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Developing a programme for healthy growth and nutrition during infancy: understanding user perspectives.
R Lakshman1, J R Landsbaugh, A Schiff
1MRC Epidemiology Unit, UKCRC Centre of Excellence in Diet and Activity Research, Cambridge, UK. rl284@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk
Child: Care, Health and Development
|July 15, 2011
Summary
Preventing childhood obesity requires addressing parental beliefs about infant feeding, such as babies not being overfed and crying signaling hunger. Consistent advice is crucial for formula-feeding mothers and healthcare providers in early intervention programs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing concern, with early infancy being a critical period for intervention.
- A program for healthy growth and nutrition in formula-fed infants was developed to address this issue.
- Understanding user perspectives on the program and its planned trial was essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore mothers' and healthcare providers' views on a new infant nutrition program.
- To identify potential barriers and facilitators for implementing the program.
- To inform the development of effective childhood obesity prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Focus group discussions with mothers and individual interviews with health visitors, a midwife, and a mother.
- Verbatim transcription of all sessions.
- Thematic analysis using the framework approach to analyze qualitative data.
Main Results:
- Mothers desired consistent infant feeding advice and welcomed support for formula-feeding, but questioned limiting formula quantities.
- Some mothers held beliefs that babies cannot be overfed, crying indicates hunger, and growth is genetically determined.
- Health visitors used growth charts for assessing adequate, not excess, weight gain and noted the need for significant maternal education.
Conclusions:
- Interventions to prevent childhood obesity must address maternal beliefs regarding infant overfeeding, crying as hunger, and genetic determination of growth.
- Differing motivations and understandings between mothers and healthcare providers are critical factors in intervention development.
- Consistent messaging and tailored support are vital for the success of infant nutrition programs.
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