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So JTH, Nambiar S, Byrne R, Gallegos D, Baxter KA. Designing Child Nutrition Interventions to Engage Fathers: Qualitative Analysis of Interviews and Co-Design Workshops. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2024; 7:e57849. [PMID: 38815260 PMCID: PMC11176881 DOI: 10.2196/57849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fathers play a pivotal role in parenting and child feeding, but they remain underrepresented in intervention studies, especially those focused on disadvantaged populations. A better understanding of fathers' experiences and needs regarding support access and child nutrition information in the context of disadvantage can inform future interventions engaging fathers. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore fathers' experiences; perceived enablers; and barriers to accessing support and information related to parenting, child feeding, and nutrition and to co-design principles for tailoring child nutrition interventions to engage fathers. METHODS Australian fathers of children aged 6 months to 5 years with lived experience of disadvantage participated in semistructured interviews and co-design workshops, primarily conducted via videoconference. Creative analogies were used to guide the ideation process in the workshops. RESULTS A total of 25 interviews and 3 workshops (n=10 participants) were conducted, with data analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation-Behavior model. The interview data illuminated factors influencing fathers' initiation in seeking support for parenting, child feeding, and nutrition, including their experiences. It highlighted fathers' diverse information needs and the importance of an inclusive environment and encouragement. Enablers and barriers in accessing support related to parenting and child nutrition were identified at the individual (eg, personal goals and resource constraints), interpersonal (family support and false beliefs about men's caregiving role), organizational (inadequate fathering support), and systemic levels (father-inclusive practice and policy). Digital data collection methods enabled Australia-wide participation, overcoming work and capacity barriers. Videoconferencing technology was effectively used to engage fathers creatively. Key principles for engaging fathers were co-designed from the workshop data. Interventions and resources need to be father specific, child centered, and culturally appropriate; promote empowerment and collaboration; and provide actionable and accessible strategies on the what and how of child feeding. Fathers preferred multiformat implementation, which harnesses technology-based design (eg, websites and mobile apps) and gamification. It should be tailored to the child's age and targeted at fathers using comprehensive promotion strategies. CONCLUSIONS Fathers faced barriers to accessing support and information related to parenting and feeding that may not adequately address their needs. Future interventions could integrate the co-designed principles to engage fathers effectively. These findings have implications for health service delivery and policy development, promoting father-inclusive practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Tsz Hei So
- Centre for Childhood Nutrition Research, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Smita Nambiar
- Centre for Childhood Nutrition Research, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rebecca Byrne
- Centre for Childhood Nutrition Research, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Danielle Gallegos
- Centre for Childhood Nutrition Research, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kimberley A Baxter
- Centre for Childhood Nutrition Research, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
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Fletcher R, Regan C, May C, Rennie A, Ludski K, George JS. Developing text-messaging support for fathers after perinatal loss. Women Birth 2024; 37:101594. [PMID: 38508068 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2024.101594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perinatal loss is a devastating occurrence for expecting parents. Although both parents are affected, research on fathers' grief has not resulted in effective support services for fathers. AIM To describe a multi-stage co-design process for developing text messaging support for fathers experiencing perinatal loss. METHODS Co-designed text messages were developed in collaboration with a perinatal bereavement organisation, mothers and fathers with lived experience of perinatal loss, and clinicians working with bereaved parents. Bereaved parents responded to a survey about bereaved fathers' information needs (stage 1). A qualitative descriptive data analysis created topics for the generation of text messages (stage 2). Parents with lived experience and clinicians evaluated the messages on importance and clinical fit (stage 3). Messages were revised (stage 4), followed by parent and clinician evaluation and final message revision (stage 5). FINDINGS There were 959 survey respondents; the majority agreed that support for fathers would have been useful; 539 provided comments. Qualitative analysis created twelve topics within three themes, leading to the generation of 64 text messages. Messages were evaluated by 27 lived experience parents and 19 clinicians as important (91.6%) and understandable (91.3%), and 92.5% of clinicians agreed the messages fitted clinical guidelines. Message revision resulted in 59 messages across three themes. The final evaluation by 12 parents and 14 clinicians led to a final revised set of 52 messages. CONCLUSION Text-based support for bereaved fathers can be developed in a co-design process to accord with clinical practice, from topics suggested parents with lived experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Fletcher
