The headcam mother-infant interaction assessment tool: testing the feasibility and acceptability in Soweto, South Africa, using participatory engagement

Abstract Background Many children in low- and middle-income countries lack the stimulation needed to support healthy growth development. Sensitive interactions between caregivers infants may promote movement behaviours infants, which could improve childhood However, reliable measures for such require testing South African context. The aim of this study was test acceptability feasibility headcam caregiver-infant interaction assessment tool mothers from Soweto, Africa. Methods Nineteen mother infant (6–24 months) pairs were asked wear headcams (first-person observation) while participating group individual activities. Detailed instructions on use provided before during these Mothers then headcams, as well photoframe cameras (which context interactions), at least three, 5-min mother-infant engagement sessions home over a 1-week period. Thereafter, focus discussions (FGDs) conducted explore mothers’ experiences using setting. assessed according priori criteria scored (i) technical reliability devices (ii) usability recorded footage. Acceptability emerging themes coded FGDs constant comparison method by two researchers. Results found be feasible sufficient data available code. Three main emerged FGD analysis: headcam, environment vs. headcam. remarked ease across daily activities, normality their infant’s behaviour recording other members household. Large amounts wasted unusable recordings produced, challenges related switching off placement discussed. Conclusions Our shows that are both an acceptable assessing Soweto. improvements quality collected should made prior future work.