DFG Research Unit FOR 2959
Health Literacy in Early Childhood Allergy Prevention (HELICAP)
Sub-project 4: User Needs
Background
Expectant parents look for health information for their child for various reasons, e.g. about medical examinations or to find out about family dispositions and the associated risks for their children. Aspects of health literacy (HL), information behavior, and the availability and quality of information can significantly influence parents' ability to seek and use information. Research shows that parents need sufficient health literacy, not least to filter high-quality information from low-quality information. For the development and implementation of good information and information channels, knowledge about the information behavior and preferences of parents is needed, evidence on these aspects is still scarce. It is to be expected that the GK, different phases of life, individual previous experiences and socio-cultural aspects influence the search for information and the handling of information.
Objectives
The objectives of the work package (WP) are to investigate 1) the awareness, knowledge and relevance of information on early childhood allergy prevention (ECAP) for parents and their handling of changing recommendations, 2) needs and preferences, 3) current information and search behavior, 4) influences of GK on information and prevention behavior, and 5) possible socio-cultural aspects. This will be considered for parents with different allergy risks and at different stages of life. The questions will be examined in focus groups at four locations (Hanover, Dresden, Freiburg, Regensburg). Based on the results, 6) information materials tailored to the needs of parents will be developed and key messages formulated along different communication channels.
Methods and procedure
In the first year of the project, preparations will be made for the implementation of 16 focus groups at the various locations (methodological approach, guidelines, dramaturgy, recruitment materials, selection of participants, testing of materials). The focus groups will then be conducted in the first and second year, supplemented by four additional groups regarding the assessment of the digital information sources evaluated in WP4. In accordance with the research questions, the data will be analyzed in the 3rd year using established qualitative and quantitative methods. Based on the results, communication channels and key messages will be developed for different groups of parents.
The planning and implementation of this WP will be developed in close cooperation with and based on the preliminary results of other WPs. We are working closely with "WP3 Health Professionals" on the target group perspectives, as well as with "WP4 Digital Health Information" on the role of digital health information. There is a connection to "WP7 Epidemiology" regarding the influence of parental HL on their information behavior.
Project management
This subproject is coordinated and implemented by Prof. Marie-Luise Dierks in collaboration with Jonas Lander. The HELICAP research group is led by Prof. Christian Apfelbacher (University Hospital Magdeburg) and Prof. Eva-Maria Bitzer (University of Education Freiburg).
Funding
https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/409800133?context=projekt&task=showDetail&id=409800133&
@HELICAP5