A Multimethod Evaluation of the Futuros Fuertes Intervention to Promote Healthy Feeding, Screen Time, and Sleep Practices

Abstract

Objective: 1) To evaluate the impact of the Futuros Fuertes intervention on infant feeding, screen time, and sleep practices and 2) To use qualitative methods to explore mechanisms of action.

Methods: Low-income Latino infant-parent dyads were recruited from birth to 1 month and randomized to Futuros Fuertes or a financial coaching control. Parents received health education sessions from a lay health educator at well-child visits in the first year of life. Parents received two text messages per week that reinforced intervention content. We assessed infant feeding, screen time, and sleep practices via surveys. body mass index z-score (BMI-z) was measured at 6 and 12 months. Seventeen parents from the intervention arm participated in a semi-structured interview that explored parental experiences with the intervention.

Results: There were n = 96 infant-parent dyads randomized. Fruit intake was higher in the intervention group at 15 months (1.1 vs 0.86 cups p = 0.05). Breastfeeding rates were higher in intervention participants at 6 months (84% vs 59% p = 0.02) and 9 months (81% vs 51% p = 0.008). Mean daily screen time was lower among intervention participants at 6 months (7 vs 22 min p = 0.003), 12 months (35 vs 52 min p = 0.03), and 15 months (60 vs 73 min p = 0.03). Major qualitative themes include 1) parental trust in intervention messaging 2) changes in feeding and screen time parenting practices, 3) text messages supported behavior change for parents and family members, and 4) varying effectiveness of intervention on different health behaviors.

Conclusions: Low-income Latino infants participating in the Futuros Fuertes intervention had modestly healthier feeding and screen time practices compared to control participants.

Keywords: Latino children; mobile health; obesity prevention; primary care.

Figure.

Consort Flow Diagram for Futuros Fuertes Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.