Assisted reproductive technology (ART) patient information-seeking behavior: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 13% of women in the United States of reproductive age seek infertility services. Assisted reproductive technology (ART), including in vitro fertilization, is used to help patients achieve pregnancy. Many people are not familiar with these treatments prior to becoming patients and possess knowledge gaps about care. METHODS: This study employed qualitative methods to investigate how patients interact with information sources during care. Patients who underwent ART including embryo transfer between January 2017 and April 2022 at a large urban healthcare center were eligible. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted between August and October 2022. Fifteen females with an average age of 39 years participated. Reflexive thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS: Two main themes emerged. Participants (1) utilized clinic-provided information and then turned to outside sources to fill knowledge gaps; (2) struggled to learn about costs, insurance, and mental health resources to support care. Participants preferred clinic-provided resources and then utilized academic sources, the internet, and social media when they had unfulfilled information needs. Knowledge gaps related to cost, insurance, and mental health support were reported. CONCLUSION: ART clinics can consider providing more information about cost, insurance, and mental health support to patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Massachusetts General Hospital Institutional Review Board approved this study (#2022P000474) and informed consent was obtained from each participant.

Knowledge level and health information-seeking behavior of people with diabetes in rural areas: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

Introduction: There is a lack of research on the current level of diabetes knowledge and health information-seeking behaviors among patients with diabetes in rural areas of China's economically underdeveloped regions during COVID-19, as well as a lack of up-to-date evidence on glycemic control and the incidence of complications among rural patients with diabetes. Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of glycemic control and complications among patients with diabetes in rural areas, to explore the current status and correlation of diabetes knowledge level and health information-seeking behavior, and to analyze the factors affecting diabetes knowledge level. Methods: From January 2022 to July 2022, we conducted a screening on diabetic complications and a questionnaire survey among 2,178 patients with diabetes in 15 county hospitals in rural areas of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The patients' knowledge level and health information-seeking behavior were investigated. Spearman correlation analysis was used to assess the correlation between diabetes knowledge and health information-seeking behavior. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to test how demographic information and health information-seeking behavior influenced the level of diabetes knowledge. Results: Of 2,178 patients with diabetes in rural areas, 1,684 (77.32%) had poor glycemic control, and the prevalence of diabetic complications was estimated to be 72.13%. Patients with diabetes had poor diabetes knowledge and health information-seeking behavior, and there is a strong positive correlation between them. Diabetes knowledge level was influenced by per capita household disposable income, occupational status, gender, age, ethnicity, family history of diabetes, insulin use, glycated hemoglobin, education level, number of complications and health information-seeking behavior. Conclusion: Patients with diabetes in rural areas have poor glycemic control and a high incidence of diabetic complications. Patients with diabetes in rural areas have poor knowledge and inadequate health information-seeking behavior. Systematic and standardized education should be provided to improve patients' diabetes knowledge and thus improve their self-management ability.

Infodemic and sources of information about COVID-19 in a Brazilian population: what are the associated factors?

BACKGROUND: With the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation, and information search have increased dramatically. This increased search for information about the Coronavirus, called infodemic, was greatly affected by fake news and information without scientific evidence. This article aimed to assess the infodemic amid the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with sociodemographic and pandemic-related variables, as well as describe the main sources from which people obtained information about COVID-19. METHODS: A cross-sectional population-based study was performed in Criciúma, Brazil. All individuals aged 18 years or older, residing in the 607 households systematically selected, were invited to answer the questionnaire. Infodemic and sources to seek information about COVID-19 were evaluated, as well as sociodemographic and pandemic-related variables. Adjusted Poisson regression with robust variance was used to evaluate associations. RESULTS: A total of 863 individuals participated in the study. The prevalence of infodemic was 22.1%, and television was the main source of information (58.9%). Three groups presented a higher prevalence of infodemic: older adults (PR: 1.65), individuals with low income (PR: 2.97), and those who had had contact with someone infected (PR: 2.20). CONCLUSIONS: The findings reflect how some groups are more exposed to infodemic, and underline the responsibility and importance of intersectoral actions for dissemination of information about COVID-19.

Clinical Physician Assistant Students' Perceptions of Evidence-Based Medicine Resources: A Cross-Sectional Examination.

