JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Latinx families are among the highest users of smartphones, yet few online health-focused programs have been developed for this audience. Parent-focused smartphone applications designed for Latinx families may help increase access to evidence-informed parenting programming and ultimately reduce health disparities among children and adolescents. To maximize uptake of such applications, the Center for eHealth Research and Disease Management (CeHRes) Roadmap for eHealth development recommends five phases of development: 1) contextual inquiry, 2) value specification, 3) design, 4) operationalization, and 5) evaluation.

Objective:

Guided by the CeHRes Roadmap, we applied a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to mobile app development led by a community-academic team. We present a formative evaluation to inform the design of an eHealth mobile application for Latinx parents of adolescents with content from a face-to-face parenting program, Padres Informados /Jovenes Preparados Program (PIJP).

Methods:

Community participants in the process included stakeholders (N=8) and Latinx parents (N=116). We conducted stakeholder interviews to discuss values and develop app requirements, a parent survey and interviews to understand context and obtain feedback on a mockup and prototype of the app, and facilitator workshops to streamline content.

Results:

Stakeholder interviews identified three community priorities: familism, the promotion of adolescent health, and delivery of economic value. Community stakeholders participated in the process of defining the mobile app requirements. In the survey, 97% of parents reported they had access to a cell phone; 86% reported they would use a parenting app in the next month if they had access; and 80% reported intentions to use a stress reduction app. Parents reported that setting goals about parenting and tracking those goals was one of the most important potential features of an app. In logistic regression analyses, technology attitudes and barriers were not related to parent’s intentions to use a parenting mobile app [95% CI=.51 to 1.17; 95% CI=.28 to 2.12]. Qualitative interviews confirmed Latinx parents’ technology engagement and desire for education and child development information online. Based on community and parent input, the mobile application prototype was designed with 3 sections: (1) 8 modules of video-based parenting skills instruction with content from the face-to-face PIJP program, (2) the of breath rate information from a wearable device to support awareness of stress levels that could affect parenting, and (3) goal setting and tracking capacities.

Conclusions:

Results highlight the utility of an iterative, participatory design process. The CBPR approach and community collaboration enhanced the CeHRes Roadmap by promoting power sharing, facilitating recruitment, and building trust among community members. Experiences applying community research to the first 3 phases of the CeHRes Roadmap in a Latinx community are discussed, along with plans for the 2 final phases.