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

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...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMC public health 2024-04, Vol.24 (1), p.1012-11, Article 1012
Main Authors: Consales, Alessandra, Toscano, Letizia, Ceriotti, Chiara, Tiraferri, Valentina, Castaldi, Silvana, Giannì, Maria Lorella
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Breast feeding
Breastfeeding & lactation
Child
Cross-Sectional Studies
Demographics
Digestive system
Dysbiosis
eHealth literacy
Female
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Gut microbiota
Health aspects
Health care industry
Health education
Health Literacy
Humans
Infant
Infants
Informed consent
Intensive care
Intestinal microflora
Italy
Knowledge
Literacy
Maternal & child health
Microbiota
Microbiota (Symbiotic organisms)
Microorganisms
Mothers
Neonatal care
Pregnancy
Pregnant women
Questionnaires
Social media
Social networks
Surveys
The first 1000 days
Uterus
Variables
Well being
Women
Womens health
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Summary: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 
ISSN:1471-2458
1471-2458
DOI:10.1186/s12889-024-18497-8