Stakeholders' Views on Mobile Applications to Deliver Infant and Toddler Feeding Education to Latina Mothers of Low Socioeconomic Status.

Alexandra L Macmillan Uribe,Hannah G Rudt,Tashara M Leak

doi:10.3390/nu13082569

Abstract

Infant- and toddler-feeding (ITF) practices are critical to long-term health and chronic disease prevention. Using mobile applications (apps) to promote desirable ITF practices shows promise for overcoming challenges of in-person education. However, the viability of ITF apps for Latina mothers of low-socioeconomic status (SES) remains unclear. The objective of this study was to characterize stakeholders’ views on Latina mothers’ capability, motivation, and barriers to using ITF apps. New York City-based health professionals who frequently engage with Latina mothers of low SES completed in-depth interviews. Directed content analysis was used to identify themes through theoretical and inductive codes. Participants included dietitians, nutrition educators, and physicians (n = 17). The following themes were identified: (1) Most Latina mothers of low-SES are tech-savvy (i.e., high capability and experience using smartphones and apps); (2) Apps are an appealing way to deliver ITF education; (3) There are challenges to using apps that must be carefully considered for ITF education development. Overall, ITF apps are a viable option as skills and use appear high among Latina mothers. Key considerations for app development include targeted app promotion; detailed instructions for obtaining and using app; more visuals, less text for low literacy and multiple dialects; making key features available offline.

Highlights

Racial and ethnic disparities in obesity begin early in life, disproportionately impacting the Latinx community (Latinx is a gender-neutral term describing a person of Latin American origin or descent)
Around 12 months of age, when children transition from infant foods to foods consumed by the family, there is a drastic decline in diet quality among Latinx toddlers, characterized by decreased vegetable consumption and increased consumption of sweets and sugarsweetened beverages [8]
Saturation was verified at interview 14, after which three were conducted to ensure no new information would be uncovered

Summary

Introduction

Racial and ethnic disparities in obesity begin early in life, disproportionately impacting the Latinx community (Latinx is a gender-neutral term describing a person of Latin American origin or descent). Latinx infants and toddlers (3–24 months old) from low-socioeconomic status (SES) households have a significantly higher rate (13.8%) of excess weight (defined as weight-for-length >97.7th percentile on sex-specific World Health Organization [WHO] growth standards) compared to their Black (11.9%) and White (11%) counterparts [1]. Feeding practices (e.g., breast or formula feeding, complementary feeding, responsive feeding, and transition to family foods) influence the risk of excess weight gain during infancy and toddlerhood and, in turn, obesity later in life [4,5]. Around 12 months of age, when children transition from infant foods (e.g., pureed or mashed foods) to foods consumed by the family, there is a drastic decline in diet quality among Latinx toddlers, characterized by decreased vegetable consumption and increased consumption of sweets and sugarsweetened beverages [8]

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion