Neue Medien für Eltern früh- und krank neugeborener Kinder

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

People in Germany are increasingly searching the internet for answers on health-related topics. Therefore, cyberspace is offering a room for exchange between people with similar health-related issues. Alongside chats and forums those affected are also using social networks like Facebook. As the numbers of users on social networks rise steadily, it can be presumed that there is also a rise in the number of families of premature and ill newborns exchanging information on said networks. However, there are no facts supporting this presumption. The results of a survey of a Facebook group for families of premature and ill newborn children show that two thirds of the members are actively taking part in that particular group. This group is used mainly for staying in touch with other parents to exchange experiences and, if necessary, to get help and support after having been discharged from the hospital. This user behavior and the presumably underlying motives of parents of premature and ill newborn children searching for an exchange in cyberspace are meeting the fundamental characteristics of self-help, which for itself already fulfills its role, but in addition to it could encourage people to use real-life help.

Translated title of the contribution
New media for parents of preterm and ill newborn children

Details

Original languageGerman
Pages (from-to)652-661
Number of pages10
JournalGynakologische Praxis
Volume44
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - 2018
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Parent groups, Premature delivery, Social networks, Virtual self-help