Small Choices, Big Implications: A Thematic Analysis of Parental Decision-Making in Minor Pediatric Health Issues

Ayhan Çeri

doi:10.31067/acusaglik.1834356

Small Choices, Big Implications: A Thematic Analysis of Parental Decision-Making in Minor Pediatric Health Issues

Abstract

Background: In an age where digital platforms shape health-related behaviors, parents frequently turn to online communities to seek, validate, or challenge health information concerning their children. Minor pediatric health concerns, such as supplement use, over-the-counter treatments, and natural remedies, are often influenced by peer narratives rather than professional advice. Objective: To explore how parents make health decisions about minor pediatric issues by analyzing discussions from public online platforms through qualitative thematic analysis. Methods: A total of 120 discussion threads and 450 user comments were collected from parenting forums, blogs, and open-access social media groups between January 2023 and April 2024. Data were coded and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis framework. Inter-coder reliability was confirmed using Cohen’s kappa (κ=0.82). Results: Four core themes were identified: (1) Trust Hierarchies – parents toggled between medical and peer advice; (2) Brand Influence – social proof shaped product preferences; (3) Risk Perception – decision-making varied with child’s age and symptom severity; (4) Information Chaos – contradictory content online caused confusion and anxiety. Conclusions: Parents are increasingly navigating pediatric health decisions within a complex digital information ecosystem. Their reliance on online narratives, brand reputation, and perceived safety underscores the need for better health communication strategies and digital health literacy interventions tailored to caregivers.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Non-Applicable

Ethical Statement

Ethics approval was not required for this study, as the research involved the analysis of publicly available, open-access online content. No interaction with human subjects occurred, and no identifiable personal information was collected. All data were de-identified, anonymized, and handled in accordance with established ethical standards for internet-based research. The study fully complies with national and international guidelines governing the ethical use of publicly accessible digital materials.

Thanks

Non-Applicable

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Pediatric Health and Illnesses Nursing

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Ayhan Çeri ^*
0000-0002-8754-0901
Türkiye

Publication Date

March 26, 2026

Submission Date

December 2, 2025

Acceptance Date

January 26, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 17 Number: January, February, March 2026

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31067/acusaglik.1834356

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA99FK84AH

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

EndNote

Çeri A (March 1, 2026) Small Choices, Big Implications: A Thematic Analysis of Parental Decision-Making in Minor Pediatric Health Issues. Acıbadem Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 17 January, February, March 2026