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
| | - Casey Regan
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Chris May
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Jennifer St George
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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3
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Aldridge G, Tomaselli A, Nowell C, Reupert A, Jorm A, Yap MBH. Engaging Parents in Technology-Assisted Interventions for Childhood Adversity: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e43994. [PMID: 38241066 PMCID: PMC10837762 DOI: 10.2196/43994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Youth mental health problems are a major public health concern and are strongly associated with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Technology-assisted parenting programs can intervene with ACEs that are within a parent's capacity to modify. However, engagement with such programs is suboptimal. OBJECTIVE This review aims to describe and appraise the efficacy of strategies used to engage parents in technology-assisted parenting programs targeting ACEs on the behavioral and subjective outcomes of engagement. METHODS Using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) reporting guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed papers that described the use of at least 1 engagement strategy in a technology-assisted parenting program targeting ACEs that are within a parent's capacity to modify. A total of 8 interdisciplinary bibliographic databases (CENTRAL, CINAHL, Embase, OVID MEDLINE, OVID PsycINFO, Scopus, ACM, and IEEE Xplore) and gray literature were searched. The use of engagement strategies and measures was narratively synthesized. Associations between specific engagement strategies and engagement outcomes were quantitatively synthesized using the Stouffer method of combining P values. RESULTS We identified 13,973 articles for screening. Of these, 156 (1.12%) articles were eligible for inclusion, and 29 (18.2%) of the 156 were associated with another article; thus, 127 studies were analyzed. Preliminary evidence for a reliable association between 5 engagement strategies (involving parents in a program's design, delivering a program on the web compared to face-to-face, use of personalization or tailoring features, user control features, and provision of practical support) and greater engagement was found. Three engagement strategies (professional support features, use of videos, and behavior change techniques) were not found to have a reliable association with engagement outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This review provides a comprehensive assessment and description of the use of engagement strategies and engagement measures in technology-assisted parenting programs targeting parenting-related ACEs and extends the current evidence with preliminary quantitative findings. Heterogeneous definition and measurement of engagement and insufficient engagement outcome data were caveats to this synthesis. Future research could use integrated definitions and measures of engagement to support robust systematic evaluations of engagement in this context. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42020209819; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=209819.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Aldridge
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Alessandra Tomaselli
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Clare Nowell
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Andrea Reupert
- School of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Anthony Jorm
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marie Bee Hui Yap
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Lee JY, Lee SJ. Implementing a Text Messaging Intervention to Engage Fathers in Home Visiting. Matern Child Health J 2023; 27:1697-1704. [PMID: 37294464 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-023-03718-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This "From the Field" article reports on the Text4Dad text messaging intervention designed to engage fathers in home visiting. We introduce implementation process components from our pilot study across three Healthy Start home visitation sites. DESCRIPTION Three Fatherhood Community Health Workers (F-CHWs) and three fathers from one Text4Dad site were interviewed. Using content analysis, we examined the experiences of F-CHWs who implemented Text4Dad and program participants who used Text4Dad. ASSESSMENT Results highlighted five implementation process components related to: (1) F-CHWs' use of Text4Dad and enrolling fathers; (2) F-CHWs' interactions with fathers, perceptions of Text4Dad content, and integration of Text4Dad into home visits with fathers; (3) training and technical assistance for F-CHWs; (4) father program participants' acceptability and usability of Text4Dad; and (5) fathers' barriers to interactive use of Text4Dad. CONCLUSION The F-CHWs were able to successfully enroll fathers into Text4Dad. F-CHWs and fathers found Text4Dad content acceptable to their circumstances. Text4Dad technology was viewed as usable, with some limitations. F-CHWs experienced challenges accessing the Text4Dad platform while on home visits. Results suggested that F-CHWs did not use Text4Dad to facilitate interaction, and accordingly, fathers had a lower than anticipated response rate to texts sent by their F-CHWs. We conclude with future directions for improving the implementation of text messaging programs in community-based fatherhood programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Y Lee
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, 1947 North College Road, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| | - Shawna J Lee
