Volume 28, Issue 5 (Iran South Med J 2026)
Iran South Med J 2026, 28(5): 864-878 |
Back to browse issues page
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Zarei M, Zarei A, Zarea Gavgani V, Zare-Farashbandi F. Barriers and Facilitators Information of Pregnant Women's: A Scoping Review. Iran South Med J 2026; 28 (5) :864-878
URL: http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-2454-en.html
URL: http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-2454-en.html
1- Health Information Technology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2- Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch, Hamedan, Iran
3- Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
4- Health Information Technology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran ,f_zare@mng.mui.ac.ir
2- Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch, Hamedan, Iran
3- Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
4- Health Information Technology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran ,
Abstract: (8 Views)
Background: Despite the large volume of published health information, pregnant women still face barriers to accessing pregnancy-related resources. The aim of the present study is to identify barriers to and facilitators of information for pregnant women by reviewing resources in this field.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as a scoping review. English and Persian databases were searched to retrieve articles, theses, research projects, and governmental reports pertaining to the study objectives. Of the 2,135 initial records, after a two-level screening process by six individuals (including four primary reviewers with a kappa agreement coefficient of 0.82 and two specialists for resolving disagreements), 23 studies were ultimately included in the final analysis.
Results: The following barriers emerged from a review of the studies: contradictory information on a single topic regarding pregnancy; confusion, worry and anxiety when facing a large volume of information; financial constraints; low health literacy; lack of professional information search skills; limited access to healthcare providers (nurses, midwives, doctors); low social support from family, friends, and peers. On the other hand, healthcare providers, use of social media, launching and introducing reputable websites and systems in the field of pregnancy, support from families, friends, and acquaintances were some of the facilitators of providing information for pregnant women.
Conclusion: Information barriers and facilitators for pregnant women are a multidimensional issue. Empowering pregnant women to access and evaluate health information requires the cooperation among health and information sector officials, individuals and the community.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as a scoping review. English and Persian databases were searched to retrieve articles, theses, research projects, and governmental reports pertaining to the study objectives. Of the 2,135 initial records, after a two-level screening process by six individuals (including four primary reviewers with a kappa agreement coefficient of 0.82 and two specialists for resolving disagreements), 23 studies were ultimately included in the final analysis.
Results: The following barriers emerged from a review of the studies: contradictory information on a single topic regarding pregnancy; confusion, worry and anxiety when facing a large volume of information; financial constraints; low health literacy; lack of professional information search skills; limited access to healthcare providers (nurses, midwives, doctors); low social support from family, friends, and peers. On the other hand, healthcare providers, use of social media, launching and introducing reputable websites and systems in the field of pregnancy, support from families, friends, and acquaintances were some of the facilitators of providing information for pregnant women.
Conclusion: Information barriers and facilitators for pregnant women are a multidimensional issue. Empowering pregnant women to access and evaluate health information requires the cooperation among health and information sector officials, individuals and the community.
Keywords: Pregnant women, pregnancy, health, information sources, information barriers, information facilitators
Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
Gynecology
Received: 2025/10/23 | Accepted: 2026/04/13 | Published: 2026/05/25
Received: 2025/10/23 | Accepted: 2026/04/13 | Published: 2026/05/25
Send email to the article author
| Rights and Permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
