Premature birth, defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, is a critical global health issue that profoundly affects neonatal health and survival [1]. It is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and increases the risk of respiratory, neurological, gastrointestinal, visual, and auditory disorders in surviving infants. Long-term complications include developmental delays, behavioral and social difficulties, emotional problems, and learning disabilities, all of which impose substantial healthcare costs and economic burdens on families and society [2]. Thus, the prevention and management of premature birth continue to receive emphasis, underscoring the importance of providing reliable and accurate access to information for addressing this critical medical condition.

Access to valid and credible health information via the internet significantly influences health awareness, behavior, and clinical outcomes [3], and is an important consideration when developing strategies to address health disparities [4]. Improved access can help women better understand the risk factors associated with premature birth, gain awareness of their own health needs, and evaluate available options, thereby enhancing their ability to make informed health decisions [3,5]. Health information seekers turn to websites to obtain detailed explanations, fill knowledge gaps, or validate their existing understanding of conditions and treatment options [6]. Healthcare professionals and medical information departments rely on extensive resources and digital technologies to help patients understand their conditions and treatments, as well as to overcome barriers in the healthcare process [4]. Medical facility websites, in particular, serve as essential platforms enabling patients and families to access health information and make informed choices. The knowledge acquired can also facilitate better communication and stronger relationships with healthcare providers [6].

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, from March 2020 to May 2023 [7], seeking online health information became increasingly common among women, with the majority relying on digital resources for pregnancy-related information [8-10]. The need for social connection, combined with reduced access to in-person prenatal care, made online information seeking a crucial alternative compared with the pre-pandemic period [9]. Dissemination of pregnancy-related health information through digital platforms has been reported as both well-received and potentially effective [11].

Women in particular reported the greatest trust in online information managed by health professionals. However, studies have shown that the quality of online pregnancy-related information varies widely [12,13], with differences depending on the source [12-14]. Furthermore, some websites disseminate misinformation [13,15], raising concerns about potential irreversible societal consequences [16]. Consequently, many women have expressed the need for high-quality online health resources [15]. Identifying the status, content, and quality of such information during the COVID-19 pandemic can help professionals recognize gaps in available resources. In addition, understanding the current state of online health information is essential for promoting the use of reliable resources, improving health literacy, supporting healthy behaviors, and ultimately contributing to better health outcomes. Evaluating and improving the information provided by medical institutions can also help promote health equity.

Despite the importance of ensuring access to high-quality health information, few studies have evaluated the quality of pregnancy-related online resources, and those available have largely focused on preterm premature rupture of membranes [17], obesity during pregnancy [12], and labor induction [13]. For serious conditions such as premature birth, the availability of accurate and accessible information is particularly vital. Nevertheless, research evaluating the content and quality of such information remains insufficient. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the operational status and quality of websites run by obstetric and gynecological medical facilities in South Korea, with particular focus on premature birth-related content, and to provide recommendations for expanding access and improving quality. The findings of this study can also serve as foundational data for user-centered website design.

The specific objectives of this study are as follows: first, to examine the current operational status of obstetric and gynecological medical facility websites in Korea; second, to identify the formats and contents of premature birth-related information extracted from these websites; and third, to evaluate the quality of these websites.

This study examined the operational status of obstetric and gynecological medical facility websites in South Korea, as well as the content, format, and quality of premature birth-related information as sources of professional health guidance. The findings revealed disparities in website operation across different medical facility categories, limitations in the formats used to deliver premature birth information, imbalances in the content of prevention categories, and gaps in website quality evaluation.

Disparities in website operation were evident among obstetric and gynecological medical facilities. Although the vast majority of institutions operated websites (92.2%), only 29.3% offered integrated search functionality. Nearly half of midwifery centers had no website, and none provided integrated search functions. These findings align with prior research showing that fewer than two-thirds of websites offered integrated search functions for hypertension-related information [25]. Integrated search functionality is critical for meeting user needs by enabling efficient and convenient retrieval of electronic information [26]. In this study, most tertiary hospitals provided such functionality, whereas adoption was markedly lower among secondary and primary care institutions, including general hospitals, hospitals, and midwifery centers. These results underscore the discrepancies in information accessibility across facility types. Because primary care institutions are the first point of contact for community health and provide essential information during emergencies such as preterm birth, improving digital accessibility is strongly recommended. Strategies should include strengthening search functions and information architecture, as well as promoting public–private partnerships to integrate reliable health information into primary care websites through API-based connections with national health information portals.

