JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Evolving societal trends mean that fathers are having an increasing influence on the health-related behaviours that children develop. Research shows that most fathers are committed to their role and when equipped with knowledge, can have a positive impact on their child’s health. However, parenting resources typically target mothers, with fathers invariably excluded. While evolving mobile phone technology provides an efficient means for delivering parenting resources, many fathers find mHealth technology does not provide material they can engage with.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to explore how to make parenting apps more engaging and useful for fathers using an existing parenting mHealth resource; the My Baby Now app (MBN), as a case study.

Methods:

Fourteen, purposefully selected, Australian fathers of 7 months to 5-year-old children took part in a qualitative study, comprising either focus groups or interviews. Recorded focus groups/ interviews were transcribed verbatim, then coded and analysed for themes using thematic analysis.

Results:

Current parenting apps, including MBN, provide parenting information that can be unappealing for fathers. For fathers to engage in mHealth resources, the information needs to be father specific, there should be positive imagery and descriptives of fathers in their parenting role, there should be father exclusive domains such as forums, and there should also be push notifications/ messages to support fathers in times where they may be under stress.

Conclusions:

Smartphone technology has the capacity to deliver father-specific information when needed. This reduces the risks of fathers becoming frustrated and disengaged from parenting. Future research will be benefited by understanding possible differences in mHealth app usage by fathers of differing SEP, cultural backgrounds and family status, such as single fathers and same sex couples.