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Nuampa S, Sirithepmontree S, Sudphet M, Patil CL. 'The way to obtain freedom and equality': Experiences and needs of Thai adolescent mothers in terms of the use smartphone applications for breastfeeding support. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300041. [PMID: 38557683 PMCID: PMC10984458 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breastfeeding brings about a positive impact on both child and maternal health in the short and long terms. However, adolescent mothers have a lower breastfeeding initiation rate and a shorter breastfeeding duration than adult mothers. Although mobile applications have been found to be the most widely used platform for breastfeeding support, there is still a lack of design specific for adolescents. AIM To explore the experiences, perspectives and needs of adolescent mothers and professional nurses using smartphone applications for breastfeeding support and the influence of this technology on healthcare in Thailand. METHODS This formative qualitative research of the 'Development of smartphone application for promoting breastfeeding and learning of infant responsiveness for Thai teenage pregnant women' study intends to design a smartphone application and develop an implementation plan. A purposive sample was used to elicit experiences from adolescent mothers and nurses. Data were collected from 48 adolescent mothers through in-depth interviews with six focus group discussions and 12 nurses, following the data saturation principle. Thematic analysis was conducted, and potential factors and needs were mapped to the capability, opportunity, and motivation model of behaviour change (COM-B). RESULTS Most adolescent mothers perceived the usefulness of smartphone apps as breastfeeding support resources. The qualitative findings of adolescent mothers were grouped into the following three themes: a friendly breastfeeding tool; allows them to manage their breastfeeding activities; and enhances the accessibility and equality of breastfeeding support. The professional nurses perceived the benefits of using smartphone applications in their work, which included the following three themes: reducing workload and making their work easier; preparation is always better; and increasing the standards of breastfeeding support. CONCLUSION Adolescent mothers and professional nurses showed favourable attitudes toward smartphone apps for breastfeeding support. These smartphone apps should be tailored to these groups to achieve optimal BF outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasitara Nuampa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sudhathai Sirithepmontree
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Metpapha Sudphet
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Crystal L. Patil
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
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Phillips JC, Alfano AR, Barfield LC, Cain L, Sadjadi M, Morales E, Phillips-Beck W, Galarza MG, Torres M, Zindani S, Rayani A, Edwards K, Jones SG, Hannan J. Exploring Maternal and Infant Health App Development and Effectiveness Research: Scoping Review. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2024; 7:e46973. [PMID: 38055330 PMCID: PMC10858421 DOI: 10.2196/46973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, high rates of maternal and infant mortality call for interventions during the perinatal period to engage pregnant people as well as their loved ones in care. Mobile health technologies have become ubiquitous in our lives and in health care settings. However, there is a need to further explore their safety and effectiveness to support and improve health outcomes locally and globally. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to review and synthesize published literature that described the development process or effectiveness evaluations of maternal and infant apps. METHODS We applied a methodological framework for scoping reviews as well as the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines; in addition, the systematic review platform Covidence (Veritas Health Innovation Ltd) was used to facilitate the review of included studies. Search terms were developed collaboratively, and health sciences-associated databases were searched for studies conducted between January 1, 2000, and February 4, 2022. We excluded studies about apps that only gathered or tracked data or targeted care providers. RESULTS A total of 1027 articles were included for title and abstract screening, of which 87 (8.47%) were chosen for full-text screening. Of these 87 articles, 74 (85%) were excluded with reasons, and 19 (22%) were included. Four articles were added at data extraction from hand searching and 2 others were excluded. Thus, we reviewed and synthesized data from 11 unique studies reported in 21 articles published between 2017 and 2021. The included studies represented 8 different countries. Most of the apps (8/11, 73%) were in English, although apps were also developed in Arabic, Bahasa Indonesia, and Nepali. The articles reviewed revealed the early stage of development of the field of maternal and infant health apps, with modest evidence of app use and achievement of study outcomes. Only 1 (9%) of the 11 apps was endorsed by an independent health care provider society. App development and evaluation processes emerged, and specific app features were identified as vital for well-functioning apps. End-user engagement occurred in some, but not all, parts of app research and development. CONCLUSIONS Apps to improve maternal and infant health are being developed and launched in enormous numbers, with many of them not developed with mothers' needs in mind. There are concerns about privacy, safety, and the standardization of current apps as well as a need for professional or institution-specific guidelines or best practices. Despite challenges inherent in currently available apps and their design processes, maternal and infant app technology holds promise for achieving health equity goals and improving maternal and child health outcomes. Finally, we propose recommendations for advancing the knowledge base for maternal and infant apps.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alliete R Alfano
