Introduction: Infant feeding behaviours associated with obesity, such as formula feeding, feeding beyond satiety and early introduction of solids are potentially modifiable. Providing support to parents to promote healthy infant feeding using mobile phone apps (mHealth interventions) is a novel, yet untested approach. This qualitative paper explores the mechanisms by which an mhealth program (Growing healthy) may influence mothers’ uptake of healthy infant feeding practices in the first nine months of life.
Methods: The 300 participants in the Growing healthy program were invited to participate in individual semi-structured telephone interviews when their infants were aged 6-12 months. Interviews explored the impact of the program on breastfeeding, best practice formula feeding and timing of introduction of solids - including the effect on key behavioural mediators such as participants’ capability (e.g. knowledge), opportunity (e.g. support and advice) and motivation (e.g. plans and emotions). Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and thematic analysis performed.
Results: A total of 44 Mothers of infants aged 6-12 months were interviewed. Participants thought the program influenced their capability around feeding decisions, with videos considered more useful in guiding practical skills than written information. Participants also felt that the app provided a convenient, trustworthy and “round-the-clock’’ source of information enhancing support with infant feeding. Push notifications linking to information in the app encouraged healthy infant feeding practices as messages were timely and concordant with current feeding experiences. Participants reported less impact of the app on their motivations regarding feeding. When the information provided in the app was consistent with advice received by health professionals, uptake of appropriate infant feeding behaviours was higher.
Conclusions:
This study provides new information about the mechanisms by which a novel mhealth intervention can influence healthy infant feeding practices to prevent excess weight gain in early childhood.