Wilfred HS Wong,Sophia L Li,King-Wa Fu,Helen Tinsley,Chun-Bong Chow,Patrick Ip*
Background: Caring for children with special needs can be challenging and stressful for parents. Access to information and support is critical for parents to overcome these challenges. This study aims to study parental experiences and needs of searching and utilizing online information to support the care of their children with special needs. Methods: Forty-nine participants were interviewed. All discussions were transcribed and examined using a thematic analysis method. Results: Three main themes were identified, including information needs, experiences of obtaining and using information, and the advantages and challenges of searching and utilizing Internet information. Conclusions: Availability of up-to-date information and emotional support is beneficial to Chinese parents of children with special needs. Although plenty of information can be accessed through the Internet, parents require eHealth literacy to use and interpret this online material. Conventional sources of information such as community groups remain important for those with low eHealth literacy.
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