Experiences of internet utilization for accessing pregnancy-related information, perceived information quality and associated factors among immediate postpartum women in Dire Dawa health institutions, eastern Ethiopia, 2025: a mixed method study design

The internet is one of the most widely accessible sources of health-related information worldwide, including during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period. Access to timely, accurate, and reliable information during these stages is essential for safeguarding maternal and fetal health and reducing risks of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the experiences of internet utilization for accessing pregnancy-related information, perceived information quality and associated factors among immediate postpartum women in Dire Dawa health institutions, eastern Ethiopia, 2025. A mixed-method study was conducted in 10 health institutions in Dire Dawa between December 27, 2024 to March 20, 2025. A total of 570 immediate postpartum women participated in this study using systematic random sampling technique. Quantitative data were collected through semi-structured, pretested and interviewer-administered questionnaire. Kobo tool was used for data collection, while SPSS version 25 was employed for statistical analysis. Binary logistic regression was applied to analyze the quantitative data, with a p -value of ≤0.05 considered statistically significant. The qualitative study included 11 participants and the data were analyzed thematically using open code version 4.03 software. The prevalence of internet utilization for accessing PRI was 28.4% (95% CI: 25–32%). A multiple logistic regression model revealed that women’s secondary education (AOR = 2.96; 95% CI: 1.30–6.72), women’s tertiary education (AOR = 11.42; 95% CI: 4.32–30.15), husband’s secondary education (AOR = 4.02; 95% CI: 1.46–11.10), husband’s tertiary education (AOR = 5.02; 95% CI: 1.77–14.20), attended eight and more ANC contacts (AOR = 4.71; 95% CI: 1.47–15.10), experiencing health problems during pregnancy (AOR = 2.70; 95% CI: 1.36–5.34), received care from Obstetricians (AOR = 11.70; 95% CI: 2.62–52.28) and both obstetricians and Midwives (AOR = 4.96; 95% CI: 2.90–8.50). Qualitative results indicated that participant’s used internet for pregnancy-related information because of its convenience and accessibility. Internet utilization for pregnancy-related information among immediate postpartum women in Dire Dawa was low compared to previous study. This study recommends enhancing digital maternal health education, access to trustworthy online platforms, and health professionals guiding women to reliable online platforms during antenatal care follow-up time.