Abstract
BackgroundThe transition to parenthood can be challenging, and parents are vulnerable to psychological disorders during the perinatal period. This may have adverse long-term consequences on a child’s development. Given the rise in technology and parents’ preferences for mobile health apps, a supportive mobile health intervention is optimal. However, there is a lack of a theoretical framework and technology-based perinatal educational intervention for couples with healthy infants.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to describe the Supportive Parenting App (SPA) development procedure and highlight the challenges and lessons learned.MethodsThe SPA development procedure was guided by the information systems research framework, which emphasizes a nonlinear, iterative, and user-centered process involving 3 research cycles—the relevance cycle, design cycle, and rigor cycle. Treatment fidelity was ensured, and team cohesiveness was maintained using strategies from the Tuckman model of team development.ResultsIn the relevance cycle, end-user requirements were identified through focus groups and interviews. In the rigor cycle, the user engagement pyramid and well-established theories (social cognitive theory proposed by Bandura and attachment theory proposed by Bowlby) were used to inform and justify the features of the artifact. In the design cycle, the admin portal was developed using Microsoft Visual Studio 2017, whereas the SPA, which ran on both iOS and Android, was developed using hybrid development tools. The SPA featured knowledge-based content, informational videos and audio clips, a discussion forum, chat groups, and a frequently asked questions and expert advice section. The intervention underwent iterative testing by a small group of new parents and research team members. Qualitative feedback was obtained for further app enhancements before official implementation. Testing revealed user and technological issues, such as web browser and app incompatibility, a lack of notifications for both administrators and users, and limited search engine capability.ConclusionsThe information systems research framework documented the technical details of the SPA but did not take into consideration the interpersonal and real-life challenges. Ineffective communication between the health care research team and the app developers, limited resources, and the COVID-19 pandemic were the main challenges faced during content development. Quick adaptability, team cohesion, and hindsight budgeting are crucial for intervention development. Although the effectiveness of the SPA in improving parental and infant outcomes is currently unknown, this detailed intervention development study highlights the key aspects that need to be considered for future app development.
Highlights
BackgroundIn recent years, depression has displaced many chronic diseases to be the leading cause of disability worldwide and the main contributor to the overall global burden of diseases [1]
Ineffective communication between the health care research team and the app developers, limited resources, and the COVID-19 pandemic were the main challenges faced during content development
Previous local research among Singaporean mothers who only received standard routine hospital care indicated a need for more support after childbirth, such as having peer volunteers to talk to, more follow-up appointments with clinicians, and having an educational parenting mobile app catered to parents in Singapore [40]
Summary
BackgroundIn recent years, depression has displaced many chronic diseases to be the leading cause of disability worldwide and the main contributor to the overall global burden of diseases [1]. Depression can occur at any point in life, women and men are at increased risk of depression in the postpartum period [2,3]. The transition to parenthood, coupled with emotional, physiological, hormonal, and psychosocial changes experienced during childbirth, could have increased women’s susceptibility to postpartum depression [4,5,6]. Research has shown the ripple effects of postpartum depression adversely affecting an infant’s subsequent cognitive, physical, social-emotional, and behavioral development over the years [10,11]. The transition to parenthood can be challenging, and parents are vulnerable to psychological disorders during the perinatal period. This may have adverse long-term consequences on a child’s development. There is a lack of a theoretical framework and technology-based perinatal educational intervention for couples with healthy infants
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