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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2018 Sep-Oct;37(7):605-613.
doi: 10.1080/07315724.2018.1454353. Epub 2018 Apr 30.

Effect of a Multi-Site Trial using Short Message Service (SMS) on Infant Feeding Practices and Weight Gain in Low-Income Minorities

Cristina Palacios  1 , Maribel Campos  2 , Cheryl Gibby  3 , Marytere Meléndez  4 , Jae Eun Lee  5 , Jinan Banna  3
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Effect of a Multi-Site Trial using Short Message Service (SMS) on Infant Feeding Practices and Weight Gain in Low-Income Minorities

Cristina Palacios et al. J Am Coll Nutr. 2018 Sep-Oct.

Abstract

Objective: To test the effects of weekly SMS for improving infant feeding practices and infant weight.

Methods: This was a multi-site randomized clinical trial in a convenience sample of 202 caregivers of healthy term infants 0-2 months participating in the WIC program in Puerto Rico and Hawaii. Participants were randomized to receive SMS about infant's general health issues (control) or SMS for improving feeding practices (intervention) for four months. Weight, length and infant feeding practices were assessed at baseline and four months later.

Results: A total of 170 participants completed the study (n = 86 control and n = 84 intervention). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. At the end, exclusive breastfeeding rates were similar between groups (67.4% control and 59.1% intervention). Introduction of other foods and beverages, addition of foods to the bottle, placing infants to sleep with milk bottles, caregiver's method and response to feeding infants and distractions while feeding infants were similar between groups. Also, weight status or rate of weight gain was similar between groups.

Conclusion: There were no significant improvements in feeding practices or in weight with the intervention. The timeline of the messages in relation to the targeted behavior may have affected the effectiveness of the intervention. Earlier dissemination of messages, higher level of intensity, longer intervention, additional contacts and inclusion of other caregivers may be needed to achieve the desired effects.

Keywords: Infant; feeding practices; mobile messages; weight, intervention.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interests to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Consort diagram of the study. This figure presents a consort diagram of the study showing reasons for exclusion from the study.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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