Assessing the potential for integrating routine data collection on complementary feeding to child health visits: a mixed-methods study

Tully, L., Wright, C. M. , McCormick, D. and Garcia, A. L. (2019) Assessing the potential for integrating routine data collection on complementary feeding to child health visits: a mixed-methods study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(10), 1722. (doi: 10.3390/ijerph16101722) (PMID:31100804) (PMCID:PMC6571620)

Abstract

There is no routine data collection in the UK on infant dietary diversity during the transition to solid foods, and health visitors (HVs) (nurses or midwives with specialist training in children and family health) have the potential to play a key role in nutrition surveillance. We aimed to assess items for inclusion in routine data collection, their suitability for collecting informative data, and acceptability among HVs. A mixed-methods study was undertaken using: (i) an online survey testing potential questionnaire items among parents/caregivers, (ii) questionnaire redevelopment in collaboration with community staff, and (iii) a survey pilot by HVs followed by qualitative data collection. Preliminary online questionnaires (n = 122) were collected to identify useful items on dietary diversity. Items on repeated exposure to foods, aversive feeding behaviors, flavor categories, and sugar intake were selected to correspond to nutrition recommendations, and be compatible with electronic records via tablet. HVs surveyed 187 parents of infants aged 12 months. Semi-structured interviews indicated that HVs found the questionnaire comparable with standard nutrition conversations, which prompted helpful discussions, but questions on eating behavior did not prompt such useful discussions and, in some cases, caused confusion about what was ‘normal.’ Lack of time among HVs, internet connectivity issues, and fear of losing rapport with parents were barriers to completing electronic questionnaires, with 91% submitted by paper. Routine nutrition data collection via child health records seems feasible and could inform quality improvement projects.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This research was funded by Maternal and Infant Nutrition Framework, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Wright, Professor Charlotte and Garcia, Dr Ada and Tully, Ms Louise
• Authors: Tully, L., Wright, C. M., McCormick, D., and Garcia, A. L.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Publisher: MDPI
• ISSN: 1661-7827
• ISSN (Online): 1660-4601
• Published Online: 16 May 2019
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 The Authors
• First Published: First published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16(10):1722
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License