JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Despite their growing popularity, there are very few mobile health (mHealth) interventions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that are culturally safe and evidence-based. A co-design approach is considered a suitable methodology for developing health interventions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to co-design a mHealth intervention to improve health knowledge, health behaviours, and access to health services for women caring for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Methods:

Aboriginal researchers led engagement and recruitment with health services and participants in three Aboriginal communities in New South Wales Australia. Focus groups and interviews were facilitated by researchers and an app developer to gather information on three pre-determined themes, 1) design characteristics, 2) content modules, and 3) features and functions. Findings from the co-design led to the development of an intervention prototype. Theories of health behaviour change were used to underpin intervention components. Existing publicly available evidence-based information was used to develop content. Governance was provided by an Aboriginal Advisory group

Results:

Thirty-one mothers and 11 health professionals participated in eight co-design focus groups and 12 interviews from June to September 2019. Six design characteristics identified as important were: (1) Credibility, (2) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designs and cultural safety, (3) Family centredness, (4) Supportive, (5) Simple to use, and (6) Confidential. Content modules include six modules for women’s health: (1) Smoke free families, (2) Safe drinking, (3) Feeling Good, (4) Women’s Business, (5) Eating, (6) Exercise; and six modules for children’s health: (1) Breathing Well, (2) Sleeping, (3) Milestones, (4) Feeding and Eating, (5) Vaccinations and Medicine, and (6) Ears, Eyes and Teeth. Six technology features and functions were also identified: (1) Content feed, (2) Social connection, (3) Reminders, (4) Rewards, (5) Communication with health professionals, and (6) Use of videos.

Conclusions:

An mHealth intervention including app, Facebook page, and text message modalities was developed based on the co-design findings. The intervention incorporates health behaviour change theory, evidence-based information and the preferences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and health professionals. A pilot study is now needed to assess the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention.