Insights from user experience and evaluation of a mobile health nutrition intervention for children with autism: A qualitative study

Background

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience high rates of atypical eating behaviours, such as food neophobia. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have been found to improve communication, behaviour and social skills for children with ASD. However, there is limited evidence examining mHealth nutrition interventions among children with ASD.

Methods

The present study comprised a qualitative descriptive study that used qualitative content analysis to explore parent and child experiences with a novel mHealth nutrition intervention. Ten parent–child dyads provided user feedback and evaluation of the intervention. Data collection tools included a semistructured interview guide and a quantitative questionnaire with open-ended questions. Data analysis of the interview transcripts and open-ended questionnaire responses was an iterative process that continued until saturation was achieved. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative questionnaire data.

Results

Analysis of the qualitative semistructured interviews led to emergence of three themes: (1) positive intervention outcomes; (2) parent suggestions for improvement; and (3) barriers to engagement. Each theme included subthemes. Questionnaire data revealed the ability to pick rewards and the virtual character that reinforced dietary goals (“Nutrition Ninja”) were the most liked components of the application. Sending messages within the application and the Nutrition Ninja game were the least liked components of the application.

Conclusions

Collectively, findings indicated that the app served as an interactive tool prompting dietary change and conversations within families. Yet, for some families, the intervention design, resistance to change or child disinterest hindered use and implementation of the intervention.