| Summary: | A lack of adherence by mothers to the introduction of solids guidelines
indicates a need to investigate information sources. The aims of this
study were to analyse consumer-focused introduction to solids
resources and explore mothers’ awareness and use of Australian Infant
Feeding Guidelines (AIFG) with the aim of developing some future
recommendations for resource development and dissemination.
Resources were identified from government, non-government and other
providers, and content analysis was applied using the validated Suitability
Assessment of Material score sheet to identify weaknesses and
readability level was calculated. An online survey using a semiquantitative
questionnaire was distributed via Facebook to explore
mothers’ feeding experiences and use of resources in 2015. Twenty-five
resources were identified and government resources were more likely to
be scored superior in format and content. The content of all resources
supported the 2013 AIFG but the majority had readability levels higher
than 6th reading grade. Cultural appropriateness category mean score
(61%) across all three groups. Survey results from 93 women found only
29% of mothers had heard of the AIFG and they confirmed their major
source of helpful information was Internet (55%) and friends (45%).
Mothers identified that they would prefer to receive information via
health professionals (36%), the web (29%) and pamphlets (15%). Dietitians
have a future role in resource development to ensure suitable
readability and cultural relevance. Dietitians need to develop skills in
using the web and social networks to disseminate key health messages
relating to the introduction of solids.
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