Abstract

Objective

This study examines the effect of risk perception and socio-demographic and obstetric factors on the level of decision-making of pregnant women via the internet.

Method

This study employed a cross-sectional and analytical design and was conducted online with 384 pregnant women living in Turkey. Data were collected using descriptive information forms, such as the decision-making scale via the internet on pregnancy and the perception of pregnancy risk scale. Descriptive statistics, including percentages and means, as well as multiple linear regression analysis, were utilized to analyze the data.

Results

As the risk perception in pregnancy increased, the level of decision-making via the internet increased (β=0.118 p=0.000). Among pregnant women experiencing pregnancy-related health issues, a significant increase in decision-making via the internet was observed (β=0.092, p=0.046). As the age of women increased (β=-2.623 p=0.013) and income was perceived to be equal to expenses (β=-1.499, p=0.011) or more than expenses (β=-1.953, p=0.023), decision-making via the internet during pregnancy decreased. Unwanted pregnancy has a “reducing” effect of approximately two times on online decision-making (β=-1.919 p=0.026). The number of pregnancies, education and family type were found to have no statistical effect on decision-making (p>0.05).

Conclusion

As the risk perception increases in pregnant women, online decision-making also increases. Factors such as some socio-demographic and obstetric factors affect online decision-making of pregnant women.