Understanding the reach of an evidence-based public health intervention to optimise nutrition and movement behaviour at scale: The INFANT Program by Laws et al, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 2025.
What is the INFANT program?
INFANT is an evidence-based early years program designed to support families with healthy eating, active play and reduced screen from the start of their baby’s life. It consists of four group sessions for families delivered by trained early years professionals across the first year of life, complemented with a mobile phone app.
What was this study about?
This study looked at the overall reach of the INFANT program and how well the program reached priority population groups across Victoria during statewide scale up.
Why is this important?
This is the first study to assess the equitable reach of an early life health promotion program at scale.
What did the researchers do?
Caregiver participation was measured through an app access survey and practitioner training was tracked via training records. Program reach was estimated per 1000 births in each local government area (LGA). To assess representativeness, participants sociodemographic characteristics were compared with the population of Victorian women at reproductive age.
What did they find?
- Strong overall reach: From Aug 2021 to November 2024, over 11,000 caregivers accessed the program, mostly through the app, with one-third also attending group sessions.
- Widespread availability: Nearly all local government areas (LGAs) offered the app, and over half offered group sessions.
- INFANT facilitator training improved reach: LGAs with more trained practitioners had better program reach.
- COVID-19 reduced participation: Lockdowns, especially in Melbourne, limited face-to-face sessions and likely reduced participation
- Equity gaps exist: Families with lower education, living in disadvantaged areas, or speaking a language other than English at home were less likely to participate in INFANT.
- Cultural and language barriers: The app and surveys were only available in English, which may have limited participation of culturally and linguistically diverse families. Tailored approaches and culturally adapted and translated materials are needed.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families: the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families accessing INFANT appears to be representative of the population. Further work in partnership with VACCHO and Aboriginal communities is needed to ensure the program and the way it is delivered in culturally responsive to community needs.
- Regional participation high: Families in regional areas participated more than expected, possibly due to fewer lockdowns, more trained staff, and stronger community ties.
- Fathers underrepresented: Less than 5% of app users were fathers, and they were less likely to attend group sessions. More inclusive strategies are needed to engage fathers.
- Group sessions help disadvantaged families: In areas offering both the app and group sessions, families from disadvantaged or regional areas were more likely to attend group sessions compared to using the app alone, important for building social support.
What does this mean policy and practice:
- Health and early years professionals play a key role in promoting the program, but relying solely on them may miss families who don’t use mainstream services.
- Combining strategies—like social media, community outreach, and culturally tailored approaches—can help reach more families.
- Program adaptations are needed to better serve culturally and linguistically diverse families and fathers.
- Partnerships with trusted community organisations, like bi-cultural workers and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, can improve cultural safety and engagement.
Summary:
The INFANT program has been widely adopted and has reached many families across Victoria, but more work is needed to ensure it reaches all groups equitably. Tailored delivery models and inclusive strategies will help improve access and engagement, especially for priority populations.
The full article can be found here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1326020025000706?via%3Dihub
More information on the INFANT program can be found here: https://www.infantprogram.org/.
INFANT program booklets and videos have now been translated into 6 community languages and can be accessed here: Mums, Dads and Carers | INFANT