Research Opportunity: A formative evaluation of a peer-facilitated, online, perinatal education and support program for first-time Australian fathers referred through primary health care providers (Phase 2)

There is a growing need for new approaches to providing information and support to first-time fathers in Australia.

According to recent research, first-time fathers want programs that are informative but also allow them to interact with other men about their experiences with fatherhood. However, men face significant barriers accessing in-person services during pregnancy and soon after the birth (e.g., programs are typically run during business hours only).

Fathers can be more easily engaged directly on their mobile phones, although programs that also include peer interaction and support have not been adequately evaluated. In addition, engaging health professionals, particularly those in primary care settings to help refer first-time fathers to such programs has not been described in the literature.

In this second phase of the research, we are asking care providers to help us by downloading and promoting/advertising flyers for the recruitment of perinatal fathers, mothers and birthing parents they work with, as appropriate to their workplace.

Recruitment flyers for fathers and for mothers and birthing parents to be used to recruit participants to a 15–20-minute anonymous online survey (national).

For further information contact Richard Pascal, richard.pascal@postgrad.curtin.edu.au or view project information here.