Feasibility and Acceptability of Formats in a Comparative Effectiveness Trial of a Preventive Parenting Program

Parenting can be challenging, and military parents face additional family stressors related to relocations and deployments. ADAPT4U is an evidence-based preventive parenting program specifically designed for military parents of school-aged children. This study examines the feasibility and acceptability of in-person group and telehealth versions of the program. We used quantitative and qualitative data in a concurrent embedded design. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS with regressions and ANOVAs. Qualitative data were thematically coded by multiple authors and then a consensus process was undertaken. Both conditions were highly satisfactory for participants, with in-person group rated slightly higher. Families were more likely to attend telehealth than group, both at all and for at least 50% of sessions. Telehealth participants rated more highly: helpfulness, the facilitator was understanding and responsive, and they would participate in a future parenting program based on their experience. Qualitative results reflected positive experiences both with the content and facilitators, and concerns or recommendations that often were directly addressed by the other format (e.g., suggestions by in-person group participants for a telehealth format). Consistent themes across formats included wanting children to be involved in the program and more follow-up after the end of the program. The ADAPT4U program is highly acceptable to participants, and providing multiple format options (in-person group and individual telehealth) will likely make it more feasible for parents to participate in a way that works best for them.