Evaluating the Breastfeeding Information Websites for Korean Adolescents

한국청소년의 모유수유 관련 건강교육을 위한 e-정보전략

  • 송용 (성균관대학교 대학원 무역학과) ;
  • 김애정 (혜전대학 식품영양과) ;
  • 이윤수 (한국성과학연구소) ;
  • 유태우 (서울대학교병원 가정의학과) ;
  • 강남미 (건국대학교 간호학과)
  • Published : 2007.12.31

Abstract

Internet websites are excellent resources for younger people to gain information related to breastfeeding. So in this study, we evaluated the breastfeeding knowledge of university students, as well as the currently available website information on breastfeeding. Among the criteria, the six most important evaluation categories for the breastfeeding information on websites were selected and identified. The study participants completed the modified Williams and Hammer's tool, in order to evaluate their breastfeeding knowledge. An additional tool took into consideration the website breastfeeding information criteria, to evaluate the Korean websites. This 34 item tool was categorized into milk supply, comfort during breastfeeding, health of the baby and mother, social support, presentation of message, and products or financial motivation. Thirty-seven websites related to breastfeeding were evaluated, and the results were then discussed by nursing students. The students in this study were not knowledgeable on breastfeeding management with regard to the expression and storage of breast milk, the prevention and care of sore nipples, or use of breastfeeding aids. The breastfeeding information found on the Korean websites received positive evaluations for milk supply, comfort during breastfeeding, and health of the baby and mother. However, the educational content on social support, the message presentation, and the product areas on websites were rare or required additional information from breastfeeding specialists. In conclusion, based on our empirical survey, we need to design websites and evaluation tools for accurate website information regarding the social and economic benefits of breastfeeding, so that Korean women are better motivated to breastfeed by the information they obtain through the Internet.

Keywords

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