Premature birth-related information on institutional websites was presented predominantly in text format, with only a small number providing video content. This finding is consistent with earlier research showing limited diversity in the formats used to deliver hypertension-related information online [25]. According to a systematic review, maternal health information is most commonly provided online in text-and-image formats [27]. However, internet users seeking health information often prefer general or nonportal platforms over institutional websites due to greater accessibility, convenience, and more frequent updates [28]. For example, YouTube (Google LLC, Mountain View, CA, USA)—used by 79.9% of internet users in South Korea for video-based information searches—has become one of the most popular platforms [28]. Among information formats associated with improved patient outcomes, video demonstrated the highest proportion of positive effects compared to other formats [27]. To address current limitations, institutional medical websites must diversify the delivery formats of health information. One strategy could involve integrating audiovisual media, such as YouTube content, into medical websites to enhance the delivery of premature birth-related information. However, this must be approached cautiously, given the variability in accuracy and reliability of YouTube content [29]. Interpreting internet-based health information can be difficult for users due to complexity, varying levels of health literacy, and the risk of misinterpreting one’s health status based on information intended for others [6]. The use of conversational artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT (OpenAI, San Francisco, CA, USA), may play an important role in disseminating and acquiring health information. Currently, only 17.8% of domestic internet users report using such tools, with most relying on them for learning and knowledge acquisition [28]. While conversational AI technology has limitations in terms of accuracy and reliability, it is highly valued for its accessibility, rapid responses, interactivity, and convenience [28,30]. Given that this study’s website quality evaluation revealed relatively low interactivity scores, it is clear that the information provided did not meet the expectations of health information seekers and was insufficient for optimizing health outcomes. Incorporating interactive functions or conversational AI technologies will therefore be critical to improving website quality. Health professionals, as guardians and distributors of reliable health information amidst a “sea of misinformation” [6,31], must account for multiple factors, including user preferences, levels of health literacy, and the demand for interactivity. Efforts should prioritize enhancing the dissemination of health information on institutional medical websites by integrating features that balance accuracy, trustworthiness, and effective communication with interactive elements.

In terms of content, the premature birth-related information provided on medical facility websites was largely concentrated on primary prevention strategies, particularly general information about premature birth and prenatal health management during pregnancy. In contrast, content related to secondary and tertiary prevention was markedly limited. For secondary prevention, only minimal details were offered regarding prenatal care for high-risk pregnancies and the recognition and management of premature birth symptoms. Tertiary prevention information was similarly sparse, including only limited guidance on admission and treatment in intensive care units for high-risk pregnant women and postpartum complications. These findings are consistent with prior studies analyzing YouTube content on premature birth prevention, which concluded that available information focused primarily on risk factors and general overviews of premature birth [29]. This heavy emphasis on primary prevention reflects the limitations of the one-way transmission of online health information. In clinical situations requiring hospital visits or inpatient care, patients often receive information directly from healthcare professionals, which reduces reliance on online resources by both providers and seekers. However, in high-risk premature birth cases or during hospitalization, the limited online availability of detailed information may drive patients to seek clarification and reassurance [6]. While advances in health information technology have improved disease diagnosis, monitoring, self-management, and risk prediction, experts recommend further development of such technologies to bridge information gaps and support individuals with varying levels of health literacy [4,5]. Thus, healthcare professionals should ensure that institutional websites include accurate information on risk management in high-risk contexts and during hospitalization. Expanding secondary and tertiary prevention content will be essential to provide comprehensive resources and enable continuous access to relevant information through open communication channels.

This study also found that primary prevention information concerning prenatal health management was more prevalent during pregnancy than before conception, consistent with previous analyses of YouTube content on premature birth prevention [29]. One study reported that approximately 40% of participants used the internet to obtain information on managing health problems, while about 33% searched for pregnancy complication information. However, an examination of website content revealed a strong emphasis on primary prevention, with minimal attention to high-risk pregnancies and preterm birth [32]. This imbalance highlights a critical gap in the types of information available. Although comprehensive preconception health management plays a vital role in preventing premature births [33], online content disproportionately emphasizes prenatal care. Future website content should therefore include more information on preconception health management. Regarding secondary prevention strategies, this study revealed a relative lack of guidance on prenatal care for high-risk women and the recognition and management of premature birth symptoms. The onset of premature birth symptoms represents a critical period during which self-monitoring and timely emergency management can help secure the necessary window for medical interventions to prevent preterm delivery [34]. In terms of tertiary prevention, the results highlighted the scarcity of information addressing diagnostic procedures for high-risk pregnancies, inpatient treatment for women at elevated risk, and long-term health issues. The absence of tertiary prevention information may hinder effective treatment and management, weaken patient–provider communication, and exacerbate complications, ultimately increasing the risk of premature birth and associated long-term health problems for both mothers and infants [35]. Therefore, websites should expand their coverage of preconception health management as well as secondary and tertiary prevention strategies for premature birth. Such expansion would strengthen patient education, improve access to essential health information, and facilitate the development of more comprehensive care strategies.

The website quality evaluation, based on usability-related criteria, also revealed notable disparities across medical facility categories. Interactivity received the lowest mean score, followed by credibility, design, and ease of use. Websites operated by tertiary hospitals generally provided higher-quality information, whereas those maintained by hospitals and midwifery centers scored lower in credibility, interactivity, and currency. These differences likely reflect variations in staffing expertise, financial and infrastructural resources, and institutional priorities. Specifically, credibility was undermined by the absence of author attribution and failure to list content limitations. Currency scores were reduced because many websites did not display the date of initial content creation. Ease of use was negatively affected by the lack of help guides, while design scores suffered due to poor layout, low-quality visuals, or a complete absence of graphics.

