Validation of a web-based questionnaire for pregnant women to assess utilization of internet: survey among an Italian sample.

BACKGROUND: Objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the web-based questionnaire in pregnant women as a tool to examine prevalence, knowledge and attitudes about internet utilization for health-related purposes, in a sample of Italian pregnant women. METHODS: The questionnaire was composed by 9 sections for a total of 73 items. Reliability analysis was tested and content validity was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha to check internal consistency. Statistical analysis was performed through SPSS 13.0. RESULTS: Questionnaire was administered to 56 pregnant women. The higher value of Cronbach's alpha resulted on 61 items: alpha = 0.786 (n. 73 items: alpha = 0.579). High rate of pregnant women generally utilized internet (87.5%) and the 92.1% confirmed to use internet with the focus to acquire information about pregnancy (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The questionnaire showed a good reliability property in the pilot study. In terms of internal consistency and validity appeared to have a good performance. Given the high prevalence of pregnant women that use internet to search information about their pregnancy status, professional healthcare workers should give advice regarding official websites where they could retrieve safe information and learn knowledge based on scientific evidence.

Post-partum surgical wound infections: incidence after caesarean section in an Italian hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Despite international recommendations and general agreement on the fact that more complications arise after caesarean section, Italy ranks first in the number of caesarean sections performed each year. Aim of this cohort study was to estimate the incidence of post-partum wound infections following caesarean section in a sample of low-risk women and to examine the main risk factors correlated. METHODS: 430 mothers were included in the study. A data collection form was completed with woman's obstetric history, details of the operation and of any infection that occurred during hospital staying. A post-discharge telephone call-up surveillance after delivery was also performed RESULTS: A total of 20 (4.7%) SSIs were recorded. Through post-discharge surveillance, 85% of infections were identified. The time between membrane rupture and start of the operation was found to be associated with the development of infection (p = 0.04). No statistically significant association with any of the other risk factors was found. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: From the comparison of current practices with international guideline recommendations we could identify critical points that will need to be addressed in corrective and training interactions, specifically, choice and timing of administration of antibiotics in antimicrobial prophylaxis and timing of showering and shaving.