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Latisha C Barfield
- Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Lisa Cain
- Chaplin School of Hospitality &Tourism Management, Florida International University, North Miami, FL, United States
| | - Masoud Sadjadi
- Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | | | - Wanda Phillips-Beck
- First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - M Grisel Galarza
- Miller School of Medicine, Pediatrics/Neonatology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Maritza Torres
- Miller School of Medicine, Pediatrics/Neonatology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Sadaf Zindani
- School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ahmad Rayani
- College of Nursing, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalee Edwards
- Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Sande Gracia Jones
- Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Jean Hannan
- Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
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Fletcher R. Research on marginalised fathers - making a start. Health Promot J Austr 2024; 35:7-8. [PMID: 37643793 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Fletcher
- College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Australia
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Charlesworth J, McAlpine T, Martin A, Scott J, Mullan B. Development, psychometric assessment, and predictive validity of a breastfeeding subjective norms scale among an Australian prospective cohort of first-time parents. Br J Health Psychol 2023; 28:690-704. [PMID: 36740759 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Breastfeeding has a number of benefits for both mothers and their infants. Research has examined the psychosocial influences on breastfeeding, yielding important findings in relation to particular constructs that play a significant role in this vital health behaviour. One such construct is subjective norms. However, there are mixed findings in relation to the role of subjective norms in breastfeeding behaviours. This may be due to the lack of consistent measure of subjective norms across studies. Further, the influence of fathers' subjective norms on breastfeeding continuation remains unclear due to a lack of measurement. Thus, the aim of the current study was to develop and assess a reliable and valid subjective norms scale specific to breastfeeding for use among both mothers and fathers. DESIGN/METHODS Subjective norms items were developed by researchers in the domain and were tested among 949 couples. RESULTS Findings indicated that both subjective norms scales had excellent reliability, construct validity, and predictive validity. It was also found that both the mothers' and fathers' subjective norms scales tapped into two key structures: breastfeeding in general, and breastfeeding in public. Further, maternal subjective norms were predictive of breastfeeding behaviours but not paternal subjective norms. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that the developed subjective norms scales are reliable and valid and capture key elements of breastfeeding subjective norms among both mothers and fathers. Use of this measure in future research can help better understand the role of both mothers' and fathers' subjective norms in influencing breastfeeding behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Charlesworth
- Faculty of Health Sciences, enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Population Health Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Thomas McAlpine
- Faculty of Health Sciences, enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Population Health Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Annegret Martin
- School of Population Health Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jane Scott
- School of Population Health Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Barbara Mullan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Population Health Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Xie EB, Jung JW, Kaur J, Benzies KM, Tomfohr-Madsen L, Keys E. Digital Parenting Interventions for Fathers of Infants From Conception to the Age of 12 Months: Systematic Review of Mixed Methods Studies. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e43219. [PMID: 37494086 PMCID: PMC10413237 DOI: 10.2196/43219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital interventions help address barriers to traditional health care services. Fathers play an important parenting role in their families, and their involvement is beneficial for family well-being. Although digital interventions are a promising avenue to facilitate father involvement during the perinatal period, most are oriented toward maternal needs and do not address the unique needs of fathers. OBJECTIVE This systematic review describes the digital interventions that exist or are currently being developed for fathers of infants from conception to 12 months postpartum. METHODS A systematic search of the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase (using Ovid), and CINAHL (using EBSCO) databases was conducted to identify articles from database inception to June 2022, of which 39 met the inclusion criteria. Articles were included if they were peer-reviewed and described a digital intervention that targeted fathers of fetuses or infants aged ≤12 months. