Supporting Parents & amp; Kids Through Lockdown Experiences (SPARKLE) : A digital parenting support app implemented in an ongoing general population cohort study during the COVID-19 pandemic: A structured summary of a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

AbstractObjectivesThe COVID-19 related lockdowns and distancing measures have presented families with unprecedented challenges. A UK-wide cohort study tracking changes in families ’ mental health since early lockdown (Co-SPACE) found a significant rise in primary school-aged children’s behaviour problems and associated family-related stress. Three-quarters of parents in Co-SPACE also reported wanting extra support. In SPARKLE, we will examine whether providing Co-SPACE fa milies with a smartphone application delivering information and parenting support,Parent Positive, can reverse the negative effects of the pandemic on children and parents. The efficacy on child and parent outcomes and cost-effectiveness ofParent Positive will be examined. We will also test whether the effects are moderated by pre-existing levels of child conduct problems and usage ofParent Positive. Exploratory analyses will examine whether other baseline characteristics or lockdown circumstances moderate the effects ofParent Positive.Trial designSPARKLE is a two-arm superiority parallel group randomised controlled trial embedded in an existing large UK-wide self-selected community cohort – Co-SPACE. Those who consent to SPARKLE will be randomised 1:1 to eitherParent Positive or Follow-up As Usual (FAU).ParticipantsCo-SPACE (a UK-wide longitudinal cohort study) parents aged ≥18 who have children aged 4-10 years will be eligible for SPARKLE.Intervention and comparatorParent Positive: is a digital pub...
Source: Trials - Category: Research Source Type: clinical trials