Effects of a hybrid online and offline program for facilitating father-infant interactions in South Korea: a quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Purpose This study examined the effects of an educational program for fathers on improving father-infant interactions, child-rearing knowledge, and attachment. Methods In this quasi-experimental study, the participants were recruited by convenience sampling among fathers with infants (2-6 months of age) residing in three districts of Seoul. Fifteen participants in the experimental group and 17 participants in the control group completed the follow-up investigation. A 5-week online and offline intervention program with five sessions was provided to the experimental group. The data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations (GEEs). Results There was a significant difference in the change in father-infant interaction scores of the experimental group, especially in the caregiver aspect with a significance level of .100 in time and group-to-group interactions (B=6.46, p=.051, 95% confidence interval [CI]=-0.02-12.94). The changes between the groups and times were not statistically significant when it came to infant development knowledge and father-infant attachment. Conclusion We conclude that hybrid online and offline education should be implemented as an effective method to improve fathers’ interactions with their children based on accurate knowledge about infant development.

Keywords

• father-child relations
• infant
• growth and development