Understanding the reach of an evidence-based public health intervention to optimise nutrition and movement behaviour...

Area of Science:

• Public health interventions
• Early childhood development
• Health promotion program evaluation

Background:

• Scaling up evidence-based programs is crucial for public health impact.
• Understanding program reach and equity is essential for effective implementation.
• Early life nutrition and movement behaviors significantly influence long-term health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the equitable reach of the INFANT program during its scale-up.
• To identify factors influencing program participation across diverse communities.
• To assess the program's effectiveness in reaching priority populations.

Main Methods:

• The INFANT program, including a free app and practitioner-led groups, was implemented across Victoria, Australia.
• Practitioner training and caregiver participation were tracked.
• Program reach was analyzed per 1000 births by Local Government Area (LGA).
• Logistic regression identified factors associated with group enrollment and attendance.

Main Results:

• INFANT groups were offered in 61% of Victorian LGAs, with the app used in 99%, reaching 11,358 caregivers.
• Higher practitioner training rates correlated with better program reach.
• INFANT participants were more likely to be university-educated, English-speaking, from advantaged communities, and outside major cities.
• Group enrollment and attendance were higher among first-time parents, mixed feeders, and those in disadvantaged communities or outside major cities.

Conclusions:

• The INFANT program demonstrated high reach during scale-up.
• Group sessions were effective in reaching parents from disadvantaged communities, enhancing equity.
• Further efforts are needed to expand reach for specific priority groups.