Accepted for/Published in: JMIR mHealth and uHealth
Date Submitted: Dec 5, 2019
Date Accepted: Mar 12, 2020
Information and Quality in Infant Feeding Smartphone Apps: a five-year update on a Systematic Search and Evaluation
ABSTRACT
Background:
Parents use apps to access health information, but there are no standards for providing evidence-based advice, support and information. Well-developed apps that promote appropriate infant feeding and play can support healthy growth and development. A 2015 systematic review of smartphone apps in Australia about infant feeding and play found most apps had minimal information, with poor readability and app quality.
Objective:
This review systematically evaluated the information and quality of smartphone apps providing information on breastfeeding, formula feeding, introducing solids or infant play for consumers.
Methods:
The Google Play and App Store was searched for free and paid Android and iOS apps, using key terms for infant feeding, breastfeeding, formula feeding and tummy time. Apps were evaluated between September 2018 and January 2019, for information content based on Australian guidelines, app quality using the 5-point Mobile App Rating Scale, readability, and suitability of health information.
Results:
2196 unique apps were found and screened, with 47 included for evaluation. 11 apps had affiliations to universities and health services, as app developers, writers or editors. 33 apps were commercially developed. The majority of apps were found through search key terms breastfeeding or formula feeding (32 apps). Most apps contained information that was incorrect, insufficient or inconsistent with Australian guidelines on infant nutrition. Subjective app assessment by healthcare practitioners on whether they would use, purchase or recommend the app was scored as poor to acceptable (median 2.50). Objective app assessment on engagement, functionality, aesthetics and information was scored as acceptable (median 3.63). The median readability score for apps was at the American Grade 8 reading level. Suitability of health information was rated superior for content, reading demand, layout and interaction with readers.
Conclusions:
Quality of smartphone apps on infant feeding and activity was moderate, based on objective measurements of engagement, functionality, aesthetics and information from a reliable source. Overall quality of information on infant feeding and activity was poor, indicated by low coverage of topics, and incomplete or partially complete information. The key areas for improvement involved providing evidence-based information consistent with the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Infant Feeding Guidelines. Apps supported and developed by health care professionals with adequate health service funding can ensure that parents are provided with credible and reliable resources. Clinical Trial: N/A
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