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) instruction is required for physician assistant (PA) students. As a follow-up to an initial didactic year survey, this study seeks to understand which attributes of EBM resources clinical PA students find most and least useful, their self-efficacy utilizing medical literature, and their usage of EBM tools in the clinic. Results indicate that students preferred UpToDate and PubMed. PA students valued ease of use, which can inform instructors and librarians. Respondents utilized EBM tools daily or a few days a week, underscoring the importance of EBM tools in real-world scenarios. After their clinical year, students felt moderately confident utilizing the medical literature, emphasizing EBM training.

Attitudes regarding vaccination on the example of COVID-19 prevention.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 vaccines for public use were approved at the turn of 2020 and 2021. The level of vaccination coverage against COVID-19 in Poland is one of the lowest in Europe. Despite scientific studies there are people who are afraid of vaccinations and spread false information about them. Vaccinations against COVID-19 allowed to learn about the attitudes of people who decided to be vaccinated, which can be used to improve the effectiveness of the infectious diseases prevention in the work and public environment. The aim of the study was to analyze the main reasons determining a decision to get vaccinated against COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried on among all the people who decided to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine in Lódz. All vaccinated people completed an anonymous survey containing questions related to the most important factors, which encouraged them to undergo this vaccination. RESULTS: The study involved 945 people vaccinated against COVID-19. Statistical significance was revealed between 3 different reasons (one's own health, stress-free work, safe travelling and easier access to entertainment) for getting vaccinated and age, gender and a form of employment. The authors also found statistical significance of the correlation between the age, gender, education and form of employment of the respondents and the reason for choosing the specific vaccine product. CONCLUSIONS: Despite evidence presented by scientists about the effectiveness and safety of vaccinations, many people refused and still refuse to receive the vaccine. In order to increase the readiness of the population for vaccinations against COVID-19 and subsequent ones, if there is a need to limit new epidemics, the following should be done: introduce activities to raise health awareness, intensify strategies and campaigns aimed at increasing public trust in available vaccines against COVID-19, devolop individualized messages that contribute to vaccine hesitancy. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(2):123-131.

An assessment of information seeking behavior of agricultural agents to retrieve need-based information in Sidama regional state of Ethiopia.

The objective of the current study was to assess the levels of access of agricultural agents in the Sidama Region to agriculture-specific information from researchers and the media and its effect on their confidence in communicating with farmers. The capacity of trained professionals through educational institutions is crucial to empowering rural communities. As a result, up-to-date knowledge is crucial to leverage the agricultural sector since there could be changes in innovations, science, and technologies. To understand such status quo, In the study circumstances, an exploratory sequential mixed design descriptive study was employed. Cluster random sampling was used, and two samples of districts from the region were identified. In-depth interviews, focus groups, and questionnaires were used to gather the data. Based on reoccurring themes, the transcribed qualitative material was documented, classified, and subjected to a thematic analysis. Besides, data obtained from the questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS. The finding indicates that the agents had poor information-seeking behavior. In addition, the agricultural agents had less access to various sources of information including low access to researchers, media and the Internet. Moreover, the agents were dissatisfied with the nature and regularity of the training provided. With the possible influence of lack of access to information and low interaction with researchers, agents' confidence in communicating farm topics to farmers was also found to be less than expected. A significant positive correlation was also found between agent confidence, research linkage, media access, and information-seeking behavior. Above all, development agents were not driven to speak with researchers, explore media sources for information on agriculture, or converse with colleagues about agricultural matters; this showed that most agents merely had basic college-level knowledge. Agents' confidence in speaking with farmers could be strengthened with improved research linkage, media access, and encouragement to seek information.

Online health information seeking behavior, healthcare access, and health status during exceptional times.

Online health information seeking behavior (e-HISB) is becoming increasingly common and the trend has accelerated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic when individuals strongly relied upon the Internet to stay informed by becoming exposed to a wider array of health information. Despite e-HISB having become a global trend, very few empirical investigations have analyzed its potential influence on healthcare access and individuals' health status. In this paper, we try to fill this gap. We use data from the second SHARE Corona Survey, supplemented with data from the previous 8th wave of SHARE, and estimate a recursive model of e-HISB, healthcare access, and individuals' health status that accounts for individuals' unobserved heterogeneity. Our findings suggest that e-HISB can empower individuals to better understand health concerns, facilitating improved health condition management. However, e-HISB can also trigger a chain reaction, as navigating vast amonts of online health information can heighten fear and anxiety. This increased anxiety may lead to higher utilization of medical services, adversely affecting individuals' perceptions of their health.

Information Seeking Behavior and Strategies to Increase Milk Supply Among Breastfeeding Mothers in the United States.

Background: Some breastfeeding mothers try to increase their milk supply through pharmaceutical, dietary, and behavioral strategies that vary in effectiveness. Information seeking behaviors may influence which strategies mothers use. Objective: To describe where mothers obtain information about increasing milk supply, describe the perceived influence of each information source on decision-making about strategies for increasing milk supply, and explore associations between information sources and mothers' use of galactagogues (i.e., pharmaceutical and dietary strategies) and behavioral strategies. Methods: Women who were currently breastfeeding and living in the United States were recruited through Facebook advertisements to complete an online survey between December 2020 and February 2021. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and chi-square tests compared participants' use of galactagogues and behavioral strategies by information sources. Results: Participants were 1,351 breastfeeding mothers (81% non-Hispanic white; 47% first-time breastfeeding; 21% Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children participants). Nearly all participants (97%) obtained information about increasing milk supply from at least one source, most commonly lactation consultants (68%), Facebook (61%), search engines (50%), websites (47%), and nurses (41%). There was high variability in the perceived influence of each source on decision-making. Galactagogue use was higher among participants who obtained information from the internet (Yes: 68% vs. No: 43%, p < 0.000), social media (Yes: 65% vs. No: 40%, p < 0.000), family and friends (Yes: 65% vs. No: 53%, p < 0.000), and lactation consultants (Yes: 63% vs. No: 54%, p < 0.002). Behavioral strategies were more commonly reported among participants who accessed these same sources, maternal health care professionals (Yes: 98% vs. No: 91%, p < 0.000), and pediatricians (Yes: 98% vs. No: 94%, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Breastfeeding mothers commonly obtained information about increasing milk supply from a variety of sources. Information sources accessed were associated with mothers' use of galactagogues and behavioral strategies for increasing milk supply.

A Community Survey of Referral Sources to Identify Primary Care and Gender-Affirming Care Providers.

Introduction: Barriers exist in access to primary care as well as specialty healthcare such as gender-affirming care. Understanding the referral sources used to identify new providers for these types of care can help healthcare systems facilitate access. Methods: Using data from a community-based survey, demographics and information relevant to finding new healthcare providers were assessed. Results: Data from 165 participants suggest that seeking a new primary care provider was perceived as challenging. The most common referral sources for primary care providers were family/friends, a doctor, or a medical center website. The most common referral sources for gender-affirming care providers were a doctor, family/friends, or social media. There were significant differences in the types of referral sources most likely to be utilized for primary versus gender-affirming care. Conclusions: Personal connections, including trusted doctors, can be important sources of provider referrals. Additional resources may be needed to facilitate their ability to make quality connections. Community resources and social media can be important sources when existing social networks may not have knowledge about the needs of particular communities, especially those who may be at risk of discrimination. More inclusive and secure referral sources may be needed to ensure gender-affirming care referrals are made.

The effect of fear on health information searching behavior during the pandemic: The case of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fear can cause people to panic, lead to erroneous decisions, and trigger inappropriate behavior. This study aims to investigate the effects of fear of COVID-19 on the perception of the reliability and the use of health information sources. METHODS: This study is both a cross-sectional and explanatory study. The participants selected by convenience sampling method were 323 students attending a state university in Turkey. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and the Health Information Sources Survey were used as data collection tools. Descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, and linear regression analyses were used. RESULTS: The participants' mean FCV-19S score was 2.30 ± 0.93 on a five-point Likert scale. In the range of 0-10, the information source with the highest reliability perception mean score was the doctor (8.05 ± 2.54), whereas that with the highest usage was the Internet (7.98 ± 2.77). Although the fear of COVID-19 had a negative effect on Internet use (b = -0.38; p < 0.05), the effects on the use of other health information sources were positive (b = 0.37-0.83; p < 0.05). Trust in radio (b = 0.60; p < 0.05) and newspapers/magazines (b = 0.49; p < 0.05) also increased with fear. CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that as university students' fear of COVID-19 increased, the use of the Internet for health information decreased; however, the use of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, other health workers, scientific articles, television, radio, and newspapers/journals increased. Nurses were the source of information whose use increased the most, along with increased fear. The findings can guide health policies to be followed. Not only doctor talks but also nurse talks and scientific videos should be increased on the Internet, social media, and other mass media.

Web-Based Health Information Seeking by People Living With Multiple Sclerosis: Qualitative Investigation of the Multiple Sclerosis Online Course.

BACKGROUND: Digital technologies have afforded people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) access to telehealth consultations, diagnostic tools, and monitoring. Although health care professionals remain the most trusted source of information, the internet has emerged as a valuable resource for providing MS-related information, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, people living with MS are increasingly seeking educational content for a range of topics related to the self-management of MS; however, web-based information seeking remains largely underevaluated. To address this gap and ensure that web-based health-related information is accessible and engaging, this study used qualitative methods to analyze the reflections from participants of web-based educational programs for people living with MS. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the motivations, behaviors, and expectations of web-based health information seeking for people living with MS. METHODS: We conducted semistructured interviews for 38 people living with MS 1 month after they completed the novel MS Online Course, which provided information on modifiable lifestyle-related risk factors for people living with MS. Of the 38 participants, 22 (58%) completed the intervention course and 16 (42%) completed the standard care course. Inductive thematic analysis was used within a qualitative paradigm, and 2 authors coded each interview separately and arrived at themes with consensus. RESULTS: We identified 2 themes: motivation to learn and MS information on the web. The diagnosis of MS was described as a pivotal moment for precipitating web-based information seeking. People living with MS sought lifestyle-related information to facilitate self-management and increase control of their MS. Although social media sites and MS websites were considered useful for providing both support and information, discretion was needed to critically appraise information. Recognizable institutions were frequently accessed because of their trustworthiness. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided novel insights into the motivations of people living with MS for seeking web-based health information. Furthermore, their preferences for the content and format of the web-based information accessed and their experiences and reactions to this information were explored. These findings may guide educators, researchers, and clinicians involved in MS care to optimize the engagement and processing of web-based health information seeking by people living with MS.

Breathing on the job: investigating predictors of air quality protective actions and information seeking among outdoor workers.

BACKGROUND: Air quality issues, exacerbated by wildfire smoke and excessive ozone that is worsened by climate change, pose significant health risks to outdoor workers, who are often overlooked in regulatory protection and communication efforts. This study examined how outdoor worker demographics, risk perceptions, and efficacy beliefs predict air quality protective actions and information seeking. Additionally, it investigates the sources of information that this population relies on for understanding air quality. METHOD: A survey was conducted with 256 outdoor workers in Colorado, a state regularly affected by wildfire smoke and ozone. Measures included demographics, perceived risk, efficacy beliefs, air quality actions, and information seeking behavior. RESULTS: Both perceived risk and efficacy beliefs influenced health-protective actions during poor air quality events. Interestingly, efficacy beliefs were found to be a more reliable predictor of air quality information seeking than perceived risk. The top sources of air quality information among outdoor workers were local news media, The Weather Channel, mobile apps, state public health authorities, and the National Weather Service. CONCLUSIONS: These findings enhance our understanding of how perceived risk and efficacy beliefs promote health-protective behaviors among outdoor workers. They lay the groundwork for future research and initiatives to improve air quality communication and promote health-protective actions for this population group. Promoting the efficacy of health-protective actions and seeking information are important components of air quality communication.

The Role of Technology in Online Health Communities: A Study of Information-Seeking Behavior.

This study significantly contributes to both theory and practice by providing valuable insights into the role and value of healthcare in the context of online health communities. This study highlights the increasing dependence of patients and their families on online sources for health information and the potential of technology to support individuals with health information needs. This study develops a theoretical framework by analyzing data from a cross-sectional survey using partial least squares structural equation modeling and multi-group and importance-performance map analysis. The findings of this study identify the most beneficial technology-related issues, like ease of site navigation and interaction with other online members, which have important implications for the development and management of online health communities. Healthcare professionals can also use this information to disseminate relevant information to those with chronic illnesses effectively. This study recommends proactive engagement between forum admins and participants to improve technology use and interaction, highlighting the benefits of guidelines for effective technology use to enhance users' information-seeking processes. Overall, this study's significant contribution lies in its identification of factors that aid online health community participants in the information-seeking process, providing valuable information to professionals on using technology to disseminate information relevant to chronic illnesses like COPD.

Women with ovarian cancer's information seeking and avoidance behaviors: an interview study.

