Parenting for Respectability (PfR)-Digital in Uganda Updates

Implementation research to test the transferability of the Parenting for Lifelong Health human-digital architecture to build similar digital and hybrid versions for Parenting for Respectability. Beneficiaries will primarily be caregivers of children between the ages of 0 and 17.

2024

Preparations for implementation of the Parenting for Respectability Digital feasibility pilot are ongoing, with the aim to commence fieldwork between April - May. A study protocol has been submitted for review and evaluation tools have been adapted, including a baseline tool to assess parents prior to programme onboarding and an endline tool to assess the effectiveness of the App based parenting intervention. A new version of the PfR-App with modular skin has been updated by implementation partner INNODEMS. A review of features and content such as captions on emojis and home tours to facilitate user navigation is in progress. The ‘Inclusive Parenting: Digital Solutions for Disability-Inclusive Family Well-being in Uganda’ Project has also received first level ethical approval and activity planning is underway and Future Leader team members continue to progress their research planning. PhD student, Onesmus Kamacooko submitted and defended his research concept to the Higher Degrees Committee and is writing his thesis proposal. In addition, Masters Student Martin Joy Omello submitted a research concept entitled: “A mobile-phone based application to track and report under-reported experiences of intimate partner violence among men in Amuru town - Uganda: Development and feasibility testing“.

In terms of advocacy and scale up activities, the team participated in a parenting symposium in February. During this event, the four disability inclusive interns based at Makerere University Child Health and Development Centre presented a Skit on disability inclusive parenting, which was very well received. In addition, Professor Godfrey Siu (Principal Investigator) presented on the role of male caregivers in parenting at a recent UNICEF webinar which introduced evidence briefs to support parenting programmes to integrate violence prevention against women and children and promote gender equality. Finally, the team is exploring a potential PfR radio programme to supplement planned study reach and the team’s strategy for PfR scale up.

2023

To expand the research capacity at the Child Health and Development Centre, the Parenting for Respectability (PfR) team is continuing to mentor and support four disability-inclusive youth interns. The team recently received an Emerging Trends Fund award from the GPI to expand research activity in this area through the ‘Inclusive Parenting: Digital Solutions for Disability-Inclusive Family Well-being in Uganda’ Project (scheduled to run from November 2023 – April 2024).

This project is designed to strengthen the disability dimension of PfR and ensure that PfR-Digital is disability-inclusive, both in the subject matter of its content and in the digital accessibility of the tools provided. It will also address the unique challenges faced by parents with disabilities and those parenting children with disabilities, and is a valuable opportunity for PfR to engage with disability networks and exchange supportive parenting knowledge and information.

June - August 2023

Formative planning for a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to deliver Parenting for Respectability (PfR) is progressing well. The team are exploring options for user led and facilitator supported app delivery in addition to group-based in person facilitator support, to engage parents in rural communities. Development of a study protocol draft is also underway and due to be circulated to the University of Oxford research team for feedback in early September. The first version of a content only PfR digital app has been released and the team is working closely with GPI digital implementation partner INNODEMS to review management of the app in the context of the PfR manual. Future adaptations include a review of text based content, with the aim to increase integration of voice overs and videos/animated content to engage users, and improvements such as the addition of a vertical content view. 

Team members are currently engaged in several capacity building activities. These include the attendance of GPI Future Leaders, Onesmus Kamacooko, Betty Okot and Martin Joy Omello at a Prevention Science course led by Professor Cathy Ward at the University of Cape Town. Supported by the Medical Research Council, the Child Health and Development Centre (CHDC) at Makerere University is also mentoring four disability inclusive interns. In relation to advocacy, the team presented at the Uganda Society of Health Scientists 22nd Annual Scientific Conference on Digital Technologies for Health Improvement in early August and promotion of PfR digital was very well received. In addition, work, including the development of script writing to implement radio broadcasts that will enhance scale-up of the planned three RCT delivery modalities is ongoing. 

Formative planning for a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to deliver Parenting for Respectability (PfR) is progressing well. The team are exploring options for user led and facilitator supported app delivery in addition to group-based in person facilitator support, to engage parents in rural communities. Development of a study protocol draft is also underway and due to be circulated to the University of Oxford research team for feedback in early September. The first version of a content only PfR digital app has been released and the team is working closely with GPI digital implementation partner INNODEMS to review management of the app in the context of the PfR manual. Future adaptations include a review of text based content, with the aim to increase integration of voice overs and videos/animated content to engage users, and improvements such as the addition of a vertical content view. 

Team members are currently engaged in several capacity building activities. These include the attendance of GPI Future Leaders, Onesmus Kamacooko, Betty Okot and Martin Joy Omello at a Prevention Science course led by Professor Cathy Ward at the University of Cape Town. Supported by the Medical Research Council, the Child Health and Development Centre (CHDC) at Makerere University is also mentoring four disability inclusive interns. In relation to advocacy, the team presented at the Uganda Society of Health Scientists 22nd Annual Scientific Conference on Digital Technologies for Health Improvement in early August and promotion of PfR digital was very well received. In addition, work, including the development of script writing to implement radio broadcasts that will enhance scale-up of the planned three RCT delivery modalities is ongoing. 
 

Reported by Carolyn Namutebi

Following a successful dissemination event, Dr Godfrey Siu was featured in New Vision Uganda on 21 February, 2023  in an article titled “Poor parenting pushing children to streets – study”.

2022