emphasis on women than men in terms of the need to engage in health-promoting preconception health behaviours. This study highlights the need to improve preconception health awareness in women and men in the preconception and interconception stage. Findings indicate that efforts to improve preparation for pregnancy among adults of childbearing age are needed, to ensure optimal engagement in preconception health behaviours, with efforts being tailored based on sex and parental status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma H. Cassinelli
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Abby McClure
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
| | - Ben Cairns
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
| | - Sally Griffin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, T12 P928 Cork, Ireland
| | - Janette Walton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, T12 P928 Cork, Ireland
| | - Michelle C. McKinley
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Jayne V. Woodside
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Laura McGowan
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
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3
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Grace B, Shawe J, Stephenson J. A mixed methods study investigating sources of fertility and reproductive health information in the UK. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2023; 36:100826. [PMID: 36842189 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2023.100826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the different sources used by individuals when seeking fertility information in order to understand what's working, what isn't, and opportunities for improvement. METHODS A mixed-method study was conducted via UK-wide cross-sectional survey and semi-structured interviews. 1082 survey-participants were recruited nationwide via online-newspaper and social-media adverts. Of those who agreed to follow-up interview, 35 were purposively sampled to reflect the diversity of gender, age-range, ethnicity and education. Tableau software was used for surveys and NVIVO for interviews. Interview data was transcribed and analysed via thematic framework analysis. RESULTS Sources of information identified included: school-education; healthcare-professionals; internet, social-media, smartphone-apps, online-forums and blogs; family, friends, and communities; books, magazines, newspapers; fertility-products; workplace, communities and sexual-health clinics/centres, charities, and third-party organisations. Participants reported varying levels of access, reliability, and trust, in relation to these sources. Interview themes around veracity showed that healthcare-professionals were highly trusted but not easily accessible. The internet was very popular due to accessibility and perceived anonymity but untrusted, and "the plethora of information can be overwhelming." There were recurring themes around discomfort. A respondent recalled that her first discussion of sex with her mother was on her wedding night stating, "…Mum, I'm 28! And you're just discussing this with me now?" CONCLUSIONS School education remains a consistent but sometimes inadequate source of fertility information. In addition to online-platforms and products based on robust scientific evidence, opportunities for improvement include using underexploited sources, such as workplace and community settings, with training for providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Grace
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK.
| | - J Shawe
- Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Devon, UK; Department of Development & Regeneration, University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - J Stephenson
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK
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Westerbotn M, Sormunen T. Male Infertility Information on Swedish Fertility Clinics’ Websites: An Evaluation of Readability, Suitability, and Quality. JOURNAL OF CONSUMER HEALTH ON THE INTERNET 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/15398285.2023.2168396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Taina Sormunen
- Department of Health Promoting Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
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5
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De Jonge CJ, Gellatly SA, Vazquez-Levin MH, Barratt CL, Rautakallio-Hokkanen S. Male Attitudes towards Infertility: Results from a Global Questionnaire. World J Mens Health 2023; 41:204-214. [PMID: 36047077 PMCID: PMC9826912 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.220099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In general, men are less likely to seek health care than women. Infertility is a global disease that afflicts approximately 15% of reproductive age couples and the male contributes to 40% of the diagnosable cause. Remarkably, no large or multi-national population data exist regarding men's perceptions about their infertility. The purpose of this study was to advance our knowledge about the infertile male's social experience regarding: (1) how they feel about their infertility, (2) what motivated them to seek health care, (3) how likely are they to talk with others about their infertility, (4) their awareness of male infertility support groups, and (5) what their primary source for information is regarding male infertility? Based on the results from this study, these simple questions now have clearer definition. MATERIALS AND METHODS An Institutional Review Board-approved, male-directed, anonymous questionnaire translated into 20 languages was made globally available through the Fertility Europe website (https://fertilityeurope.eu). Males (n=1,171) age 20-49 years were invited to complete the online survey after informed consent. RESULTS Most respondents were European (86%). Of European men, <15.8% were self-motivated to seek medical help. Further, their physician was not the primary source of information regarding their infertility. While most men (59%) viewed their infertility positively, a large majority were not very likely (73%) to talk about it. Most respondents indicated a lack of awareness or absence of male infertility support groups. CONCLUSIONS These are the first multi-national population data revealing men's feelings about their infertility, what motivates them to seek help and their awareness of resources for peer support and information. These findings also serve to highlight significant gaps that exist in the provision of male reproductive health care and in supportive resources for men suffering from infertility. We offer recommendations on how to address the problem(s).