This study did not evaluate the intrinsic quality of content—such as accuracy, evidence-based validity, or fairness—nor the readability of website text, which determines how easily users can understand the information provided. However, many prior studies assessing specific health topics have reported low levels of both quality and readability [36,37]. Certification can serve as an indicator of quality and reliability. For example, the Mayo Clinic, a leading nonprofit medical institution in the United States, has received Health on the Net Code certification, a standard that ensures the quality and reliability of online health information. This certification has contributed to the Mayo Clinic’s health information being ranked second-highest in quality among organizations evaluated in a prior study [38]. Large-scale institutions such as the Mayo Clinic underscore the importance of maintaining high-quality online health information to promote equitable access and facilitate timely connections between patients and healthcare services. To address quality disparities, medical institutions should establish policies for resource allocation and technological upgrades to consistently maintain their websites above a minimum quality standard. Ensuring the availability of high-quality online health information would enhance patients’ ability to access trustworthy sources and guarantee usability for all users, regardless of the size of the institution.

This study also represents an important early effort in pregnancy health and provides practical insights into the operational status and information accessibility of medical facility websites in the post-COVID-19 digital health information environment. First, primary care facilities such as hospitals and midwifery centers—typically used during the early stages of pregnancy—generally exhibited poor website management. Even when websites were available, their usability was often limited. Second, while hospital websites tended to provide relatively reliable health information, they lacked user-friendly features such as integrated search functions, which restricted usability and may have contributed to low utilization rates. By contrast, commercial websites often delivered less accurate and less trustworthy information [9], creating disparities in access that could hinder pregnant women from obtaining appropriate health resources. Third, with regard to information format, most content was confined to basic text-and-image presentations rather than videos, despite the latter being more effective in promoting health behavior change. As a result, institutional websites lacked personalized information delivery and interactive features for users. Fourth, there was a substantial deficiency in information related to the prevention and management of preterm birth, underscoring the need for improved content development in this area. Overall, the study highlights the structural limitations of medical institution websites and emphasizes the need for quality improvements to enhance accessibility and usability for pregnant women. Specifically, the findings suggest that websites managed by healthcare professionals should refine their information architecture and provide balanced, evidence-based pregnancy content—including preterm birth information—to ensure both accuracy and reliability.

While this study made important contributions by identifying the operational status, quality, and limitations of premature birth-related information on medical facility websites, several limitations must be acknowledged. First, it did not assess the actual needs, usage patterns, or satisfaction of users, making it difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of the information provided. Future research should therefore include user-centered qualitative studies and detailed analyses of digital resource utilization. Second, the study did not assess the intrinsic quality or readability of the website content. Future studies should address these aspects to inform the development of high-quality websites for women. Third, the analysis was limited to information on institutional websites and did not consider content available on other digital platforms. It is possible that secondary and tertiary prevention information related to premature birth risk, diagnosis, management, and inpatient care was provided elsewhere, but integrated information platforms were not examined. Fourth, because integrated search functions rely on pre-defined keywords [26], the terms used in this study may not have matched the websites’ keyword systems, potentially leading to omissions. Thus, the findings should be interpreted cautiously. Fifth, although this study analyzed text- and video-based formats, it did not examine visual elements such as graphic design or interface usability, which can substantially affect how information is delivered and understood. These limitations should be considered when interpreting the results.

In conclusion, although most obstetric and gynecological medical facilities in South Korea operated websites, integrated search functions and visual formats such as videos were largely absent. Midwifery centers, in particular, lacked integrated search functionality altogether, revealing significant disparities in information provision. Premature birth-related content was heavily concentrated on primary prevention—such as general knowledge and prenatal care—while secondary and tertiary prevention content was insufficient, limiting the comprehensiveness of available resources. Therefore, users may need guidance toward reliable supplementary platforms, such as YouTube or mobile applications, to access more complete information and improve communication with healthcare professionals.

The websites of tertiary hospitals generally provided higher-quality information compared with those of hospitals and midwifery centers, which scored lower in credibility, interactivity, currency, ease of use, and design, demonstrating quality gaps across facility types. Efforts should focus on diversifying both the content and formats of premature birth-related information, while enhancing the credibility, timeliness, interactivity, and user-friendliness of websites, especially in hospitals and midwifery centers.

Future research should conduct in-depth evaluations of user needs, usage behaviors, and satisfaction levels, along with systematic assessments of content quality and readability. Broader analyses of premature birth-related information across multiple digital platforms, including YouTube and mobile applications, are also needed. Finally, future studies should examine the impact of visual and design elements on a website’s ability to effectively convey health information.