%0 Journal Article
%@ 2561-6722
%I JMIR Publications
%V 2
%N 2
%P e14518
%T A Pragmatic Internet Intervention to Promote Positive Parenting and School Readiness in Early Childhood: Initial Evidence of Program Use and Satisfaction
%A McGoron,Lucy
%A Ratner,Hilary Horn
%A Knoff,Kathryn AG
%A Hvizdos,Erica
%A Ondersma,Steven J
%+ Wayne State University, The Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute for Child and Family Development, 71 E Ferry St, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States, 1 3136642553, Lucy.K.McGoron@wayne.edu
%K child rearing
%K child development
%D 2019
%7 29.11.2019
%9 Original Paper
%J JMIR Pediatr Parent
%G English
%X Background: Internet-based parenting programs have the potential to connect families to research-informed materials to promote positive child development. However, such programs can only succeed to the extent that the intended population engages with them. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate engagement in the 5-a-Day Parenting program, a technology-based program designed with low-income families in mind, to promote daily use of 5 specific parenting activities conducive to children’s school readiness. Following earlier pilot data, the program was enhanced with an initial motivational e-intervention and tailored text messages designed to promote engagement. Methods: Parents were recruited from local childcare centers and through a participant registry. We examined rates of receipt of program text messages and use of video-based content on the program website, 3 factors that may affect website use, and satisfaction with key program elements. Results: A total of 360 parents of young children learned about the study and had the opportunity to use the 5-a-Day Parenting website. Of these, 94 parents participated in the study, and 33% (31/94) accessed the video-based content on the website at least once. No association was found between website use and program recruitment approach, program-affiliation message, sociocontextual risk, and baseline use of the five parenting activities. Satisfaction with text messages and video-based content was high. Conclusions: For some parents, technology-based programs appear useful; however, engagement could still be enhanced. Additional research should seek innovative strategies for promoting engagement in Web-based parenting programs. 
%M 31782739
%R 10.2196/14518
%U http://pediatrics.jmir.org/2019/2/e14518/
%U https://doi.org/10.2196/14518
%U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31782739