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mónica H. Vazquez-Levin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET-FIBYME; CDRossi, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Lu Y, Barrett LA, Lin RZ, Amith M, Tao C, He Z. Understanding Information Needs and Barriers to Accessing Health Information Across All Stages of Pregnancy: Systematic Review. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2022; 5:e32235. [PMID: 35188477 PMCID: PMC8902674 DOI: 10.2196/32235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding consumers' health information needs across all stages of the pregnancy trajectory is crucial to the development of mechanisms that allow them to retrieve high-quality, customized, and layperson-friendly health information. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to identify research gaps in pregnancy-related consumer information needs and available information from different sources. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of CINAHL, Cochrane, PubMed, and Web of Science for relevant articles that were published from 2009 to 2019. The quality of the included articles was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program. A descriptive data analysis was performed on these articles. Based on the review result, we developed the Pregnancy Information Needs Ontology (PINO) and made it publicly available in GitHub and BioPortal. RESULTS A total of 33 articles from 9 countries met the inclusion criteria for this review, of which the majority were published no earlier than 2016. Most studies were either descriptive (9/33, 27%), interviews (7/33, 21%), or surveys/questionnaires (7/33, 21%); 20 articles mentioned consumers' pregnancy-related information needs. Half (9/18, 50%) of the human-subject studies were conducted in the United States. More than a third (13/33, 39%) of all studies focused on during-pregnancy stage; only one study (1/33, 3%) was about all stages of pregnancy. The most frequent consumer information needs were related to labor delivery (9/20, 45%), medication in pregnancy (6/20, 30%), newborn care (5/20, 25%), and lab tests (6/20, 30%). The most frequently available source of information was the internet (15/24, 63%). PINO consists of 267 classes, 555 axioms, and 271 subclass relationships. CONCLUSIONS Only a few articles assessed the barriers to access to pregnancy-related information and the quality of each source of information; further work is needed. Future work is also needed to address the gaps between the information needed and the information available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Lu
- School of Information, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Laura A Barrett
- School of Information, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Rebecca Z Lin
- Washington University School of Medicine at St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Muhammad Amith
- School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Cui Tao
- School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Zhe He
- School of Information, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
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Miner SA, Gelgoot EN, Lahuec A, Wunderlich S, Safo D, Brochu F, Dawadi S, Robins S, Bernadette S, O’Connell L, Chan P, Ells C, Holzer H, Lo K, Mahutte N, Ouhilal S, Rosberger Z, Tulandi T, Zelkowitz P. “Who needs an app? Fertility patients’ use of a novel mobile health app”. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221102248. [PMID: 35646384 PMCID: PMC9131380 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221102248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The number of couples experiencing infertility treatment has increased, as has the number of women and men experiencing infertility treatment-related stress and anxiety. Therefore, there is a need to provide information and support to both men and women facing fertility concerns. To achieve this goal, we designed a mhealth app, Infotility, that provided men and women with tailored medical, psychosocial, lifestyle, and legal information. Methods This study specifically examined how fertility factors (e.g. time in infertility treatment, parity), socio-demographic characteristics (e.g. gender, education, immigrant status), and mental health characteristics (e.g. stress, depression, anxiety, fertility-related quality of life) were related to male and female fertility patients’ patterns of use of the Infotility app. Results Overall, the lifestyle section of the app was the most highly used section by both men and women. In addition, women without children and highly educated women were more likely to use Infotility. No demographic, mental health or fertility characteristics were significantly associated with app use for men. Conclusion This study shows the feasibility of a mhealth app to address the psychosocial and informational needs of fertility patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skye A Miner
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Sociology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Eden N Gelgoot
