The Parenting Young Children Check-up: Proof-of-Concept Trial

Pediatric Motivational mHealth Parent Training for Child Disruptive Behaviors

The Parenting Young Children Check-up (PYCC) is a 3-part system for parents of children with Disruptive Behavior Problems (DBPs). First, at a pediatric visit, parents complete a screener for DBPs and, if reported, go through a tablet-based program to receive feedback and learn about the PYCC. Next, parents receive text messages to connect them to further parent training content. Third, parent training content is delivered via a web-based resource, which includes videos to teach parenting skills. In this proof-of-concept trial, the investigators will examine the acceptability of the tablet-based program and motivation of parents to engage in the PYCC and use the web-based resource.

At a pediatric visit, parents will be told about the research opportunity by a staff member before, during, or after their visit. There will be a flier for parents, which will be available for receptionists to include with in-take paperwork. If parents express openness to participating, a research assistant will meet with them, go over the consent form, and let them complete the screener. Parents will complete a demographics questionnaire and the DBP screener. If parents report elevated DBPs, then they will be eligible to further participate. If they are eligible and choose to participate, the research assistant will have them go through the tablet-based program. Next, they will complete a brief questionnaire asking for input on the PYCC. Each of these components will be completed in the Computerized Intervention Authoring System (CIAS). The brief questionnaire is intended to evaluate perceptions of 1) ease of use, 2) usefulness of the information, 3) likability, and 4) intentions to use the PYCC web-based resource. Items will be rated on a 0 (strongly disagree) to 4 (strongly agree) scale. Parents will also verbally answer 6 open-ended interview questions about the program and suggest improvements. Answers will be audio-recorded and transcribed. All participants (whether only completing the screening or both parts of the study) will receive a resource list as well as a list of URLs to access videos on the video-based content on PYCC website. An ID number will need to be entered to use the website and the investigators will track website use.

This data collection is not hypothesis driven. Rather, the intent is to gather mixed methods feedback from parents to shape the PYCC program.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 or above
• English speaking
• Parent to a child ages 2-5
• Report their child has elevated disruptive behavior problems on the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory

Exclusion Criteria:

• Parent reports child has Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Parent reports child has an intellectual disability
• Parent reports child is receiving treatment for Oppositional Defiant Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder