Seeking Health in a Digital World: Exploring Immigrant Parents’ Quest for Child Health Information—A Scoping Review

Annina E. Zysset, Patricia Schwärzler and Julia Dratva ()
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Annina E. Zysset: Departement of Health, Institute of Public Health, ZHAW Zürich University of Applied Sciences, 8401 Winterthur, Switzerland
Patricia Schwärzler: Departement of Health, Institute of Public Health, ZHAW Zürich University of Applied Sciences, 8401 Winterthur, Switzerland
Julia Dratva: Departement of Health, Institute of Public Health, ZHAW Zürich University of Applied Sciences, 8401 Winterthur, Switzerland

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 19, 1-22

Abstract: During pregnancy and early parenthood, parents’ strong interest in pediatric health information presents a valuable opportunity to positively impact long-term health-seeking behavior and overall child health. In line with the increasing prevalence of digital transformation, a scoping review was conducted to explore two key aspects: (1) information seeking and use of digital health information among immigrant parents, and (2) associated reasons and factors. The literature search covered the period until July 2022, using Web of Science, MEDLINE, and CINAHL Complete databases. Out of 625 articles, 12 were included, comprising six qualitative, five quantitative studies, and one review. The majority of studies focused on immigrants in North America, primarily from Latin America and Asia. The studies varied in topics and methodologies, making it challenging to draw general conclusions. Nevertheless, while most immigrant parents rely on digital information on child health, they often prefer human sources such as family, friends, or healthcare providers. Trustworthiness and accessibility emerged as critical criteria for health resources. Two focus group discussions, derived from the results of the review, confirmed these findings for migrant mothers in Switzerland.

Keywords: migrants; digital health; information seeking; child health; maternal and child health (MCH) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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