"Effect of the 'AmamantApp' Mobile App Intervention on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Human Milk Donation among Non-Donor Breastfeeding Women in Lima, Peru: A Randomized Controlled Trial" (Preprint)
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: BACKGROUND Breastfeeding in preterm infants is disrupted by several factors, thus requiring donated breast milk. Although human milk banks (HMB) become allies in reducing premature infant mortality, the number of donors is insufficient to meet the demand due to knowledge, individual, and sociocultural barriers, among others, that influence the willingness to donate. Mobile health apps can help address some of these barriers. However, few apps have been properly tested. We developed and evaluated a mobile app to promote human milk donation among breastfeeding women. OBJECTIVE This paper aimed to determine the effect of a mobile app, AmamantApp, on knowledge, attitudes, and practices of human milk donation among breastfeeding women in Lima, Peru. METHODS A mixed methods study design was conducted. The quantitative component included a randomized controlled trial involving 112 breastfeeding mothers enrolled in a mother and child hospital. The intervention group (n=54) received education on human milk donation via a mobile app, and the control group (n=58) received printed educational material. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) were assessed with a KAP questionnaire before and after the 60-day intervention. The development of the mobile intervention was based on the Human Centered Design approach. Additionally, the qualitative component based on a phenomenological design was conducted through 17 in-depth interviews and one focus group to explore individual, social, and systemic barriers to the practice of human milk donation. RESULTS This study found no differences in sociodemographic characteristics between breastfeeding mothers in the intervention and control groups. A total of 78 mothers completed the study (n=37 in the intervention group; n=41 in the control group). The analyses revealed significant differences between the groups in knowledge scores (MD [mean difference]: 0.94 points, P=.04). No differences were observed in attitudes or practices towards human milk donation. Qualitative findings highlighted individual barriers, specifically a lack of time and social barriers related to working conditions. Systemic barriers were also identified, including the cost of laboratory tests required for donors, the limited number of collection points and HMB, and limited information, follow-up and motivation on human milk donation by health staff. CONCLUSIONS AmamantApp improved knowledge about human milk donation among breastfeeding women participants. Individual, social, and systemic barriers were identified that limited this practice in the intervention group, which could be addressed to encourage donation practices. The use of technological resources such as AmamantApp has great potential to positively influence the promotion of favorable attitudes towards human milk donation. Accordingly, it is suggested that decision-makers in the health sector incorporate it into the planning and implementation of educational activities aimed at promoting human milk donation.
Source: JMIR mhealth and uhealth
DOI: 10.2196/91245
Authors: Violeta Magdalena Rojas, Nervo Verdezoto, Oscar Calvo-Torres, Juan Pablo Aparco Balboa, Adela Rosibel Alcedo, Dayana Isolina Ovalle Vasquez, Josely Esther Jimenez, Kiary Fiorella Yauri, Eduardo Segundo Cruz Ramirez, Jaime Eduardo Pizarro Barona, Joseph Danilo Avila Alvarez, Sissy Liliana Espinoza-Bernardo, Ana Higa, Mirella Ariana Calle, Janeth Rossio Perez Luque, Yaritza Chavez-Monteza
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,850
OpenAlex ID: W7172385352