Developing a Parenting Mobile App with Biofeedback for Latine Parents

Introduction: Evidence-informed parenting programs have been shown to reduce internalizing behaviors and substance use, but reach is limited. Mobile technology has the potential to aid in the dissemination of evidence-based parenting programs. The long-term goal of this research is to reduce depression, anxiety, and substance use among Latine adolescents through a mobile application with parenting content and personal biofeedback for parents via a wearable device. The current research project encompasses the development of the basic mobile application with a skills-based parenting curriculum for Latine immigrants and the integration of breathing biofeedback from Spire wearables. The primary research question is: What are the barriers and interest in a parenting program mobile app with breathing biofeedback among Latine immigrant parents?

Methods: To guide development and maximize the promotion of health behavior change, we applied the Persuasive Systems Design theory to each component of the app. Using “design thinking” methods, we then created a prototype of the Padres Informados app using POP software. After the basic design is complete, biofeedback on breathe rate from the Spire wearable will be integrated into the Padres Informados app. Spire is a user-friendly commercially available product that has empirical evidence of effectiveness at stress management and sophisticated software for biofeedback that can be easily accessed by parents. To assess parents’ intentions to use the app and to get feedback on their experience using the wearable, data is being collected in a mixed methods study, including a survey of 120 Latine parents with parents under the 18 and interviews of 20 of these parents. Example questions include: “If a parenting app were available today, I predict I would use the mobile app in the next <n> months?” (survey); “What strategies do you use to deal with parenting stress?” (interview).

Results: Parents (n = 63 of ongoing recruitment; 71% female, M age 41) reported 98% had access to a mobile phone, 51% had access to a tablet, and 81% had a data plan. Also, 70% reported that they use the internet several times a day. Parents estimated that if a mobile app were available, within a month, 81% would use the parenting component and 79% would use the stress reduction component. The prototype of the app is available at https://marvelapp.com/10b3a0dg/screen/33442116.

Conclusions: Preliminary results of the survey found parents demonstrated engagement with everyday technology in their lives and intensions to use a parenting mobile app. Access to mobile technology was high. In the proposed session, participants will be asked for feedback on the current iteration of the app as well as potential uses of the Spire wearable to reduce stress.