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and opinion pieces were excluded. Data from these studies were extracted and themed using a narrative synthesis approach. Quality appraisal of the articles was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. RESULTS A total of 2816 articles were retrieved, of which 39 (1.38%) met the inclusion criteria for eligibility after removing duplicates and screening. Eligible articles included 29 different interventions across 13 countries. Most articles (22/29, 76%) described interventions that were exclusively digital. There were a variety of digital modalities, but interventions were most commonly designed to be delivered via a website or web-based portal (14/29, 48%). Just over half (21/39, 54%) of the articles described interventions designed to be delivered from pregnancy through the postpartum period. Only 26% (10/39) of the studies targeted fathers exclusively. A wide range of outcomes were included, with 54% (21/39) of the studies including a primary outcome related to intervention feasibility. Qualitative and mixed methods studies reported generally positive experiences with digital interventions and qualitative themes of the importance of providing support to partners, improving parenting confidence, and normalization of stress were identified. Of the 18 studies primarily examining efficacy outcomes, 13 (72%) reported a statistically significant intervention effect. The studies exhibited a moderate quality level overall. CONCLUSIONS New and expecting fathers use digital technologies, which could be used to help address father-specific barriers to traditional health care services. However, in contrast to the current state of digital interventions for mothers, father-focused interventions lack evaluation and evidence. Among the existing studies on digital interventions for fathers, there seem to be mixed findings regarding their feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy. There is a need for more development and standardized evaluation of interventions that target father-identified priorities. This review was limited by not assessing equity-oriented outcomes (eg, race and socioeconomic status), which should also be considered in future intervention development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James Wonkyu Jung
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jasleen Kaur
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Karen M Benzies
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Keys
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, Canada
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Blakeslee SB, Vieler K, Horak I, Stritter W, Seifert G. Planting Seeds for the Future: Scoping Review of Child Health Promotion Apps for Parents. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2023; 11:e39929. [PMID: 37471125 PMCID: PMC10401193 DOI: 10.2196/39929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasingly, parents use child health promotion apps to find health information. An overview of child health promotion apps for parents currently does not exist. The scope of child health topics addressed by parent apps is thus needed, including how they are evaluated. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aims to describe existing reported mobile health (mHealth) parent apps of middle- to high-income countries that promote child health. The focus centers on apps developed in the last 5 years, showing how the reported apps are evaluated, and listing reported outcomes found. METHODS A scoping review was conducted according to PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews) guidelines to identify parent apps or web-based programs on child health promotion published between January 2016 and June 2021 in 5 databases: PubMed, ERIC, IEEE Xplore, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Separate sources were sought through an expert network. Included studies were summarized and analyzed through a systematic and descriptive content analysis, including keywords, year of publication, country of origin, aims/purpose, study population/sample size, intervention type, methodology/method(s), broad topic(s), evaluation, and study outcomes. RESULTS In total, 39 studies met the inclusion criteria from 1040 database and 60 expert-identified studies. Keywords reflected the health topics and app foci. About 64% (25/39) of included studies were published after 2019 and most stemmed from the United States, Australian, and European-based research. Studies aimed to review or evaluate apps or conducted app-based study interventions. The number of participants ranged from 7 to 1200. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used. Interventions included 28 primary studies, 6 app feasibility studies, and 5 app or literature reviews. Eight separate topics were found: parental feeding and nutrition, physical activity, maternal-child health, parent-child health, healthy environment, dental health, mental health, and sleep. Study intervention evaluations cited behavior change theories in 26 studies and evaluations were carried out with a variety of topic-specific, adapted, self-developed, or validated questionnaires and evaluation tools. To evaluate apps, user input and qualitative evaluations were often combined with surveys and frequently rated with the Mobile App Rating Scale. Outcomes reported some positive effects, while several intervention studies saw no effect at all. Effectively evaluating changes in behavior through apps, recruiting target groups, and retaining app engagement were challenges cited. CONCLUSIONS New parents are a key target group for child health apps, but evaluating child health promotion apps remains a challenge. Whether tailored to parent needs or adapted to the specific topic, apps should be rooted in a transparent theoretical groundwork. Applicable lessons for parent apps from existing research are to tailor app content, include intuitive and adaptive features, and embed well-founded parameters for long-term effect evaluation on child health promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B Blakeslee