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, 1080 South University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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Fletcher R, Regan C, May C, White S, St George J. Developing a text message intervention for fathers with partners experiencing perinatal depression or anxiety. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2023:1-14. [PMID: 37743736 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2023.2262506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Support from fathers to their partners is important to reduce distress in mothers during the perinatal period when conditions such as depression and anxiety can be common. The SMS4dads digital platform delivers text messages to fathers but has not previously addressed specific messages to fathers with partners who are experiencing perinatal depression and/or anxiety (PNDA). AIM To develop messages, in collaboration with experienced parents and clinicians, that are suitable for fathers whose partner is experiencing PNDA. METHODS Messages designed to enhance the quality of partner support for mothers experiencing PNDA were drafted by the SMS4dads team based on suggestions from mothers with lived experience of PNDA. Mothers and fathers with lived experience and expert clinicians rated the messages for importance and understanding. Clinicians additionally rated clinical relevance. Open response comments from parents and clinicians were collated for each message. Re-drafted messages were screened again and checked for literacy level. RESULTS Forty-one draft messages received a total of 170 ratings from 24 parents and 164 ratings from 32 clinicians. Over three quarters of parents and clinicians agreed or strongly agreed that messages were understandable (parents 85.6%; clinicians 77.4%), important (parents 86.3%; clinicians 86.6%), and 85.5% of clinicians rated the messages as clinically relevant. Comments from clinicians (n = 99) and parents (n = 46) were reviewed and guided message development. Thirty re-drafted messages were screened and 16 edited based on a second round of ratings and comments from parents and clinicians. CONCLUSION Messages for fathers whose partners are experiencing depression and anxiety can be developed and evaluated in collaboration with lived experience of parents and clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Fletcher
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Casey Regan
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Chris May
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Scott White
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Jennifer St George
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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6
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Xie EB, Jung JW, Kaur J, Benzies KM, Tomfohr-Madsen L, Keys E. Digital Parenting Interventions for Fathers of Infants From Conception to the Age of 12 Months: Systematic Review of Mixed Methods Studies. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e43219. [PMID: 37494086 PMCID: PMC10413237 DOI: 10.2196/43219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital interventions help address barriers to traditional health care services. Fathers play an important parenting role in their families, and their involvement is beneficial for family well-being. Although digital interventions are a promising avenue to facilitate father involvement during the perinatal period, most are oriented toward maternal needs and do not address the unique needs of fathers. OBJECTIVE This systematic review describes the digital interventions that exist or are currently being developed for fathers of infants from conception to 12 months postpartum. METHODS A systematic search of the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase (using Ovid), and CINAHL (using EBSCO) databases was conducted to identify articles from database inception to June 2022, of which 39 met the inclusion criteria. Articles were included if they were peer-reviewed and described a digital intervention that targeted fathers of fetuses or infants aged ≤12 months. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and opinion pieces were excluded. Data from these studies were extracted and themed using a narrative synthesis approach. Quality appraisal of the articles was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. RESULTS A total of 2816 articles were retrieved, of which 39 (1.38%) met the inclusion criteria for eligibility after removing duplicates and screening. Eligible articles included 29 different interventions across 13 countries. Most articles (22/29, 76%) described interventions that were exclusively digital. There were a variety of digital modalities, but interventions were most commonly designed to be delivered via a website or web-based portal (14/29, 48%). Just over half (21/39, 54%) of the articles described interventions designed to be delivered from pregnancy through the postpartum period. Only 26% (10/39) of the studies targeted fathers exclusively. A wide range of outcomes were included, with 54% (21/39) of the studies including a primary outcome related to intervention feasibility. Qualitative and mixed methods studies reported generally positive experiences with digital interventions and qualitative themes of the importance of providing support to partners, improving parenting confidence, and normalization of stress were identified. Of the 18 studies primarily examining efficacy outcomes, 13 (72%) reported a statistically significant intervention effect. The studies exhibited a moderate quality level overall. CONCLUSIONS New and expecting fathers use digital technologies, which could be used to help address father-specific barriers to traditional health care services. However, in contrast to the current state of digital interventions for mothers, father-focused interventions lack evaluation and evidence. Among the existing studies on digital interventions for fathers, there seem to be mixed findings regarding their feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy. There is a need for more development and standardized evaluation of interventions that target father-identified priorities. This review was limited by not assessing equity-oriented outcomes (eg, race and socioeconomic status), which should also be considered in future intervention development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James Wonkyu Jung
