Citation

Jocson RM, Alampay LP, Lachman JM, Reyes JC, Mamauag BL, Maramba DHA, Eagling-Peche S, Han Q, Calderon F. Int. J. Psychol. 2024; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2024, International Union of Psychological Science, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/ijop.13148

PMID

38840552

Abstract

This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of MaPaChat, a parent support intervention delivered using Viber group chat to caregivers in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Forty caregivers of children aged 4-17 from predominantly low-income households participated in a culturally adapted version of the Parenting for Lifelong Health ParentChat programme. Feasibility was assessed by enrolment, attendance, and dropout rates. Semi-structured interviews with caregivers and programme facilitators explored programme acceptability. A single-group pre-post design was used to explore changes in child maltreatment, positive parenting, parenting stress, and other secondary outcomes. The mean attendance rate was 82% and the dropout rate was 10%. Caregivers and facilitators found the programme helpful in enhancing parenting knowledge and skills and were satisfied with the programme delivery using Viber group chat but also reported experiencing technological challenges. Pre-post comparisons suggested that the intervention has potential in reducing physical and emotional abuse and associated risk factors. The findings suggest that a parenting intervention delivered over digital group chat by trained community service providers may be a feasible and acceptable way to support caregivers in low-resource settings.

Language: en

Keywords

Child abuse; Parenting; Violence prevention; Digital intervention; Group chat