Identifying behavior mediators influencing caregivers of infants participating in an mhealth intervention: qualitative evaluation of the Baby-Feed trial through interviews.
Alayne Gatto, Madison Moore, Jean Hannan, Cristina Palacios
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: There are only a few online infant nutrition interventions based on a behavior change theory, and none have used a thematic analysis to understand which constructs may have contributed to behavioral change. We developed an online infant nutrition education web platform (Baby-Feed) based on the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). This qualitative study aimed to identify among participants of the Baby-Feed intervention arm, which SCT behavior mediators (self-efficacy, outcome expectations, observational learning, and incentive motivation) influenced them to move them from intention into action to improve feeding behaviors.
Methods: This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews with 20 caregivers from the intervention arm of the Baby-Feed trial. The Baby-Feed online trial was a randomized, controlled, parallel trial that tested an educational website providing real-time feedback on infant feeding and weight gain among 155 caregivers with infants less than 4 months old and followed them until their infant completed the scheduled 9-month well-baby visit. Participants completed an interview with five questions (one or two per construct of the SCT: self-efficacy, outcome expectations, observational learning, and incentive motivation). Methods associated with deductive and inductive analysis were utilized to develop key themes on early feeding practices.
Results: Among first-time mothers (n=10), 100% reported that their confidence either slightly or greatly increased with the use of Baby-Feed. Caregivers (n=11; 55%) reported that they found the "Educational Resources by Nutrition Experts" to be very helpful in their food choices and for modeling infant feeding behaviors. Some (n=3; 15%) also reported that they shared their newly acquired knowledge with others (i.e., friends, spouse, and grandparents), reinforcing the value of the information and that it would benefit others.
Conclusions: Caregivers found the Baby-Feed website to be a helpful tool to increase their confidence in feeding their baby.
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