Web-Based Delivery of a Family-Based Dating Abuse Prevention Program for Adolescents Exposed to Interparental Violence: Feasibility and Acceptability Study (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND eMoms and Teens for Safe Dates (eMTSD) is an online family-based dating abuse prevention program for adolescents who have been exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) and their maternal caregivers (mothers). The program includes six online modules, one for caregivers-only and five for mother-adolescent dyads to complete together. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the eMTSD program and research processes. METHODS Mothers were recruited through community organizations and social media advertising and were eligible to participate if they: had at least one adolescent aged 12 to 16 years who was willing to do the program them, had experienced IPV after their adolescent was born, and were not currently living with an abusive partner. Mothers were asked to complete the program with their adolescent over a six-to-eight-week period. We assessed the feasibility of randomizing participants to receive two engagement supports, text message reminders and action planning, using 2 x 2 factorial design. Research process feasibility was assessed by tracking recruitment, enrollment, and attrition rates. Program feasibility was assessed by tracking program uptake, usage, completion, duration, and technical problems and acceptability was assessed via online surveys. RESULTS Over a six-month recruitment period, 101 mother-adolescent dyads were enrolled in the study, randomized to an engagement support condition, and eligible for follow-up. All but one mother accessed the program website at least once; 87% (n=88) completed at least one mother-adolescent program module; and 74% (n=75) completed all six program modules. Both mothers and adolescents found the program to be highly acceptable; across all program modules, over 90% of mothers and over 80% of adolescents reported that the modules kept their attention, were enjoyable, were easy-to-do, and provided useful information. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest the feasibility of online delivery and evaluation of the eMTSD program as well as high program acceptability among the target population. Future research is needed to: assess program efficacy in changing targeted mediators and outcome behaviors; determine whether program impacts differ as a function of IPV exposure levels or other theoretically relevant baseline moderator variables; and identify predictors and outcomes of program engagement. CLINICALTRIAL International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/35487