Objectives: Despite the importance of using information for ovarian cancer (OvCa) disease management and decision-making, some women with OvCa do not actively seek out information. The purpose of this study is to investigate factors that influence information seeking behaviors and information avoidance behaviors and information resources among women with OvCa and their caregivers. Materials and methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with OvCa patients or caregivers of OvCa (n = 20) and employed deductive and inductive coding methodologies for analysis. Results: Our analysis revealed 5 emerging themes associated with active information seeking behavior, 5 themes of passive information acquisition, and 4 themes of information avoidance behavior. Additionally, we identified participants' preferred information sources for OvCa management, such as health organization or government operated resources and web-based social groups. Discussion: To enhance information access, strategies should be developed to motivate people with OvCa to seek rather than avoid information. The study emphasizes the significance of promoting patient-provider communication and leveraging strong social support networks for effective information acquisition. Conclusion: Our findings provide valuable implications for clinical practice and policymaking, emphasizing the need to improve access to information for individuals with OvCa. By addressing the identified factors influencing information seeking behaviors, healthcare professionals and policymakers can better support patients and caregivers in their information-seeking journey, ultimately enhancing disease management and decision-making outcomes.

Reliance on Social Networks and Health Professionals for Health Information in the U.S. Adult Population.

The subpopulation of adults depends on non-online health information sources including their social networks and health professionals, to the exclusion of online sources. In view of the digital divide and health information disparities, the roles of race/ethnicity and digital skills are yet to be explored. A nationally representative sample of 6,830 adults from the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) was analyzed, using binary logistic regression. Black adults and adults with higher digital skills were less likely to be reliant on non-online health information sources, compared to White adults and those with lower digital skills, respectively. Differences in non-online health information source reliance by race/ethnicity and digital skills might be further nuanced by the relevant demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Increasing digital skills may expand one's health information sources to include reliable online sources and empower adults to promote their health.

Internet use by pregnant women during prenatal care

ABSTRACT Objective: The search for medical information on the internet is a part of people's daily lives. Exponential volumes of data are available through various media and platforms. There are several problems related to the ease of creating and accessing medical information on the internet, as evidenced by the quantity of false content and increasing anxiety due to the consumption of these data. In light of this accessibility, it is necessary to understand how people use internet-based medical information and its impact on specific populations. This prospective study aimed to analyze pregnant women's behavior when searching for health-related information on the internet, and how they were influenced by the information. Methods: Questionnaires were administered to the participants during their immediate puerperium, and their answers were tabulated. Results: Three hundred and two patients answered the questionnaires. We observed that internet use was frequent, and most patients discussed the findings with their physicians. However, this did not affect the delivery routes. Conclusion: The search for health information by pregnant women is very prevalent but does not interfere with the delivery route.

The influence of the internet on choices about older adults' health and well-being / A influência da internet nas escolhas sobre a saúde e o bem-estar dos idosos / La influencia de internet en las decisiones sobre la salud y el bienestar de ancianos

ABSTRACT Objectives: to describe the profile of older adults who access the internet to search for health information and identify the factors that can influence older adults' decisions about their health based on information collected online. Methods: 391 older adults answered an online questionnaire regarding habits and satisfaction with information about health collected on the internet. Data processing involved Logistic Regression. Results: higher education reduces by 44% the likelihood of an older adult following the health recommendations on internet sites. However, social activities and self-perceived health increase the possibility of following the recommendations by 83% and 71%, respectively. The belief that the internet promotes healthy habits increases by 29.2 times the probability of an older adult following the advice. Final Considerations: knowing the profile of older adults who use the Internet can help professionals formulate public policies and build good information platforms on health and well-being.

RESUMO Objetivos: descrever o perfil dos idosos que acessam a internet para buscar informações sobre saúde e identificar os fatores que podem influenciar as decisões dos idosos sobre sua saúde com base nas informações coletadas online. Métodos: 391 idosos responderam a um questionário online sobre hábitos e satisfação com informações sobre saúde coletadas na internet. Processamento dos dados envolveu regressão logística. Resultados: ensino superior reduz em 44% a probabilidade de idosos seguirem recomendações de saúde em sites da internet. Porém, atividades sociais e autopercepção de saúde aumentam a possibilidade de seguir as recomendações em 83% e 71%, respectivamente. A crença de que a internet promove hábitos saudáveis aumenta em 29,2 vezes a probabilidade de idosos seguirem os conselhos. Considerações Finais: conhecer o perfil dos idosos que utilizam a internet pode auxiliar os profissionais na formulação de políticas públicas e na construção de boas plataformas de informação sobre saúde e bem-estar.

