Publication year
2016
Citation Title
Military parents' personal technology usage and interest in e-health information for obesity prevention.
Journal Name
Telemedicine and e-Health
Journal Volume
22
Issue Number
3
Page Numbers
183-190
DOI
10.1089/tmj.2015.0078
Summary
A needs assessment on the current level of technology usage and knowledge and attitudes toward health and nutrition of military parents at two military bases was conducted. The outcomes from the needs assessment suggest that most parents have a general understanding of good nutrition and health, but through access to the internet via different technologies (e.g. laptop, desktop, or tablet) they could benefit from increased information on good nutrition and healthy foods for their families. A needs assessment on the current level of technology usage and knowledge and attitudes toward health and nutrition of military parents at two military bases was conducted. The outcomes from the needs assessment suggest that most parents have a general understanding of good nutrition and health, but through access to the internet via different technologies (e.g. laptop, desktop, or tablet) they could benefit from increased information on good nutrition and healthy foods for their families.
Key Findings
Participants from both bases had similar technology usage patterns in terms of computer and mobile device usage on the Internet
A majority of the participants noted less than 3 hours a day of use of the Internet via smartphone or personal computer (e.g., laptop, desktop, or tablet).
At both bases, more than half of the participants reported that they knew about good health and nutrition and were interested in learning more.
Air Force base parents had a slightly higher knowledge level of nutrition and health information than Army base parents.
Implications for Program Leaders
Support the development of a technology platform (e.g. online modules, app, website) to disseminate health and nutrition information to Service members and families
Partner with local schools and early learning centers on the creation of a community garden
Develop online modules that focus on healthy activities military parents can engage in with their children
Implications for Policy Makers
Recommend awareness campaigns on the importance of healthy eating for military families and their children
Continue efforts with each military branch to foster partnerships with community health organizations in supporting the health and nutrition of Service members and their families
Develop health incentive plans for military families and their children
Methods
Researchers recruited parent participants at child development centers on two bases.
All participants completed the Technology Usage in Military Family questionnaire.
Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted on the participant’s computer and Internet usage, mobile devices usage, and attitudes toward health/nutritional information.
Participants
Participants were Active Duty Service members, spouses, or family members, 18 years of age and older, with a child between the ages of 3 and 5 years enrolled at the child development centers at one of two selected military bases (one Army and one Air Force).
Participants identified as White (41%), Black (25%) Latino (22%), Native American (4%), Multiracial (4%), Asian-American (3%), and Other (1%).
Thirty-one percent of participants were Male and 69% were Female with 81% in the Army and 19% in the Air Force.
Limitations
The study used a sample of parents from two child development centers at an Air Force and Army military base which is not representative of all military parents.
The data were collected in two southwestern states; therefore, geographic location or resources available in those specific military bases may be different to other bases.
The survey asked numerous questions about technology platforms (e.g. search engines, e-mail, browser, social media) that exist currently, with the rapid changes in technological applications this information could be outdated quickly.
Avenues for Future Research
Purple Investigate the prevalence of obesity among military adults and children and the relationship to parents’ nutrition and health knowledge
Incorporate independent variables that may affect military family members’ health behaviors, such as motivational factors related to personal tracking of health behaviors using technology
Evaluate the components of an effective health and nutrition internet based intervention program for families
Focus
Multiple Branches
Target Population
Population Focus
Military Component
Abstract
Background: U.S. military families are experiencing high obesity rates similar to the civilian population. The Department of Defense's Military Health System (MHS) is one of the largest healthcare providers in the United States, serving approximately 9.2 million active duty service members, retirees, spouses, and children. The annual cost to the MHS for morbidities associated with being overweight exceeds $1 billion. The preschool age has been suggested as an opportune time to intervene for the prevention of obesity. Thus, this study investigated the current level of technology usage by military service member families and assessed their needs and interests in health/nutrition information. This needs assessment is crucial for researchers/educators to design further studies and intervention programs for obesity prevention in military families with young children. Materials and Methods: In total, 288 military parents (233 Army and 55 Air Force) at two military bases whose children were enrolled in military childcare centers in the southwestern United States participated in a Technology Usage in Military Family (TUMF) survey in 2013. Results and Conclusions: Overall, both bases presented similar technology usage patterns in terms of computer and mobile device usage on the Internet. Air Force base parents had a slightly higher knowledge level of nutrition/health information than Army base parents. The TUMF survey suggested practical ways such as mobile applications/Web sites, social networks, games, etc., that health educators can use to disseminate nutrition/health information for obesity prevention among military families with young children.
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