Dissemination of atopic dermatitis and food allergy information to pregnant women in an online childbirth preparation class

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based allergy prevention strategies have been reported, but strategies for dissemination have not been evaluated. Improving health literacy and awareness of allergies in pregnant mothers is 1 example of dissemination and implementation science that could help prevent allergic diseases and promote early detection of allergic diseases in children. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the usefulness of an online childbirth preparation class about prevention and early detection of allergic diseases in offspring. METHODS: From January 2021 to August 2021, an online allergy class for pregnant mothers was provided at the hospital in Tokyo. We conducted an online survey about allergy topics before and after the online childbirth preparation class. RESULTS: A total of 106 pregnant women attended the online allergy class, and 92 (86.8%) responded to the online survey. Of the respondents, 90 (97.8%) were worried about the development of allergies in their children. The topic that attracted the most attention in the lecture was the prevention of atopic dermatitis by means of skin care. The percentages of correct responses regarding allergy prevention strategies increased after the class. All mothers believed that the class was useful, the information should be disseminated to the public, and the practices should be implemented. CONCLUSION: In online childbirth preparation classes, information about allergy based on dissemination and implementation science could strengthen allergy literacy among pregnant women.