RESUMEN Objetivos: describir el perfil de los ancianos que acceden a internet para buscar información de salud e identificar los factores que pueden influir en las decisiones de los ancianos sobre su salud a partir de la información recopilada en línea. Métodos: 391 ancianos respondieron a un cuestionario online sobre hábitos y satisfacción con la información de salud recogida en internet. El procesamiento de datos implicó regresión logística. Resultados: la educación superior reduce en un 44% la probabilidad de que un anciano siga las recomendaciones de salud en los sitios web. Sin embargo, las actividades sociales y la salud autopercibida aumentan la posibilidad de seguir las recomendaciones en un 83% y un 71%, respectivamente. La creencia de que internet promueve hábitos saludables aumenta 29,2 veces la probabilidad de que un anciano siga un consejo. Consideraciones Finales: conocer el perfil de los ancianos que utilizan internet puede ayudar a los profesionales a formular políticas públicas y construir buenas plataformas de información sobre salud y bienestar.

Online information-seeking behavior of Iranian web users on Google about Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP): an infodemiology study.

BACKGROUNDS: Previous studies have indicated that users' health information-seeking behavior can serve as a reflection of current health issues within a community. This study aimed to investigate the online information-seeking behavior of Iranian web users on Google about Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP). METHODS: Google Trends (GTr) was utilized to collect big data from the internet searches conducted by Iranian web users. A focus group discussion was employed to identify users' selected keywords when searching for HSP. Additionally, keywords related to the disease's symptoms were selected based on recent clinical studies. All keywords were queried in GTr from January 1, 2012 to October 30, 2022. The outputs were saved in an Excel format and analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS: The highest and lowest search rates of HSP were recorded in winter and summer, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between HSP search rates and the terms "joint pain" (P = 0.007), "vomiting" (P = 0.032), "hands and feet swelling" (P = 0.041) and "seizure" (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings were in accordance with clinical facts about HSP, such as its seasonal pattern and accompanying symptoms. It appears that the information-seeking behavior of Iranian users regarding HSP can provide valuable insights into the outbreak of this disease in Iran.

Parents' Use of Social Media for Health Information Before and After a Consultation With Health Care Professionals: Australian Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Social media is a crucial source of health information for many parents due to its integration into modern life, raising critical concerns for public health. Parents use various social media platforms to find health information for their children, with most information created and shared by parents with no medical or health training. The extent to which parents seek health information from social media before and after a consultation and their motivations for doing so remain underresearched. Objective: This study aimed to investigate Australian parents' use of social media for health information for their children, aged between 6 months and 5 years, before and after consulting with health care professionals. Methods: A representative cross-sectional survey of 1000 Australian parents with children aged 6 months to 5 years was conducted between November and December 2021. Data were cleaned and analyzed using IBM SPSS software. The primary outcomes were (1) parental motivation and prevalence of social media use for health information and (2) parental motivation for using social media before and after a consultation with their child's health care professional. Results: Of the 1000 parents surveyed, 82.2% (n=822) reported using social media for health information for their child. Parents were more likely to consult social media before and after a health consultation if they were aged 30-39 or ≥50 years and born in Australia. Parents with higher levels of education were less likely to consult social media. Parents were motivated to seek health information before a consultation for a variety of reasons, including exchanging opinions and experiences (639/767, 83.3%), having information that is available 24/7 (622/767, 81.1%), receiving emotional support (599/767, 78.1%), having previous positive experiences (597/767, 77.8%), and having friends and family that use social media for health information (577/767, 75.2%). Parents sought information after a consultation to connect with parents with similar experiences (546/794, 68.8%), seek a second opinion (505/794, 63.6%), fact-check information provided by their health care professional (483/794, 60.8%), and look for other treatment options (353/794, 44.5%). Conclusions: Using social media for child health information is part of the modern parenting experience. It can be challenging to discern the quality of health information on social media, leaving parents open to incorrect information and misinformation. Although access to immediate social support is a welcomed feature of social media, receiving incorrect health information can have unwanted consequences for the child, family, health provider, and wider community. The upskilling of parental health literacy to navigate the unique health literacy challenges that social media brings, alongside the creation and delivery of accessible, evidence-based information in varying formats, is urgently required. The provision of this information is the responsibility of every level of the health system, not just the treating health care professional.