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jasleen Kaur
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Karen M Benzies
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Keys
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, Canada
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Cameron EE, Simpson KM, Pierce SK, Penner KE, Beyak A, Gomez I, Bowes JM, Reynolds KA, Tomfohr-Madsen LM, Roos LE. Paternal Perinatal Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Framework Analysis of the Reddit Forum Predaddit. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4408. [PMID: 36901417 PMCID: PMC10001997 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, new parents were disproportionately affected by public health restrictions changing service accessibility and increasing stressors. However, minimal research has examined pandemic-related stressors and experiences of perinatal fathers in naturalistic anonymous settings. An important and novel way parents seek connection and information is through online forums, which increased during COVID-19. The current study qualitatively analyzed the experiences of perinatal fathers from September to December 2020 through the Framework Analytic Approach to identify unmet support needs during COVID-19 using the online forum predaddit on reddit. Five main themes in the thematic framework included forum use, COVID-19, psychosocial distress, family functioning, and child health and development, each with related subthemes. Findings highlight the utility of predaddit as a source of information for, and interactions of, fathers to inform mental health services. Overall, fathers used the forum to engage with other fathers during a time of social isolation and for support during the transition to parenthood. This manuscript highlights the unmet support needs of fathers during the perinatal period and the importance of including fathers in perinatal care, implementing routine perinatal mood screening for both parents, and developing programs to support fathers during this transition to promote family wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E. Cameron
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Kaeley M. Simpson
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Shayna K. Pierce
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Kailey E. Penner
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Alanna Beyak
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Irlanda Gomez
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - John-Michael Bowes
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2, Canada
| | - Kristin A. Reynolds
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3N4, Canada
- Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0Z3, Canada
| | - Lianne M. Tomfohr-Madsen
- Faculty of Education, Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Leslie E. Roos
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0Z3, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1S1, Canada
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Fletcher R, Symonds I, StGeorge J, Warland J, Stark M. Testing the acceptability of stillbirth awareness messages in an SMS program for fathers. Health Promot J Austr 2023; 34:149-155. [PMID: 36450663 PMCID: PMC10107767 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED To raise expectant fathers' awareness of risk factors for stillbirth. METHODS A set of brief text messages was developed addressing recognised risk factors for stillbirth: avoidance of maternal cigarette smoking, maternal going to sleep on side messaging, awareness of the importance of noticing and reporting changes in foetal movement and fathers' involvement in shared decision making for timing of birth. Eight messages were inserted into the SMS4dads pilot program being conducted by NSW Health. Feedback on the messages was requested. Participants rated the quality of the messages on a three-point Likert scale and provided comments. RESULTS Overall, 2528 messages were sent to 626 fathers' mobile phones, 45% of fathers replied with 666 ratings and 115 comments evaluating the texts. The quantitative ratings indicated substantial overall approval of the messages. Within the coding category "Evaluation of Message Content," three themes described fathers' reactions and feelings about the smoking, movement, side sleeping and birth timing messages: "important-good information," "not appropriate/anxiety provoking" and "not relevant-obvious." Three themes reflecting the attributes of the messages within the "Service Quality" category were "need more information," "complements public health" and "child voice fit." CONCLUSIONS Results indicate that the messages are an acceptable way to provide information and suggested actions addressing stillbirth risk factors to fathers-to-be. SO WHAT?: Fathers' awareness of the risk factors for stillbirth can assist mothers to take appropriate actions for a healthy birth. Information on risk factors can be provided to fathers via a father-focused text messaging service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Fletcher
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Ian Symonds
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jennifer StGeorge
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane Warland
