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.