Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting
Date Submitted: Apr 28, 2019
Date Accepted: Aug 29, 2019
Pragmatic internet intervention to promote positive parenting and school readiness in early childhood: Initial evidence of program use and satisfaction
ABSTRACT
Background:
Background:
Internet-based parenting programs have the potential to connect families to research-informed materials to promote positive child development. However, such programs can only succeed to the extent that the intended population engages with them.
Objective:
Objective:
The present investigation evaluated engagement in the 5-a-Day Parenting program, a technology-based program designed to promote daily use of five specific parenting activities conducive to children’s school readiness. Following earlier pilot data, the program was enhanced with an initial motivational e-intervention and tailored text messages designed to promote engagement.
Methods:
Methods:
Parents were recruited from local childcare centers and through a participant registry. We examined rates of receipt of program text messages and use of video-based content on the program website, three factors that may impact website use (i.e., program recruitment approach, program-affiliation message, and parents’ experience of socio-contextual risk), and satisfaction with key program elements.
Results:
Results:
Three hundred and sixty parents of young children learned about the study and had the opportunity to use the 5-a-Day Parenting website. Ninety-four of these parents participated in the study, and 32 (33%) used the video-based content on the website at least once. Program recruitment approach, program-affiliation message, nor socio-contextual risk related to website use. Satisfaction with text messages and video-based content was high.
Conclusions:
Conclusions:
For some parents, technology-based program for parents appear to use useful; however, engagement could still be enhanced. Further research should seek innovative strategies for promoting engagement in internet-based parenting programs. Clinical Trial: n/a; not randomized clinical trial
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