- School of Nursing, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Michael Stark
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Dol J, Aston M, McMillan D, Tomblin Murphy G, Campbell-Yeo M. Participants' Perceptions of Essential Coaching for Every Mother-a Canadian Text Message-Based Postpartum Program: Process Evaluation of a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e36821. [PMID: 35559855 PMCID: PMC9143775 DOI: 10.2196/36821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND "Essential Coaching for Every Mother" is a Canadian text message-based program that sends daily messages to mothers for 6 weeks after they give birth. There is a need to explore the program's effectiveness in terms of the participants' experience to guide refinement and modification. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe the process evaluation of the Essential Coaching for Every Mother randomized controlled trial through an evaluation of the research implementation extent and quality. METHODS Participants were recruited from Nova Scotia, Canada, between January 5 and August 1, 2021. Enrolled participants were randomized into the intervention or control group. Participants randomized to the intervention group received standard care along with the Essential Coaching for Every Mother program's text messages related to newborn and maternal care for the first 6 weeks after giving birth, while the control group received standard care. Usage data were collected from the SMS text message program used, and participants completed web-based questionnaires at 6 weeks after birth. Quantitative data and qualitative responses to open-ended questions were used to triangulate findings. Quantitative data were summarized using means, SDs, and percentages, as appropriate, while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Of the 295 unique initial contacts, 150 mothers were eligible and completed the baseline survey to be enrolled in the study (intervention, n=78; control, n=72). Of those randomized into the intervention group, 75 (96%) completed the 6-week follow-up survey to provide feedback on the program. In total, 48 (62%) intervention participants received all messages as designed in the Essential Coaching for Every Mother program, with participants who enrolled late missing on average 4.7 (range 1-12) messages. Intervention participants reported an 89% satisfaction rate with the program, and 100% of participants would recommend the program to other new mothers. Participants liked how the program made them feel, the format, appropriate timing of messages, and content while disliking the frequency of messages and gaps in content. Participants also provided suggestions for future improvement. CONCLUSIONS Our process evaluation has provided a comprehensive understanding of interest in the program as well as identified preference for program components. The findings of this study will be used to update future iterations of the Essential Coaching for Every Mother program. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClincalTrials.gov NCT04730570; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04730570.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Dol
- Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Megan Aston
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Douglas McMillan
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Marsha Campbell-Yeo
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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How do women, men, and health providers perceive interventions to influence men's engagement in maternal and newborn health? A qualitative evidence synthesis. Soc Sci Med 2021; 291:114475. [PMID: 34695645 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Globally, there is growing awareness of the important contributions men can make as key stakeholders in maternal and newborn health (MNH), and increased investment in interventions designed to influence men's engagement to improve MNH outcomes. Interventions typically target men, women, couples or health providers, yet how these stakeholders perceive and experience interventions is not well understood and the fact that women may experience these interventions as disempowering has been identified as a major concern. This review aims to synthesise how women, men, and providers perceive and experience interventions designed to influence men's engagement in MNH, in order to identify perceived benefits and risks of participating in interventions, and other key factors affecting uptake of and adherence to interventions. We conducted a qualitative evidence synthesis based on a systematic search of the literature, analysing a purposive sample of 66 out of 144 included studies to enable rich synthesis. Women, men and providers report that interventions enable more and better care for women, newborns and men, and strengthen family relationships between the newborn, father and mother. At the same time, stakeholders report that poorly designed or implemented interventions carry risks of harm, including constraining some women's access to MNH services and compounding negative impacts of existing gender inequalities. Limited health system capacity to deliver men-friendly MNH services, and pervasive gender inequality, can limit the accessibility and acceptability of interventions. Sociodemographic factors, household needs, and peer networks can influence how men choose to support MNH, and may affect demand for and adherence to interventions. Overall, perceived benefits of interventions designed to influence men's engagement in MNH are compelling, reported risks of harm are likely manageable through careful implementation, and there is clear evidence of demand from women and men, and some providers, for increased opportunities and support for men to engage in MNH.
