(PTFS01-06-23) Development of a Game-Based, Mobile App To Improve Child Feeding in Sub-Saharan Africa

Objectives: To develop a mobile gaming app to improve the infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices of teenage mothers in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods: The mobile gaming app was developed via an iterative process. Current IYCF practices were identified via an extensive literature search and two focus group discussions with 16 low-income teenage mothers in Nigeria. Findings were incorporated into an initial app content design, evaluated by ten nutrition experts. A mobile app prototype was created based on adapted content from the United Nations Children’s Fund IYCF training package, and assessed for ease of use by a focus group of eight teenage mothers. Seven gaming, nutrition and dietetics experts evaluated the prototype using the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire (MAUQ), with a total possible score of 5.0 for each app domain assessed.

Results: Focus group discussions showed widespread discarding of colostrum, non-exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding with mostly starchy staples and force-feeding (restricting limbs, lowering head, covering nostrils, and pouring liquid gruel into mouth). The app prototype featured a 2D role-play video game on correct IYCF recommendations, child health calendar for immunizations, child growth monitor for anthropometrics, and 30 recipes for dietary diversity. Expert evaluation via the MAUQ showed a 4.0 mean score for user engagement (entertainment, interest, customization, interactivity, target group). Mean scores for functionality (app performance, ease of use, navigation, gestural design), esthetics (app attractiveness, graphics, visual appeal) and app information (accuracy of description, goals, quality and quantity of information) were 4.1, 4.1 and 4.4, respectively. The highest mean score of 4.6 was recorded for perceived app impact (awareness, knowledge, attitudes, intention, help-seeking, behavior change). Qualitative feedback from the panel of experts and focus groups were incorporated into the final version.

Conclusions: A functional mobile gaming app to train teenage mothers on recommended child feeding practices was developed. It will be utilized to improve feeding practices for young children in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Funding Sources: Bess Heflin Centennial Professorship