FOOD QUALITY-CENTERED M-HEALTH: IMPROVING QUALITY OF FOOD THROUGH TEXT MESSAGING INTERVENTIONS
A. N. AGIRIGA *
Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
M. O. IWE
Department of Food Science and Technology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
U. J. ETOAMAIHE
Department of Agriculture Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
O. A. OLAOYE
Department of Food Science and Technology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The rapid expansion of mobile health (mHealth) programs through text messaging provides an opportunity to improve food quality knowledge and dietary behaviours particularly among hard-to-reach populations. Systematic activities to prevent or cure health problems and promote good health in humans using quality food can be done effectively through text messaging. Dietary practises of frequent consumption of nutrient-poor foods (as unhealthy snacks) and the refusal to take green leafy vegetables and fruits seen in developed and developing countries compromise the intake of micronutrients. Most people are somehow able to allay their hunger, yet stay malnourished as their food does not contain sufficient nutrients. This paper reviewed the different contexts in which text messaging is used, text messaging interventions in food quality, reasons why text messaging is appropriate for imparting knowledge about food quality and the limitations of text messaging as an intervention delivery modality. Increased usage of text messaging in food quality interventions will prevent the occurrence of common diseases and infections and ensure optimal human resource development.
Keywords: Mobile health, eHealth, food quality, text messaging, nutrition