Evaluation of the feasibility of a program to promote parenting behavior among fathers with newborns

Abstract

Purpose

　　This study aimed to examine the feasibility of the program to promote the parenting behavior of fathers with newborns.

Methods

　　A preliminary intervention study was conducted with 12 first-time fathers. Fathers in the intervention group received a parenting behavior promotion program individually once on the fifth day after birth, while those in the control group received only the usual support of the birth facility. Using a self-administered questionnaire, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected to assess the program's acceptability, implementation, and limited-efficacy testing, and to examine its feasibility. This study was conducted with the approval of the Research Ethics Review Committee of Shoin University (No. 2327).

Results

　  Of the 12 participants, 10 completed the questionnaire one week after discharge and nine completed three weeks after discharge. Acceptability and implementation were generally good, although some aspects of the program required improvement. For limited-efficacy testing, the mean “positive engagement” of fathers one week after discharge tended to be higher in the intervention group, 5.43 (SD 0.34), compared to 5.00 (SD 1.18) in the control group. Comparison by background factors showed that the parenting behavior tended to be higher in the cohabitation group and in the group with three or fewer days of leave.

Conclusion

　　This study identified issues that need to be addressed to enhance the feasibility of the initial program, as well as considerations for conducting a future RCT. Moving forward, it will be necessary to address these issues and conduct further refinement before evaluating the program’s effectiveness through an RCT.