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristin Vieler
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ingo Horak
- Digital Health Entrepreneur, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wiebke Stritter
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Georg Seifert
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Laws RA, Cheng H, Rossiter C, Kuswara K, Markides BR, Size D, Corcoran P, Ong K, Denney‐Wilson E. Perinatal support for breastfeeding using mHealth: A mixed methods feasibility study of the My Baby Now app. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2023; 19:e13482. [PMID: 36725007 PMCID: PMC10019053 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Despite the well-known benefits of breastfeeding, breastfeeding rates remain suboptimal, particularly for women with lower socioeconomic position. Although popular, breastfeeding apps are often poor quality; their impact on breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, confidence and intentions is unknown. A mixed method pre-post feasibility study was conducted to: 1) explore the feasibility of the My Baby Now app in providing perinatal breastfeeding support; 2) examine the impact on breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, confidence and intentions; 3) to examine any differences in acceptability and impact of the app according to maternal education. The My Baby Now app was offered to pregnant women 20-30 weeks gestation. Breastfeeding knowledge and intentions were collected at baseline (T1) and 36-38 weeks gestation (T2); attitudes and confidence were collected at baseline, T2 and T3 (8-12 weeks post-partum). App engagement was measured via app analytics. Qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample following T3. Of 266 participants recruited, 169 (64%) completed T2 and 157 (59%) completed T3. Mothers without university education rated the app to be higher quality, more useful and impactful than mothers with university education. From T1-T2, breastfeeding knowledge (59.6% vs. 66.5%, p < 0.001) and exclusive breastfeeding intentions (76.6% vs. 80.9%, p < 0.001) increased. Breastfeeding attitudes and confidence scores also increased significantly across T1-T2 and T1-T3. App engagement during pregnancy predicted changes in breastfeeding attitudes from T1-T2 among participants without university education. App engagement did not predict changes in breastfeeding knowledge, confidence or intentions. Future randomised controlled studies should examine the effectiveness of mHealth interventions on breastfeeding outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A. Laws
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition ScienceDeakin UniversityGeelongAustralia
| | - Heilok Cheng
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and MidwiferyThe University of SydneyCamperdownAustralia
| | - Chris Rossiter
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and MidwiferyThe University of SydneyCamperdownAustralia
| | - Konsita Kuswara
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition ScienceDeakin UniversityGeelongAustralia
| | - Brittany R. Markides
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition ScienceDeakin UniversityGeelongAustralia
| | - Donna Size
- Sydney Institute for Women, Children and their Families, Sydney Local Health DistrictSydneyAustralia
| | - Patricia Corcoran
- Sydney Institute for Women, Children and their Families, Sydney Local Health DistrictSydneyAustralia
- Canterbury Hospital Maternity Unit, Sydney Local Health DistrictSydneyAustralia
| | - Kok‐Leong Ong
- Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics, AISSCRMIT UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Elizabeth Denney‐Wilson
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and MidwiferyThe University of SydneyCamperdownAustralia
- Sydney Institute for Women, Children and their Families, Sydney Local Health DistrictSydneyAustralia
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Investigating Maternal Perspectives of Breastfeeding Support Targeted Towards Fathers in the Milk Man Mobile App Intervention. Matern Child Health J 2023; 27:954-964. [PMID: 36920713 PMCID: PMC10115714 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-023-03616-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The support of her infant's father is one of the most important factors influencing a mother's breastfeeding success, and an increasing number of interventions are targeted towards fathers. Engaging fathers as agents to influence a maternal behavior is potentially problematic, yet few studies report on maternal experiences. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore mothers' perspectives of their partners' use of Milk Man, a father-focused breastfeeding smartphone app, and the acceptability of this approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS New mothers (N = 459) whose partners had access to the app completed a questionnaire at six weeks postpartum. These data were used to determine knowledge, use and perspectives of the app. A sentiment analysis was conducted on responses to an open-ended question seeking maternal perspectives of the app. RESULTS Just over a quarter of mothers (28%) had been shown something from the app, and 37% had discussed something from Milk Man with their partner. There were 162 open-ended responses related to mothers' perspectives of the app. Relevant responses (n = 129) were coded to an overall sentiment node and then to a total of 23 child nodes (sub-nodes). Most comments were positive (94), with a smaller number either negative (25) or neutral (21). Negative comments related to the usability of the app and not its intent or content. CONCLUSION Mothers found the father-focussed breastfeeding app to be acceptable. When designing interventions targeting one group to affect the behaviour of another, inclusion of measures to gain the perspectives of both should be seen as an imperative.
