Research Team
Susan M. Breitenstein, Principal Investigator, Rush University College of Nursing
Award Period
09/01/12-08/31/15
Funding Source
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Nurse Faculty Scholars
Abstract
The overall goal of this program of research is to develop and test innovative implementation methods to increase the feasibility, reach, and sustainability of evidenced based mental health prevention interventions. The implementation method proposed in this study is digital delivery using android technology and a mobile tablet device. The delivery method will be applied to the Chicago Parent Program (CPP), an evidence-based parent training program designed to target the needs of urban, low-income ethnic minority parents. The specific aims of the study are: (1) refine the digital delivery method for the Chicago Parent Program (eCPP), (2) conduct a randomized control trial (RCT) testing the efficacy of the eCPP to improve parenting behavior and self-efficacy and decreasing parenting stress and child behavior problems, and (3) identify facilitators and barriers for implementing the eCPP. The study will be conducted in three phases using a mixed methods design. In phase 1, an advisory panel of low-income ethnic minority parents of young children, a content expert panel, and a team of multimedia design consultants will be assembled to guide the refinement of the eCPP. Focus group methodology will be used to conduct interviews with the parent advisory panel. In an iterative process, feedback from the advisory panel will be shared with the content expert panel and multimedia designers until consensus is reached on a final version of the eCPP. In phase 2, the efficacy of the eCPP will be tested in a RCT with low-income ethnic minority parents with young children (n = 80). Primary outcome variables are parenting self-efficacy and stress, parent discipline and behavior, and child behavior problems. Parents in the intervention (n = 40) and control (n = 40) conditions will complete self-report data at baseline, post-intervention (12-week follow up), and at a 24-week follow-up. Data will be analyzed using analysis of variance and additional analysis will be conducted to look at the relationship between intervention fidelity measures (intervention dose, receipt, and enactment) and the outcome measures. In phase 3, a qualitative cross sectional design will be used to conduct post-intervention focus groups with parents from the intervention arm of the RCT to explore the facilitators and barriers to implementation of the eCPP. The proposed research is the first step in understanding and developing empirically tested and effective digital delivery systems for parenting interventions. This research will lay a foundation for future studies and clinical applications of the digital delivery methods with other prevention programs. Increasing access and sustainability of mental health promotion and prevention interventions is critical to improving mental health in the United States.
For more information about this project, please contact:
Susan M. Breitenstein
Phone: 312.942.6259
Email: susan_m_breitenstein@rush.edu