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Hamil J, Gier E, Garfield CF, Tandon D. The Development and Pilot of a Technology-Based Intervention in the United States for Father's Mental Health in the Perinatal Period. Am J Mens Health 2021; 15:15579883211044306. [PMID: 34587839 PMCID: PMC8488529 DOI: 10.1177/15579883211044306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Paternal mental health is increasingly recognized as an important public health issue, with about 10% of men experiencing depression perinatally. Paternal depression is associated with less responsive parenting, greater parenting stress, and suboptimal child development. In response to a lack of existing interventions that directly focus on fathers’ mental health in the United States, we developed and pilot tested the Fathers and Babies (FAB) intervention for use with partners of women enrolled in home visiting (HV) programs. After a review of the extant literature, FAB was developed with input from HV stakeholders and infant mental health consultants. FAB was subsequently pilot tested with 30 father-mother dyads, with mixed-method data collected from a subset of intervention participants to assess intervention feasibility and acceptability and guide intervention refinement. Five themes related to FAB content and delivery considerations emerged from the initial focus groups that were used to guide FAB development. Mixed-method data collected during the pilot study established that fathers receiving FAB reported its content appropriate and thought it was feasible to receive the intervention. Several recommendations for FAB revisions were also provided. FAB is an innovative intervention developed for fathers from contemporary family structures that was well-received during its pilot testing. Feasibility and acceptability data suggest that fathers have favorable opinions about intervention content and delivery, while also highlighting areas for future revisions of FAB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Hamil
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Emma Gier
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Craig F Garfield
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Darius Tandon
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Livingston JD, Youssef GJ, StGeorge J, Wynter K, Dowse E, Francis LM, Di Manno L, Teague S, Demmer D, Collins S, Wilford E, Leach L, Melvin GA, Macdonald JA. Paternal coping and psychopathology during the perinatal period: A mixed studies systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev 2021; 86:102028. [PMID: 33975226 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2021.102028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
How fathers cope with stress may be critical to their mental health during the perinatal period. Using a sequential explanatory design for systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to identify associations and causal relations between higher- and lower-order avoidant and approach coping strategies and paternal psychopathology. We searched five electronic databases and grey literature, and used random-effects models to calculate pooled effects from 11 quantitative studies. Meta-analytic results were integrated with findings from 18 qualitative studies. Fathers' avoidant coping was positively associated with global psychopathology and depression. Approach-oriented coping, particularly problem-solving, was associated with positive affect but not psychopathology. Qualitative findings indicate distressed fathers employ avoidant coping strategies such as suppression, distraction, and social withdrawal. Approach-oriented coping strategies such as problem-solving and cognitive reappraisals appeared to be constructive components of men's coping repertoires supporting adaptation to fatherhood. Different coping strategies and approaches may reflect enactment of constrictive, moderate, or reinterpreted masculine norms. Study designs did not allow conclusions about causal relations between coping and psychopathology. Screening for, and targeting of, high avoidant coping among expectant and new fathers may help detect men at risk of or experiencing mental health difficulties and inform clinical response to psychopathology. Research examining whether different patterns of avoidant and approach coping are associated with psychopathology over time could inform interventions to support men's mental health and adaptation to fatherhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianne D Livingston
- Deakin University, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - George J Youssef
- Deakin University, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Centre for Adolescent Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Karen Wynter
- Deakin University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia; Deakin University, Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research - Western Health Partnership, St Albans, Australia
| | - Eileen Dowse
- University of Newcastle, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Lauren M Francis
- Deakin University, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Laura Di Manno
- Deakin University, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Samantha Teague
- Deakin University, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - David Demmer
- Deakin University, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Sam Collins
- Deakin University, Food & Mood Centre, IMPACT SRC, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Emily Wilford
- Australian National University, National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Canberra, Australia
| | - Liana Leach
- Australian National University, National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Canberra, Australia
| | - Glenn A Melvin
- Deakin University, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia; Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal & Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Jacqui A Macdonald
- Deakin University, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Centre for Adolescent Health, Melbourne, Australia; University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
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13
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Domoney J, Trevillion K, Challacombe FL. Developing an intervention for paternal perinatal depression: An international Delphi study. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2020.100033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
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