BACKGROUND/AIMS

This study was examined the relationship between the internet usage about child health, social support, and self-efficacy perceptions of mothers.

MATERIAL and METHODS

A descriptive study design was used. The study was conducted in pediatric out-patient clinics of two university hospitals. Totally 484 mothers who had 1-3 year-old children were included in the study.

RESULTS

This study was examined the relationship between the internet usage, social support, and self-efficacy perceptions of parents who have 1-3 year-old children according to their sociodemographic characteristics. It is shown that mothers use internet in order to seek information related to their children’s health issues. The internet usage is independent of the age of the mother, whereas it is related to the educational levels of the mother and the ages of children. The subjects that are searched by mothers vary according to the ages of their children. The self-efficacy of the mothers is not influenced by the ages of mothers, whereas it is correlated with the educational levels of mothers, ages of the children, and the internet usage. Social support perception is not related to sociodemographic characteristics. However, it is negatively correlated with the internet usage. On the other hand, there is a positive correlation between the social support perception and self-efficacy.

CONCLUSION

The results are important in order to determine the support requirements of parents and strengthen them. The results can direct nurses and the other health professionals while defining and planning what kind of support should be given to parents.

Keywords: Internet usage, mothers, social support, self-efficacy