The impact of online information on health related quality of life amongst women with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum

Saleh, Amani
Sykes, Catherine

Amani Saleh, MSc health psychology, City University, London. Dr. Catherine Sykes, senior lecturer, City University, London.

Saleh A, Sykes C. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, vol 24, no 2, June 2014, pp 179–185.

MIDIRS Midwifery Digest 24(2):p 179-185, 2014.

ORIGINAL

Objective:

To address difficulties women face when attempting to manage nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) and hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) and to attempt to understand the effectiveness of online information and coping strategies.

Methods:

Sixty-four women who were currently experiencing NVP or HG in their pregnancy participated. We obtained baseline scores from the Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy Quality of Life (NVPQOL) questionnaire, provided an online information leaflet, and then obtained a second NVPQOL score two weeks later. Total scores of NVPQOL were obtained by summing up 30 items. Qualitative data were obtained regarding knowledge, use and usefulness of strategies provided in the leaflet.

Results:

A significant decrease in NVPQOL scores was observed (p < 0.05), which indicated an improved quality of life. Participants, who reported use of the suggested coping strategies such as keeping a diary of food intake and their experience, reported it as being helpful in coping with their condition. However, further information was requested regarding possible medications.

Conclusions:

It was effective and helpful to provide women experiencing NVP and HG with information and coping strategies.

Practice implications:

Online coping information could be a valuable component of NVP and HG interventions that aim to enhance health-related quality of life.