Feasibility, Satisfaction, and Preliminary Efficacy Trial of text4FATHER for Engaging Expectant Fathers in Infant Care from Pregnancy to Early Infancy.

Authors

Arik V Marcell, Olivia Veira, Shreya Bhise, Sara B Johnson, Tim J Nelson, Alain B Labrique, Jeanne Sheffield, Dustin Gibson, Kathryn Van Eck

Published in

Prevention science : the official journal of the Society for Prevention Research. Sep 01, 2026. Epub Sep 01, 2026.

Abstract

Engaging fathers perinatally improves infant outcomes and parent well-being, yet few strategies share evidence with fathers. We explored the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of text4FATHER-a texting intervention designed to improve fathers' infant care beliefs, self-efficacy, behaviors, and partner support from mid-pregnancy to 2 months post-birth. In this exploratory pilot randomized controlled trial, 97 adult expectant fathers with less than a college degree were randomized to receive text4FATHER or not. Self-reported outcomes by fathers and mothers were assessed at baseline (mid-pregnancy) and 2 months post-birth. We analyzed intent-to-treat effects using random coefficient regression models. We found recruiting expectant fathers feasible; of eligible father-mother dyads, 123/163 consented (recruitment feasibility = 68%). All intervention fathers (100%) reported being satisfied with text4FATHER; 100% of mothers of intervention fathers also reported satisfaction with the father getting texts. First-time fathers' antenatal attachment beliefs and coparenting support were higher in text4FATHER condition vs. control from baseline to 7-month follow-up; increases in first-time fathers' confidence in fathering and infant care were also observed-the latter finding was corroborated by partners of first-time fathers. text4FATHER is a promising intervention, particularly for first-time expectant fathers with lower educational levels who have no natural clinical or public health touchpoints. Its efficacy and effectiveness should be confirmed using larger and more diverse samples.

PMID:
42678625
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 02 Sep 2026.

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