UnknownNot Applicable

Examining a Mobile App's Impact on Expectant Fathers' Fear of Childbirth and Paternal Attachment

54 participantsStarted 2023-12-31

Plain-language summary

Historically, reproduction and childbirth have conventionally been seen solely as a transition into motherhood and as matters primarily concerning the women. Expectant fathers often experience fear and stress in the perinatal period. Gender roles dictate that men should exude strength and self-assuredness. Hence, it leads expectant fathers to withhold their fears and emotions. Expectant fathers seek specific information about the process and may struggle with emotional expression. Fathers who overlook their own needs are unable to provide adequate support to their partners. Consequently, expectant mothers are more prone to experiencing heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, and they may lean towards opting for cesarean deliveries. Additionally, they might persist in engaging in risky behaviors, such as smoking, and face challenges in maintaining breastfeeding. Support provided to expectant fathers leads to a positive influence on the health of both mothers and newborns. The development of technology has led to significant increase in the utilization of mobile devices within the healthcare. The implementation of mobile device interventions does not increase the workload on institutions and healthcare professionals. Hence, it can be utilized to address the needs of expectant fathers. For this reason, the aim of this study is to develop a mobile application to reduce expectant fathers' fear of childbirth and enhance paternal attachment.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

MALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 and above, * Users of smartphones and social media, * Willing to participate in the research, * Proficient in understanding, speaking, and writing in Turkish, * At least completed primary education, * First-time fathers, * Have not attended any antenatal education program, * Have internet access and have used any mobile application before, * Spouses with low-risk pregnancies in the 20-28 weeks gestational age and without a cesarean indication will be eligible for participation. Exclusion Criteria: * Fathers who have previously experienced childbirth before the post-test. * Fathers who wish to withdraw from the research. * Fathers who do not complete the educational program will be excluded from the study.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Fear of Birth Scale (FOBS)

Timeframe: Baseline and 6 weeks after

Paternal Antenatal Attachment Scale-PAAS

Timeframe: Baseline and 6 weeks after

Introductory Information Form

Timeframe: Baseline

Mobile Application Evaluation Form

Timeframe: 4 weeks after the pilot intervention.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06168656

SponsorPamukkale University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2024-03-30

Contact for this trial

Büşra Değirmenciler, MSc

05385476202 bdegirmenciler@pau.edu.tr

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Mobile Application trials