Mobile Applications for Low-Income U.S. Fathers: A Systematic Review of Content, Comprehensiveness and User Ratings

Abstract

Low-income fathers are likely to drop out of parenting service provision, as access and retention in services remain barriers to parenting education. To boost access to evidence-based parenting information, one potential solution is mobile-based parenting apps. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate whether currently available parenting apps in both Google Play and iOS stores contain content for low-income fathers, with specific focus on whether apps are consistent with self-efficacy theory and evidence-based factors associated with father engagement. Utilizing systematic review procedures of search, screening and coding, apps were analyzed for content comprehensiveness and user ratings and evaluated based on theoretical dimensions of paternal self-efficacy and evidence-based factors associated with low-income father engagement. Of the 1,582 apps identified, 65 were included in the review. Of these apps, only one (1.5%) specifically targeted fathers, with the remaining apps (98.5%; n = 64) targeting both mothers and fathers. Results indicate that apps contained limited evidence-based content targeted for low-income fathers. User rating scores were associated with app content related to parenting stress (β = .540, p = .005) and co-parenting (β = −.552, p = .001). Implications include a need for more evidence-based content tailored to low-income fathers.

Keywords:

• Father
• mobile computing
• parenting
• mobile apps

Author note

As this study is a secondary data analysis, it is exempt from IRB approval. Data from the original study have not appeared in previous publication. Further manuscripts are under preparation from this data. This research is not funded.

There are no conflicts of interest for the authors related to this paper.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mark H. Trahan

Dr. Mark Trahan, LCSW, joined Texas State University in 2015. Dr. Trahan's research interests include fathering engagement and the use of technology, specifically virtual reality/augmented reality to enhance paternal and social self-efficacy. Furthermore, his clinical and research background provide expertise in evaluation of clinical interventions with military, incarcerated, and low-income fathers.

Lindsay Schneider

Lindsay Schneider is a master's level graduate student at Texas State University in the School of Social Work.

Dalia Hernandez

Dalia Hernandez is a master's level graduate student at Texas State University in the School of Social Work.