scholarly journals A Short Message Service Intervention for Improving Infant Feeding Practices in Shanghai, China: Planning, Implementation, and Process Evaluation (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Jiang ◽  
Mu Li ◽  
Li Ming Wen ◽  
Louise A Baur ◽  
Gengsheng He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Process Evaluation ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Short Message ◽  
Infant Feeding Practices ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Message Service ◽  
Text Messaging Intervention

BACKGROUND Although mobile health (mHealth) has been widely applied in health care services, few studies have reported the detailed process of the development and implementation of text messaging (short message service, SMS) interventions. OBJECTIVE Our study aims to demonstrate the process and lessons learned from a community-based text messaging (SMS) intervention for improving infant feeding in Shanghai, China. METHODS The intervention included planning and development, implementation, and process evaluation. A 3-phase process was adopted during planning and development: (1) a formative study with expectant and new mothers to explore the barriers of appropriate infant feeding practices; (2) a baseline questionnaire survey to understand potential intervention approaches; and (3) development of the text message bank. The text messaging intervention was delivered via a computer-based platform. A message bank was established before the start of the intervention containing information on the benefits of breastfeeding, preparing for breastfeeding, early initiation of breastfeeding, timely introduction of complementary foods, and establishing appropriate feeding practices, etc. An expert advisory committee oversaw the content and quality of the message bank. Process evaluation was conducted through field records and qualitative interviews with participating mothers. RESULTS We found that the text messaging intervention was feasible and well received by mothers because of its easy and flexible access. The weekly based message frequency was thought to be appropriate, and the contents were anticipatory and trustworthy. Some mothers had high expectations for timely response to inquiries. Occasionally, the text messages were not delivered due to unstable telecommunication transmission. Mothers suggested that the messages could be more personalized. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the feasibility and value of text messaging intervention in filling gaps in delivering health care services and promoting healthy infant feeding practices in settings where personal contact is limited.

scholarly journals Reported infant feeding practices and contextual influences on breastfeeding: qualitative interviews with women registered to MomConnect in three South African provinces

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zara Trafford ◽  
Sara Jewett ◽  
Alison Swartz ◽  
Amnesty E. LeFevre ◽  
Peter J. Winch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
South African ◽  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Policy Support ◽  
Infant Feeding Practices ◽  
Local Policy ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Younger Women

Abstract Background Global guidelines recommend exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first 6 months of life. South African EBF rates have steadily increased but still only average 32% for infants below 6 months of age. Malnutrition and developmental delays continue to contribute substantially to the morbidity and mortality of South African children. MomConnect, a national mHealth messaging system used to send infant and maternal health messages during and after pregnancy, has a specific focus on improving rates of breastfeeding and has achieved high rates of population coverage. Methods For this qualitative study, we interviewed women who were registered to MomConnect to investigate their breastfeeding and other infant feeding practices, decision-making pre- and post-delivery, and the role of the health system, family members and the wider community in supporting or detracting from breastfeeding intentions. Data were collected from February–March 2018 in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and Gauteng provinces. Framework analysis was conducted to identify common themes. Results Most women interviewed had breastfed, including HIV-positive women. Even when women had delivered by caesarean section, they had usually been able to initiate breastfeeding a few hours after birth. Understandings of EBF varied in thoroughness and there was some confusion about the best way to cease breastfeeding. Most women felt well-equipped to make infant feeding decisions and to stick to their intentions, but returning to work or school sometimes prevented 6 months of EBF. Advice from the health system (both via clinics and MomConnect) was considered helpful and supportive in encouraging EBF to 6 months, although family influences could thwart these intentions, especially for younger women. Mothers reported a range of breastfeeding information sources that influenced their choices, including social media. Conclusions Efforts to improve EBF rates must include consideration of the social and economic environment surrounding women. Interventions that focus only on improving women’s knowledge are valuable but insufficient on their own. Attention should also be paid to infant behaviors, and how these affect women’s breastfeeding choices. Finally, although there is strong local policy support for EBF, more rigorous implementation of these and other broader changes to create a more enabling structural environment ought to be prioritized.

scholarly journals An Assessment of the Breastfeeding Practices and Infant Feeding Pattern among Mothers in Mauritius

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashmika Motee ◽  
Deerajen Ramasawmy ◽  
Prity Pugo-Gunsam ◽  
Rajesh Jeewon
Keyword(s):  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Infant Nutrition ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Feeding Pattern ◽  
Infant Feeding Practices ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Breastfeeding Practices ◽  
Childhood Morbidity ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Type Of Delivery

Proper breastfeeding practices are effective ways for reducing childhood morbidity and mortality. While many mothers understand the importance of breastfeeding, others are less knowledgeable on the benefits of breastfeeding and weaning. The aim in here is to assess breastfeeding pattern, infant formula feeding pattern, and weaning introduction in Mauritius and to investigate the factors that influence infant nutrition. 500 mothers were interviewed using a questionnaire which was designed to elicit information on infant feeding practices. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS (version 13.0), whereby chi-square tests were used to evaluate relationships between different selected variables. The prevalence of breastfeeding practice in Mauritius has risen from 72% in 1991 to 93.4% as found in this study, while only 17.9% breastfed their children exclusively for the first 6 months, and the mean duration of EBF (exclusive breastfeeding) is 2.10 months. Complementary feeding was more commonly initiated around 4–6 months (75.2%). Despite the fact that 60.6% of mothers initiate breastfeeding and 26.1% of mothers are found to breastfeed up to 2 years, the practice of EBF for the first 6 months is low (17.9%). Factors found to influence infant feeding practices are type of delivery, parity, alcohol consumption, occupation, education, and breast problems.

scholarly journals Infant feeding practices: a cause for concern.

BMJ ◽  
1979 ◽  
Vol 2 (6197) ◽  
pp. 1073-1073
Author(s):  
D Freed ◽  
D Mackay
Keyword(s):  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Infant Feeding Practices
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