Protocol for the Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy Trial of text4FATHER for Improving Underserved Fathers' Involvement in Infant Care.
Arik V Marcell, Sara B Johnson, Tim Nelson...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34421016Actively Recruiting
Phase Not Applicable
Age: 18Years +
All Genders
Healthy Volunteers
ID06289101
Adapting text4FATHER to Directly Link to First-time Expectant Fathers Using Social Media to Improve Infant and Family Health
Led by Johns Hopkins University · Updated on 2025-09-18
180
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
J
Johns Hopkins University
Lead Sponsor
E
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of text4FATHER, a text messaging program designed to engage first-time fathers-to-be during pregnancy and up to two months after birth. The study focuses on improving infant, mother, and father well-being by increasing fathers' knowledge, confidence, and involvement during this crucial period. It addresses a key opportunity to support father engagement that has been underutilized, especially for first-time dads. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the text4FATHER intervention, which sends twice-weekly messages with resource links and instructions to encourage positive behavior changes starting mid-pregnancy through two months after the baby's birth, or usual care involving typical maternity support for fathers. The messages include videos, infographics, and other helpful content tailored to support infant and family health. During the study, fathers will complete assessments measuring parenting self-efficacy, confidence, and engagement at the start and seven months later using validated scales. Researchers will monitor the impact of the texting program on these outcomes. The entire participation period includes messaging throughout pregnancy and postnatal months with follow-up evaluations, aiming to understand how digital support can improve family well-being.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
text4FATHER R21: Social Media - Efficacy Trial
Who Can Participate
Age: 18Years +
All Genders
Healthy Volunteers
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Aged 6518 years
- Live in the U.S.
- Speak English
- Mother gestational age at enrollment less than 25 weeks
- First-time father-to-be
- Willing and able to receive texts
You will not qualify if you...
- Individuals who are minors
- Do not speak English
- Unable to provide informed consent
- Not a first-time father
- Not willing or unable to receive texts
- Any safety concerns reported between father-to-be and mother-to-be in the past 12 months, including physical, emotional, sexual harm, threats, police involvement, or restraining orders
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
1
2
3
Your Study Journey
Screening
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person or remote)
Outpatient Treatment
Duration - From mid-pregnancy through 2 months postnatal
Participants receive twice-weekly texts starting mid-pregnancy through 2 months after the baby's birth, which include resource links and behavior change support.
Twice-weekly text messages during treatment period
Follow-up
Duration - Assessment at 7 months post-baseline
Participants complete assessments to evaluate changes in parenting self-efficacy and father engagement at 7 months.
1 follow-up visit or remote assessment
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21287
Actively Recruiting
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Research Team
A
Arik V Marcell, MD, MPH
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
2
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Published Research Related To This Trial
Promoting Father Involvement for Child and Family Health.
Brandon S Allport, Sara Johnson, Anushka Aqil...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29653255Parents' Perspectives on Supporting Father Involvement in African American Families During Pregnancy and Early Infancy.
Brandon S Allport-Altillo, Anushka R Aqil, Timothy Nelson...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32409095Content to share with expectant fathers: Views of professionals focused on father involvement.
Anushka Aqil, Brandon S Allport, Sara B Johnson...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30611921