Development of text messages targeting healthy eating for children in the context of parenting partnerships

Aim There has been an increase in the use of text messaging to deliver and support health interventions. The aim was to develop a bank of text messages targeting healthy eating for children in the context of parenting partnerships that could be used in a family intervention. Methods Text messages were developed using the Theoretical Domains Framework and Behaviour Change Wheel COM-B model by study investigators using a three-phase approach: (i) initial development of a message bank; (ii) messages were reviewed and evaluated by experts and parents on their clarity, usefulness, and relevance using a 5-point Likert scale and open text spaces for additional feedback and (iii) refinement of messages content and finalised the message bank. Results Messages were reviewed for 'clarity', 'usefulness' and 'relevance' by 20 parents and 28 health experts, who were predominantly female (92%), parents of primary school age children (33%), of low to middle socioeconomic status (78%), with a mean age of 39 years (SD +/- 9.87). From an initial set of 97 messages developed, 48 messages were retained through consultation. Messages were designed to complement the intervention, while engaging both parents. Conclusions The three-phase development created a set of text messages acceptable to experts and parents that aim to support improvement in child eating behaviours. The process provides a template and practical guide for researchers and health providers looking to apply a systematic approach to text messages development. Future research should investigate acceptability and impact of these messages as a component of family-based nutrition intervention.