Mobile-based consortium of parenting resources for low-income and underserved mothers and caregivers: app development, testing and lessons learned

Abstract

This pilot study used a formative evaluation approach to develop an accessible and low-cost mobile app-based program for low-income mothers to increase access to resources and health information (e.g., effective parenting) and reduce potential negative (e.g., stress, poor nutritional practices) influences. A user-centered formative evaluation method using four sets of focus group discussions was used to gather feedback from low-income mothers in a mid-sized city in the Northeast United States. Our study found that while information and resources provided on our parenting app were considered valuable by low-income mothers, the design and usability issues impacted the perceived attractiveness and usefulness of the platform. The younger mothers wanted functionality similar to popular social media apps, and given their mostly constrained financial situation, they were more engaged and interested in community resources that would help reduce their financial burden, instead of the purely preventative health and parenting information provided through our app.