Informational resilience and microcephaly: Digital information search practices

Abstract

Objective: In moments of transition, such as unexpected changes or stressful events, subjects tend to seek informational bases that reduce their state of uncertainty and contribute to informed decision making. One of the forms of transportation as difficulties imposed by a new complex informational environment is the development of informational resilience, built from the subjects' literacy practices. This paper, then, aims to understand the process of searching for information in the digital environment and its relationship with informational resilience, in the context of the outbreak of microcephaly experienced in Brazil in 2015. Methods: Descriptive research with a qualitative approach. Conducted through semi-structured interviews with seven women-with children diagnosed with microcephaly caused by Zika virus-living in the Northeast region of Brazil. Data analyzed based on thematic content analysis. Results: Access to information in the digital environment was not homogeneous, some women preferred to prioritize information from health professionals. Those who remained accessing the digital environment, experienced both positive and negative experiences related to information. Disinformation was presented as the main barrier to access to information in the digital environment. Conclusions: The limitations regarding informational search in the digital environment were faced from the articulation between situational and non-digital sources. Healthcare spaces and their professionals acted as curators of the information found in the digital environment, offering trust and credibility. In addition, collaboration between women provided mutual learning that favored the process of informational resilience.