Background – Pregnant women and their babies are a priority public health target group. Long Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (LC n-3 PUFA) and their importance during pregnancy have been studied extensively over the years. It is not known if adequate amount of information is available to pregnant women from their health professionals in relation to risks and benefits of omega-3 (n-3).
Objective – To determine communication strategies between health professionals and pregnant women using a series of interviews and surveys to understand health professionals’ attitudes regarding risks and benefits of omega- 3 and subsequent information flow.
Design – A total of 16 health professionals were recruited and interviewed (7 midwives, 7 dietitians, 2 general practitioners). Interviews were transcribed and content analysis was performed in order to generate both qualitative and quantitative data. Interviews examined the extent to which information is being delivered to pregnant women. Pregnant women are currently being surveyed to determine information flow of LC n-3 PUFA.
Outcomes – Only four of 16 interviewed health professionals have a wide knowledge of n-3, two of which are midwives who are involved in educating other midwives and the other two are long term practising dietitians. Five of seven midwives provide no advice about n-3. Dietitians see pregnant women only if there are underlying nutritional disorders and hence have limited access. General practitioners interviewed were not involved in the management of pregnant women as they are referred to ante-natal clinics. Survey data collection and analysis are still pending.
Conclusions – Preliminary results show there is limited knowledge about n-3 and the health professionals that do know about n-3 have limited contact with the pregnant women. Therefore more strategic information flow about n-3 to pregnant women is warranted.