The impact of complementary feeding education for mothers using mobile phone applications on the anthropometric indices of Iranian infants

Abstract

Background: Maternal education is often linked to improved awareness. This study aimed to determine the impact of complementary feeding education for mothers using mobile phone applications on the anthropometric indices of Iranian infants. Methods: This quasi-experiment study involved 86 eligible women divided into two groups—intervention (n = 43) and control (n = 43)—using a multistage sampling method. A researcher-designed questionnaire collected demographic data from parents and infants. Education was delivered through a mobile phone application. Infant anthropometric indices (weight-for-age, length-for-age, and weight-for-length) were measured before and 3 months after the intervention. Statistical analysis included independent t-tests, paired t-tests, chi-square tests (or Cochran–Armitage tests), and analysis of covariance. Results: The mean weight-for-age Z-scores of the infants in the intervention group were significantly different before (0.07 ± 0.52) and after the intervention (0.37 ± 0.53) (p