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Alix Lahuec
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Samantha Wunderlich
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Darryl Safo
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Felicia Brochu
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Shrinkhala Dawadi
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Stephanie Robins
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Laura O’Connell
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Peter Chan
- McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Carolyn Ells
- Department of Medicine McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Hananel Holzer
- Department of Medicine McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Kirk Lo
- Mount Sinai Hospital University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | - Zeev Rosberger
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Togas Tulandi
- Department of Medicine McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Phyllis Zelkowitz
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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8
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Kruglova K, O'Connell SBL, Dawadi S, Gelgoot EN, Miner SA, Robins S, Schinazi J, Zelkowitz P. An mHealth App to Support Fertility Patients Navigating the World of Infertility (Infotility): Development and Usability Study. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e28136. [PMID: 34636741 PMCID: PMC8548975 DOI: 10.2196/28136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The experience of infertility and its treatment engenders considerable stress and is often described as an emotional rollercoaster. A mobile health (mHealth) app may be a novel solution to address the psychoeducational and psychosocial support needs of fertility patients because of its potential to reduce stress and increase patient empowerment. There are a few fertility-related apps that provide information and support to both men and women undergoing fertility treatment; however, none have documented their development and evaluation process. Objective This study aims to describe the development and evaluation process of a bilingual mHealth app, Infotility, designed to meet the psychoeducational and psychosocial support needs of men and women undergoing fertility treatment. Methods To develop the Infotility app, we adhered to the Medical Research Council guidelines for the development and evaluation of complex interventions. First, we conducted literature reviews and needs assessment surveys of fertility patients and health care providers who informed the content and design of the app. Second, we tested the intervention with a small group of end users who provided feedback on the design and appropriateness of the app’s content. Third, we evaluated the uptake and usability of the app using a pre-post study design. Finally, we updated the app’s content based on participants’ feedback and searched for partners to disseminate the app to the broader public. Results This study is the first to describe the development and evaluation process of an mHealth app for men and women undergoing fertility treatment. The app met its goal in providing fertility patients with a clinician-approved, portable resource for reliable information about medical and psychosocial aspects of infertility and its treatments and a confidential peer support forum monitored by trained peer supporters. Participants rated the engagement, functionality, information, and esthetics of the app positively, with an overall app quality mean score of 3.75 (SD 0.53) and a star rating of 3.43 (SD 0.75), with a total possible score and star rating of 5.00. Conclusions By documenting the systematic development and evaluation of the mHealth app for men and women undergoing fertility treatment, this paper can facilitate the replication of the study intervention and the development of similar mHealth apps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katya Kruglova
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Siobhan Bernadette Laura O'Connell
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Shrinkhala Dawadi
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Eden Noah Gelgoot
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Skye A Miner
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stephanie Robins
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Joy Schinazi
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Phyllis Zelkowitz
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Negris O, Lawson A, Brown D, Warren C, Galic I, Bozen A, Swanson A, Jain T. Emotional stress and reproduction: what do fertility patients believe? J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:877-887. [PMID: 33548005 PMCID: PMC8079591 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02079-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To better understand the beliefs about a causal role of emotional stress maintained by women seeking fertility care. METHODS A cross-sectional, self-administered survey was distributed to fertility care patients at an academic fertility center in Illinois. Of 5000 consecutive patients, 1460 completed the survey and were included in the study sample. RESULTS Members of our sample (N = 1460) were between 20 and 58 years (mean = 36.2, SD = 4.4). Most respondents were White (72.2%), were in a heterosexual relationship (86.8%), and felt that their physician understood their cultural background (79.4%). Of the sample, 28.9% believed emotional stress could cause infertility, 69.0% believed emotional stress could reduce success with fertility treatment, and 31.3% believed that emotional stress could cause a miscarriage, with evidence of significant racial differences. Less than a quarter (23.8%) of the sample believed emotional stress had no impact on fertility. Lower household income and educational attainment were associated with a greater belief in emotional stress as a causative factor in reproduction with regard to infertility, fertility treatment, and miscarriage. CONCLUSION The majority of women seeking fertility care believe emotional stress could reduce the success of fertility treatment. Furthermore, beliefs about emotional stress and reproduction significantly differ based on race/ethnicity, income, and education. Particular attention should be paid to specific groups of women who may more likely not be aware of the lack of a proven biological relationship between emotional stress and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Negris
- Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Angela Lawson
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dannielle Brown
- Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christopher Warren
- Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Isabel Galic
- Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alexandria Bozen
- Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Amelia Swanson
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tarun Jain
- Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Northwestern Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, 676 North St Clair St, Suite 2310, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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10
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Tippett A. Life on pause: An analysis of UK fertility patients’ coping mechanisms after the cancellation of fertility treatment due to COVID-19. J Health Psychol 2021; 27:1583-1600. [PMID: 33685265 PMCID: PMC9092918 DOI: 10.1177/1359105321999711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In March 2020, fertility clinics across the UK began cancelling all assisted
reproductive technology (ART) treatment, with the Human Fertilisation and
Embryology Authority (HFEA) stopping all ART treatment from going ahead beyond
the 15th April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This article examines the
coping mechanisms adopted by fertility patients during this time, focussing on
the emotional support received from online fertility forums and fertility
clinics during the indeterminate wait for treatment to resume. The study draws
upon an online survey which assessed the mental health and wellbeing of 124
female fertility patients whose ART treatment was cancelled due to the
Coronavirus pandemic. The findings indicate a potential for improved
communication between fertility clinics and patients in order to reduce
psychological stress and isolation during the postponement of ART treatment,
alongside better utilisation of online platforms as mechanisms for support. This
article adds to the growing body of knowledge concerned with the implications of
denying reproductive rights to the infertility community during a global
pandemic. It also contributes to sociological discussions on the support
mechanisms available to those navigating infertility and the wider social
management of uncertainty.
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Lu Y, Zhang Z, Min K, Luo X, He Z. Pregnancy-Related Information Seeking in Online Health Communities: A Qualitative Study. DIVERSITY, DIVERGENCE, DIALOGUE : 16TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE, ICONFERENCE 2021, BEIJING, CHINA, MARCH 17-31, 2021 : PROCEEDINGS. ICONFERENCE (CONFERENCE) (16TH : 2021 : ONLINE) 2021; 12646:18-36. [PMID: 35274109 PMCID: PMC8907008 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-71305-8_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy often imposes risks on women's health. Consumers are increasingly turning to online resources (e.g., online health communities) to look for pregnancy-related information for better care management. To inform design opportunities for online support interventions, it is critical to thoroughly understand consumers' information needs throughout the entire course of pregnancy including three main stages: pre-pregnancy, during-pregnancy, and postpartum. In this study, we present a content analysis of pregnancy-related question posts on Yahoo! Answers to examine how they formulated their inquiries, and the types of replies that information seekers received. This analysis revealed 14 main types of information needs, most of which were "stage-based". We also found that peers from online health communities provided a variety of support, including affirmation of pregnancy, opinions or suggestions, health information, personal experience, and reference to health providers' service. Insights derived from the findings are drawn to discuss design opportunities for tailoring informatics interventions to support consumers' information needs at different pregnancy stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Lu
- Florida State University, Tallahassee FL 32306, USA
- Pace University, New York NY 10038, USA
| | | | | | - Xiao Luo
- Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Zhe He
- Florida State University, Tallahassee FL 32306, USA
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12
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Sbaffi L, King K. Living with Endometriosis: The Role of the Internet in Supporting the Diagnosis and Treatment Process. JOURNAL OF CONSUMER HEALTH ON THE INTERNET 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/15398285.2020.1816803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sbaffi
- Information School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Kathleen King
- Information School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Pathology, Letterkenny University Hospital, Letterkenny, Ireland
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13
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Garg R, Rebić N, De Vera MA. Information Needs About Cancer Treatment, Fertility, and Pregnancy: Qualitative Descriptive Study of Reddit Threads. JMIR Cancer 2020; 6:e17771. [PMID: 33263547 PMCID: PMC7744261 DOI: 10.2196/17771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A reproductive health implication of the increasing incidence of cancer among women is the impact of cancer treatment on fertility. OBJECTIVE As patients are increasingly using the internet, particularly online forums, to seek and share experiences, our objective was to understand information needs about cancer treatment, fertility, and pregnancy of women with cancer as well as their caregivers. METHODS We searched threads (original posts and responses) on four subreddit sites of Reddit ("r/Cancer," "r/TryingForABaby," "r/BabyBumps," and "r/Infertility") over a 5-year period between February 4th, 2014 and February 4th, 2019. Threads with original posts involving a lived experience or question regarding cancer treatment and female fertility and/or pregnancy or parenting/having children from the perspective of either patient or caregiver were included in our analysis. We analyzed threads using thematic analysis. RESULTS From 963 Reddit threads identified, 69 were analyzed, including 56 with original posts by women with cancer and 13 with original posts by caregivers. From threads made by patients, we identified themes on becoming a part of an online community, impacts of cancer treatment and fertility concerns on self and social relationships, making family planning decisions, and experiences with medical team. We also identified a theme on the impact of cancer treatment and fertility concerns on caregivers. CONCLUSIONS Reddit provided a rich pool of data for analyzing the information needs of women facing cancer. Our findings demonstrate the far-reaching impacts of cancer treatment and fertility on physical, mental, and psychosocial health for both patients and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ria Garg
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nevena Rebić
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Arthritis Research Canada, Richmond, BC, Canada
| | - Mary A De Vera
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Arthritis Research Canada, Richmond, BC, Canada
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Yin R, Neyens DM. Online Health Resource Use by Individuals With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Analysis Using the National Health Interview Survey. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e15352. [PMID: 32969831 PMCID: PMC7545328 DOI: 10.2196/15352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The internet has enabled convenient and efficient health information searching which is valuable for individuals with chronic conditions requiring some level of self-management. However, there is little research evaluating what factors may impact the use of the internet for health-related tasks for specific clinical populations, such as individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases. Objective Our goal was to investigate the factors that influence internet use in acquiring health information by individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases. Specifically, we identified factors associated with internet searching behavior and using the internet for completing health-related tasks. Methods We used 2016 National Health Interview Survey weighted data to develop logistic regression models to predict the likelihood that individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases would use the internet for 2 types of tasks: seeking health information through online searches and using the internet to perform health-related tasks including scheduling appointments and emailing care providers. Results 2016 National Health Interview Survey weighted data include more than 3 million weighted adult respondents with inflammatory bowel diseases (approximately 1.29% of adults in the weighted data set). Our results suggest that approximately 66.3% of those with inflammatory bowel diseases reported using the internet at least once a day, and approximately 14.7% reported being dissatisfied with their current health care. About 62.3% of those with inflammatory bowel diseases reported that they had looked up health information online, 16.3% of those with inflammatory bowel diseases reported that they had scheduled an appointment with a health care provider online, and 21.6% reported having used a computer to communicate with a health provider by email. We found that women who were self-regulating their care were more likely to look up health information online than others. Both middle-aged and older adults with inflammatory bowel diseases who were unsatisfied with their current health care were less likely to look up health information online. Frequent internet users who were worried about medical costs were more likely to look up health information online. Similarly, the results from our statistical models suggest that individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases who were frequent internet users were more likely to use the internet for specific health-related tasks. Additionally, women with inflammatory bowel diseases who reported being married were less likely to use the internet for specific health-related tasks. Conclusions For those with inflammatory bowel diseases, there are additional socioeconomic and behavioral factors that impact the use of the internet for health information and health-related tasks. Future research should evaluate how these factors moderate the use of the internet and identify how online resources can support clinical populations in ways that improve access to information, support health self-management, and subsequently improve health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Yin
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States
| | - David M Neyens
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States
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