eHealth Preferences for Parents of Young Children Diagnosed with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs) and/or Mental Health (MH) Disorders
摘要
This study is aimed at describing preferences for eHealth parent-focused programming among parents/caregivers of young children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and/or mental health (MH) disorders using an online survey. We also examined differences in preference based on parents of children with no diagnosis, 1 diagnosis, and 2 + diagnoses of NDD/MHs. Using the Technology Acceptance Model, we focused on preference of content, program length, delivery methods, and barriers to accessing eHealth-based programs. Parents/caregivers of children aged 0 to 5 completed an anonymous survey via the crowdsourcing platform, AskingCanadians. The survey asked participants about their preferences in eHealth services for supporting their children. Parents were also requested to report on their perceived social support, recent stressors, and barriers and motivators to accessing online resources. Out of 606 surveyed parents/caregivers, 26.4% had a child diagnosed with a NDD or MH disorder, self-reported by the parents/caregivers. There were many differences in preferences for eHealth services between parents of children with one NDD/MH disorder, multiple NDDs/MH disorders, and no diagnoses. Parents of children with multiple NDDs/MH disorders preferred a mix of peer- and expert-driven programs and more structured and asynchronous program formats compared to the other groups, who preferred simply expert-driven programs. Tailoring eHealth parent-focused programs based on parents of children with NDDs’/MH disorders’ preferences could enhance eHealth program effectiveness, reduce dropout rates, and improve program development.