Table 1 Selected publications

Hull et al. [22].

2017 Aug

Prototype, Usability testing

To test the application prototype with target users, focusing on usage, usability, and perceived barriers and benefits of the app.

A prototype designed application that includes some shopping tools such as a barcode scanner and calculator tools for the cash value voucher for purchasing fruits and vegetables, and nutrition education focused on healthy snacks and beverages

(African Americans and Hispanics in the United States)

(80 mothers of children ages 2 to 4.5 years)

(3 months duration)

The app prototype successfully demonstrated the feasibility of using it. Although, Some technical barriers reported by users. Also a few of them indicated more problems with the app not being easy enough to use, lack of interest in the content, forgetting to use it, or not noticing alerts.

1- Compatibility issues with different Android platforms

2- Limited support of vendors

3- technical barriers and delay in updating the database

1- High willingness to shopping tools including a barcode scanner and calculator tools for the cash value voucher for purchasing fruits and vegetables

2- improving food purchasing behaviors, parent feeding strategies

Nyström et al. [23].

2017 April

Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)

To assess the effectiveness of a mHealth obesity prevention program on body fat, dietary habits, and physical activity in healthy Swedish children aged 4.5 y.

The application consisted of an extensive program of information and support grounded in social cognitive theory and behavior change techniques and was centered around existing guidelines for healthy eating and physical activity

(Ostergotland, Sweden)

(315 preschool-aged children were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group.)

(Parents in the intervention group received a 6-mo mHealth program.)

No statistically significant intervention effect was observed for Fat Mass Index (FMI) between the intervention and control group. However, the intervention group increased their mean composite score from baseline to follow-up, whereas the control group did not.

1- Children of normal weight were included, which may have diluted the effect of the intervention on FMI.

2- the intervention was provided only in Swedish

1- compatible with both iOS and Android operating systems

2- intervention was grounded in social cognitive theory

3- careful calculation of statistical power

4- validated measures for dietary intake

Shah et al. [24].

2016 Dec

Pilot study with quantitative approach

To test the feasibility and acceptability of such ICT based approach.

Mobile based videos for training of all the (health) field workers to increase the nutritional and health status of children between 0 and 6 yrs.

Jogmodi beat in India was selected for the pilot. Jogmodi beat had 25 AWWs (Anganwadi Workers).

(4 weeks duration)

The feedbacks indicated that old unhealthy practices are still followed in the village in the name of religion and old traditions. According to reports the major barrier was availability of communication network problem in their village.

1- low availability of communication network

2- The role of the supervisor was not clear that needs to be planned in the way forward

1- Using videos as an effective media

2- Intervention developed in various local languages which cover all topics relating to malnutrition and its care.

3- Giving recharge for calling for the oral exam

Weerasinghe et al. [25].

May 2016

Formative study with qualitative approach

To understand the nature of mobile phone use and perceptions of m-health for infant and young child feeding counseling among the mothers, their family members, and service providers

using m-health counseling for infant and young child feeding

(Sri Lankan Tea Estates)

(27 focus group discussions with mothers, fathers and grandmothers of the children under the age of 5) (15 in-depth interviews with health care team)

Mothers’ perception were positive about receiving health related massages and reminders on Child Feeding through phones. On the other hand, Health workers were willing to mobile intervention as a supplementary method to face-to-face interaction.

According to results m-health platform could be a promising initiative to improve the nutritional status of children.

1- Low availability of mobile phones

2- Distribution of signal strength is not adequate in some area

1- Mothers’ tendency to receive mobile-technology based counseling.

2- health workers were willing to use mobile phones as a complementary to strengthen communications

Militello et al. [26].

(October 1, 2015)

Case study (mostly qualitative approach)

1. To assess correlations among the study variables (healthy lifestyle beliefs, perceived difficulty, and healthy lifestyle behaviors) in parents of overweight /obese preschool children.

2. If the parent’s level of cognitive beliefs and perceived difficulty of engaging in healthy lifestyle behaviors correlated with text messaging cognitive behavioral support.

The intervention relies on Cognitive Behavioral Skills Building (CBSB) to include nutrition and physical activity knowledge, problem solving, goal setting, effective communication, positive self-talk, and positive thinking. The program was delivered through a combination of clinic visits, homework/ reinforcement, reminders (manual or audio option), and text message triggers.

(Columbus, USA)

Sample of

15 parent-preschooler dyads (13 parents and 15 overweight/ obesity preschoolers aged 3 through 5 years)

This finding indicated that the parents’ level of cognitive beliefs and perceived difficulty of engaging in healthy lifestyle behaviors correlated with the text messaging cognitive behavioral support.

As parental healthy lifestyle beliefs increased and perceived difficulty lessened, their response rate and subsequent feedback lessened to the static text messaging support.

1- using text messaging (SMS) that considered to be not effective as a mobile application because of its constraints

2- It is unknown whether the SMS were perceived by participants as motivators, facilitators, or reminders to act.

1- Utilizing Beck’s Cognitive Theory for intervention content

2- Utilizing Fogg’s Behavior Model for the implementation.

Denney-Wilson et al. [27].

BMJ open. 2015 Nov 1

Non-randomized quasi experimental

To assess:

1. The feasibility of PHC practitioners referring parents to and incorporating an m-health intervention and reinforcing key messages as part of routine baby

health checks;

2. The effectiveness of an m-health intervention in terms of its reach, use, acceptability, cost and impact on key infant nutrition and feeding outcomes.

The program is a smartphone app, website and online forum providing parents living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas with a ‘one-stop shop’ for evidence based advice and tips, consistent with national guidelines on infant feeding in the first 9 months of life.

(200 parent/child dyads to the intervention arm)

(infant age less than 3 months, 6 months and 9 months)

Child Health nurses’ staff acknowledged that the content was consistent with guidelines and agreed to participate in the study and refer parents to the app.

1- Because of study budget and timeframe limitations, intervention term is restricted to 9 months of age that is not sufficient to get desirable effects

1- Developing the intervention content tailored to age of child.

2- Using sound theoretical framework.

3- the content consistency with guidelines

4- Utilizing recruitment strategies to Motivate participants into the intervention

Charles et al. [28].

2016 IEEE/ACIS 15th International Conference

Case study with qualitative approach

The study uses both theoretical and practical approach to define the factors that fuel malnutrition and its other cause, how Information and Communication Technology tools can help to grasp the fact. Therefore, the developed tool will mainly have an SMS platform.

The Online Nutrition Surveillance System gives a possible push and pull system where information is gathered and retrieved upon request by either SMS or the web-based portal and visiting the nearest tele-center as a means of both advocacy and information sharing to minimize the information gap consequently improve household knowledge .

50 respondents were selected from the major sub-counties of western Uganda to facilitate the research process about a population of concern.

Regarding the study, SMS platform, Discussion forum, Mailing list and more components of the web-based portal were suggested as effective ways to expand awareness and knowledge sharing about malnutrition.

1- Limited capabilities due to weakness in available ICT infrastructure.

2- Enormous challenges like lack of a database and information system, inadequate standardized data collection

1- focus on finding the most appropriate ways of information distribution of malnutrition best practices

2- Utilizing the combination advantages of SMS platform, Discussion forum and Mailing list.

3- Using SMS on mobile phone as an alternative for individuals that can’t afford a smart phone to access a web-portal