Sources and perceived credibility of child nutrition information in relation to maternal health literacy

Abstract

Objective: To examine sources and perceived credibility of child nutrition information by maternal health literacy.

Methods: US mothers of children (0-12 years) who used social media regularly (N = 340) completed an online survey. Health literacy was assessed using the Newest Vital Sign. Child nutrition information sources and perceived credibility of sources were compared by health literacy using logistic and quantile regression models.

Results: Seventeen percent of mothers had limited health literacy. Compared to mothers with adequate health literacy, those with limited health literacy were more likely to get child nutrition information from siblings, extended family, dietitians, doctors, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants, and government agencies, and less likely to get information from Facebook. Mothers with limited health literacy rated information from parents, friends, Facebook, and Instagram as more credible than mothers with adequate health literacy. While perceived credibility of information from doctors, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants was high overall, mothers with limited health literacy perceived information from these health care providers as less credible.

Conclusions: Sources of child nutrition information and perceived credibility differ by maternal health literacy.

Practice implications: Pediatric providers are encouraged to refer parents to engaging resources that provide evidence-based child nutrition information.

Keywords: Childhood Nutrition; Health Literacy; Health Misinformation; Information Seeking; Mothers; Social Media.