From womb to world: mapping gut microbiota-related health literacy among Italian mothers, a cross-sectional study.

Breastfeeding Dysbiosis Gut microbiota Health literacy Mothers Pregnant women The first 1000 days eHealth literacy

Journal

BMC public health
ISSN: 1471-2458
Titre abrégé: BMC Public Health
Pays: England
ID NLM: 100968562

Informations de publication

Date de publication:
12 Apr 2024
Historique:
received: 12 12 2023
accepted: 02 04 2024
medline: 12 4 2024
pubmed: 12 4 2024
entrez: 11 4 2024
Statut: epublish

Résumé

The gut microbiota is a key determinant of long-term health. Promoting maternal health literacy may enhance children well-being. Aim of the present study was to assess gut microbiota-related health literacy of Italian women and identify potential gaps in awareness. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted using an online questionnaire (17 questions) on determinants and long-term impact of infant gut microbiota. The survey targeted Italian pregnant women and mothers of children under 2 years old, and was distributed through various social media channels between September 28th and November 15th, 2022. A total score was calculated as the sum of positive answers. Data on demographics, pregnancy status, and pre-existing knowledge of the infant gut microbiota were also collected. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. The questionnaire was completed by 1076 women. Median total score was 9 [7-11]. The 81.7% of respondents declared prior knowledge of the gut microbiota. The internet was among the most commonly cited primary sources of information. Independent predictors of total score were having a university degree (B = 0.656, p = 0.002) and prior knowledge (B = 2.246, p < 0.001). Conversely, older age was associated with lower total scores (B = -0.092, p < 0.001). The least known determinants of infant gut microbiota were gestational BMI, prematurity, mode of delivery and NICU stay. Pregnant women failed to recognize the role of breastfeeding in the development of infant gut microbiota more frequently than non-pregnant women. The 97.5% of participants reported increased interest in the gut microbiota, with heightened interest associated with prior knowledge. Our study revealed a moderate level of knowledge about infant gut microbiota among respondents, emphasizing the positive impact of prior knowledge on understanding and interest. Targeted educational interventions are needed to address awareness gaps, especially concerning the influence of breastfeeding on infant gut microbiota. Healthcare providers have the potential to enhance women's knowledge and awareness of this topic.

Sections du résumé

BACKGROUND BACKGROUND
The gut microbiota is a key determinant of long-term health. Promoting maternal health literacy may enhance children well-being. Aim of the present study was to assess gut microbiota-related health literacy of Italian women and identify potential gaps in awareness.
METHODS METHODS
A cross-sectional survey study was conducted using an online questionnaire (17 questions) on determinants and long-term impact of infant gut microbiota. The survey targeted Italian pregnant women and mothers of children under 2 years old, and was distributed through various social media channels between September 28th and November 15th, 2022. A total score was calculated as the sum of positive answers. Data on demographics, pregnancy status, and pre-existing knowledge of the infant gut microbiota were also collected. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied.
RESULTS RESULTS
The questionnaire was completed by 1076 women. Median total score was 9 [7-11]. The 81.7% of respondents declared prior knowledge of the gut microbiota. The internet was among the most commonly cited primary sources of information. Independent predictors of total score were having a university degree (B = 0.656, p = 0.002) and prior knowledge (B = 2.246, p < 0.001). Conversely, older age was associated with lower total scores (B = -0.092, p < 0.001). The least known determinants of infant gut microbiota were gestational BMI, prematurity, mode of delivery and NICU stay. Pregnant women failed to recognize the role of breastfeeding in the development of infant gut microbiota more frequently than non-pregnant women. The 97.5% of participants reported increased interest in the gut microbiota, with heightened interest associated with prior knowledge.
CONCLUSIONS CONCLUSIONS
Our study revealed a moderate level of knowledge about infant gut microbiota among respondents, emphasizing the positive impact of prior knowledge on understanding and interest. Targeted educational interventions are needed to address awareness gaps, especially concerning the influence of breastfeeding on infant gut microbiota. Healthcare providers have the potential to enhance women's knowledge and awareness of this topic.

Identifiants

pubmed: 38605379
doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-18497-8
pii: 10.1186/s12889-024-18497-8
doi:

Types de publication

Journal Article

Langues

eng

Sous-ensembles de citation

IM

Pagination

1012

Informations de copyright

© 2024. The Author(s).

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Auteurs

Alessandra Consales (A)

Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. alessandra.consales@unimi.it.

Letizia Toscano (L)

Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.

Chiara Ceriotti (C)

Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy.

Valentina Tiraferri (V)

Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.

Silvana Castaldi (S)

Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Quality Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.

Maria Lorella Giannì (ML)

Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
NICU, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.

Classifications MeSH