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Koksal I, Acikgoz A, Cakirli M. The Effect of a Father's Support on Breastfeeding: A Systematic Review. Breastfeed Med 2022; 17:711-722. [PMID: 35675679 DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2022.0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Aim: Including fathers in breastfeeding education programs may raise infant breastfeeding rates and durations. The aim of the study was to assess the effect on breastfeeding of breastfeeding education and/or psychosocial interventions in which fathers are included. Method: The study is based on the PRISMA method, the technique that is used in systematic reviews. A search was conducted in the literature over the period November 1, 2021-December 1, 2021 using keywords and without imposing any time restrictions. The databases "PubMed," "Web of Science," Scopus," "Medline," and "CINAHL" were scanned. Results: A total of 462 publications were reached. However, only 7 studies were considered for review on the basis of the inclusion criteria. Six of these 7 studies indicated that the support of the father increased the breastfeeding rate. Conclusions: This review shows that a father's support of breastfeeding improves breastfeeding outcomes. Including fathers in the breastfeeding process and ensuring their active participation increase breastfeeding rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilfan Koksal
- Darica Farabi Training and Research Hospital, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Ayfer Acikgoz
- Department of Child Health and Disease Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Merve Cakirli
- Department of Child Health and Disease Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
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White BK, Burns SK, Giglia RC, Dhaliwal SS, Scott JA. Measuring User Engagement with a Socially Connected, Gamified Health Promotion Mobile App. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:5626. [PMID: 35565015 PMCID: PMC9102982 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Participant engagement is an important consideration in mHealth interventions and there are no standardised measurements available to guide researchers. This paper describes the engagement index customised for the Milk Man app, a mobile app designed to engage fathers with breastfeeding and parenting information. Participants were recruited from maternity hospitals in Perth, Western Australia. An engagement index with scores ranging from 0 to 100 was calculated. Kaplan Meier survival analysis was used to determine difference in duration of exclusive breastfeeding, and Pearson's chi square analysis was conducted to investigate the association of engagement level with demographic characteristics and exclusive breastfeeding at 6 weeks. While overall, partners of participants who installed Milk Man were less likely to have ceased exclusive breastfeeding at any time point from birth to six weeks postpartum, this result was modest and of borderline significance (log rank test p = 0.052; Breslow p = 0.046; Tarone-Ware p = 0.049). The mean engagement score was 29.7% (range 1-80%), median 27.6%. Engagement level had no impact on duration of exclusive breastfeeding and demographic factors were not associated with engagement level. This research demonstrates a range of metrics that can be used to quantify participant engagement. However, more research is needed to identify ways of measuring effective engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Becky K. White
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia; (B.K.W.); (S.K.B.)
| | - Sharyn K. Burns
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia; (B.K.W.); (S.K.B.)
- Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia
| | | | - Satvinder S. Dhaliwal
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia;
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), University of Science, Pukau Pinang 11800, Malaysia
| | - Jane A. Scott
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia; (B.K.W.); (S.K.B.)
- Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia
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