Use of an Interactive Computer Agent to Support Breastfeeding

Abstract

Mothers need consistent, sustained information and support to develop and meet personal breastfeeding goals, but often receive insufficient assistance and conflicting and incorrect advice. The use of technology may be helpful in supplementing existing health care professional breastfeeding education and support efforts. We developed and evaluated a computer-based animated, interactive agent designed to provide breastfeeding information and support to mothers interested in breastfeeding. A randomized controlled study of a first-generation system was conducted to determine the feasibility of (1) use of the Computer Agent; (2) the recruitment plan; and (3) the planned outcome evaluation (assessing the impact of the intervention on intent to breastfeed, attitudes towards breastfeeding, and breastfeeding self-efficacy). The pilot study (N = 15) showed that the use of the Computer Agent, the recruitment plan, and the planned outcome evaluation were all feasible. Mothers who used the Computer Agent had greater intentions to exclusively breastfeed after exposure to the Agent (intent to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months 1-7 scale score of 6.14 (post) vs. 5.14 (pre); p < 0.05). Non-statistically significant trends in improvement with use of the Computer Agent breastfeeding support system were also seen in the between subjects analyses of intent to breastfeed and breastfeeding self-efficacy. The pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of using a Computer Agent to support breastfeeding mothers and informed the design of a larger randomized clinical trial. An interactive Computer Agent may be helpful in improving rates of exclusive breastfeeding, particularly when there is not adequate health care professional support.

FeedFinder

“…Research has investigated how new mothers use social networking technologies to find confidence in their new role, as well as maintain their identity beyond that of 'mother' [18]. Recently a small body of work has responded to needs around breastfeeding specifically, with for example the development of a relational agent that is able to engage in an empathetic dialogue with a mother to deliver information about breastfeeding [16]. Other projects have explored how a mobile application can aid people in correctly pasteurising breastmilk donated to human milk banks in developing countries [10].…”

Acceptability and feasibility of a virtual counselor (VICKY) to collect family health histories

“…They can be programmed and used for automated health education and behavioral counseling interventions, and have been demonstrated to establish and maintain therapeutic relationships through these and other interactions. 19 These agents have been successfully used to facilitate medication adherence, 20 health document explanation, 21,22 breastfeeding promotion, 23 and exercise and weight loss education and motivation. 24-27 Use of the relational agent system requires very minimal reading skills.…”

Efficacy of e‐technologies in improving breastfeeding outcomes among perinatal women: a meta‐analysis

“…), interactive computer agent (Edwards et al . ), electronic prompt (e‐prompt; Bonuck et al . ), etc.…”