An Active Image-Based Mobile Food Record Is Feasible for Capturing Eating Occasions among Infants Ages 3-12 Months Old in Hawai'i

Abstract

The ability to comprehensively assess the diet of infants is essential for monitoring adequate growth; however, it is challenging to assess dietary intake with a high level of accuracy. Infants rely on surrogate reporting by caregivers. This study aimed to determine if surrogate reporters (e.g., caregivers) could use an image-based mobile food record adapted (baby mFR) to record infants' eating occasions, and via caregiver feedback, could assess the usability and feasibility of the baby mFR in recording infants' diets. This was a cross-sectional study in which surrogate reporters (e.g., caregivers) recorded all food and beverage intake (including human milk) of the infant over a 4-day period. Trained research staff evaluated all images submitted during data collection for different indicators of quality. All surrogate reporters were asked to complete a usability questionnaire at the end of the 4-day data collection period. Basic descriptive analyses were performed on the infants 3-12 months of age (n = 70). A total of 91% (n = 64) of surrogate reporters used the baby mFR to record their infants' eating occasions. The mean number of images submitted daily per participant via the mFR was 4.2 (SD 0.2). A majority of submitted images contained the fiducial marker and the food and/or beverage was completely visible. The mFR was found to be easy to use; however, suggestions were provided to increase utility of the application such as the inclusion of a bottle button and reminders. An image-based dietary assessment method using a mobile app was found to be feasible for surrogate reporters to record an infant's food and beverage intake throughout the day.

Keywords: acceptability; infant diet; mobile food record technology.

Figure 1

Home screen for the baby Mobile Food Record (mFR) application.