Development and cultural adaptation of text messages for promoting healthy eating among Amazonian schoolchildren

Author(s)

Hovadick, Ana Carolina de Andrade ; Moreira, Steffany Martins ; Rodrigues, Caroline Zani ; de Oliveira, Valeria Clarisse ; Cardoso, Marly Augusto

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: APPETITE; v. 206, p. 8-pg., 2024-12-27.

Abstract

Objective: To develop text messages for a mHealth intervention promoting healthy eating among Amazonian schoolchildren. Design: Two rounds of expert panel analysis and formative research interviews. Setting: Western Brazilian Amazon, Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil. Participants: Included 17 healthcare professionals and 40 caregivers of school-aged children enrolled in the Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition in Acre birth cohort study. Main outcome measures: Evaluation focused on messages' cultural appropriateness, comprehensibility, and relevance, along with caregivers' understanding and intention to adhere to the recommendations. Analysis: Quantitative analysis employed the modified Cohen Kappa, the Scale-Content Validity Index Average (S-CVI-Ave), frequency calculations, and a ranking system. Results: Fifty-five text messages were drafted. In the initial stage, eight messages did not achieve a sufficient score and were subsequently revised and reevaluated, ultimately gaining approval. The S-CVI-Ave for each domain was as follows: cultural appropriateness = 0.97, comprehensibility = 0.96, and relevance = 0.97. Formative research indicated a 92% understanding rate and a 70% intention rate to adhere to the proposed suggestions. Conclusions and implications: The final set of messages was successfully culturally adapted and will contribute to the translation and dissemination of Dietary Guidelines for Brazilian Population recommendations to Western Amazon families. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/03401-5 - Remote nutritional intervention to promote healthy eating practices among Amazonian schoolchildren: a randomized clinical trial
• Grantee: Ana Carolina de Andrade Hovadick
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 22/13550-8 - Intergenerational burden of malnutrition in the Western Brazilian Amazon: trajectories until preschool age and alternative measurement approaches
• Grantee: Caroline Zani Rodrigues
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate