Sms4dads: Providing information and support to new fathers through mobile phones - A pilot study

R Fletcher; C May; FK Lambkin; AW Gemmill; W Cann; JM Nicholson; C Rawlinson; J Milgrom; N Highet; M Foureur; E Bennett; G Skinner

Journal article

Sms4dads: Providing information and support to new fathers through mobile phones - A pilot study

R Fletcher, C May, FK Lambkin, AW Gemmill, W Cann, JM Nicholson, C Rawlinson, J Milgrom, N Highet, M Foureur, E Bennett, G Skinner

Advances in Mental Health | ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD | Published : 2017

DOI: 10.1080/18387357.2016.1245586

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this paper was to inform the development of a mobile phone-optimised, SMS-based, informative and interactive telephone-linked support system for new fathers. Methods: The SMS4dads intervention was designed to support fathers with helpful and encouraging text messages, links to relevant web resources, mood monitoring and connection to a crisis telephone support if needed. Forty-six participants were recruited through clinics and social media across Australia. Outcome measures evaluated uptake, user engagement and acceptability. Results: Forty men (87%) remained engaged with the SMS4dads intervention for the full six-week period. Users’ feedback indicated that SMS4d..

View full abstract