Publication Type: Journal article
Year: 2024
Author(s): Lauren Baerecke, Abigail Ornellas, Joyce Wamoyi, Mwita Wambura, Jonathan Klapwijk, Angelique N. Chetty, Ashlin Simpson, Roselinde Janowski, Kristen de Graaf, David Stern, Lily Clements, Esmee te Winkel, Laetitia Christine, Gervas Mbosoli, Kija Nyalali, Onduru Gervas Onduru, Anna Booij, Sussie N. Mjwara, Sibongile Tsoanyane, Gerry Mshana, Mbutolwe Esther Mwakitalu, G. J. Melendez-Torres, Francisco Calderon, Isang Awah, Ohad Green, Inge Vallance, Oluwaseyi Somefun, Frances Gardner, Lorraine Sherr, Mackenzie Martin, Jamie M. Lachman & Lucie D. Cluver
Unit: AARHub
Journal: Parenting: Child, abuse prevention
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/T9FXZ
Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13063-023-07893-x
Abstract:
Background
Evidence-based parenting programmes have strong evidence in preventing and mitigating violence, but in-person programmes are challenging to deliver at scale. ParentApp is an open-source, offline-first app-based adaptation of the Parenting for Lifelong Health for Parents and Teens programme to promote playful and positive parenting, reduce risks for sexual violence victimisation, and prevent violence against adolescents. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of ParentApp compared to an attention-control group.
Methods
This study is a two-arm pragmatic cluster-randomised controlled trial to test whether ParentApp reduces adolescent physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual violence risks and victimisation at 1 month and 12 months post-intervention. Caregivers of adolescents aged 10–17 years and their adolescent children (N = 2400 caregiver-adolescent dyads) will be recruited in urban and peri-urban communities in the Mwanza region of Tanzania. A total of 80 study clusters will be stratified and randomised (1:1) to the intervention group, who will receive ParentApp with support through a WhatsApp group, or to an attention-control group, who will receive a water, sanitation, and hygiene app. Quantitative data will be collected through outcomes questionnaires with caregivers and adolescents, administered at baseline, 4 months post-baseline, and 16 months post-baseline, as well as through routine implementation data and ParentApp engagement data. Qualitative data will be collected through individual interviews and focus groups with caregivers, adolescents, and implementing partner staff.
Discussion
App-based interventions have the potential to expand access to evidence-based parenting support, but currently lack rigorous evidence in low- and middle-income countries. This is the first known randomised control trial of a hybrid digital parenting programme to prevent the abuse of adolescents in low- and middle-income settings.
Citation: Baerecke, L., Ornellas, A., Wamoyi, J. et al. A hybrid digital parenting programme to prevent abuse of adolescents in Tanzania: study protocol for a pragmatic cluster-randomised controlled trial. Trials 25, 119 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-023-07893-x