Text messaging program to engage first-time fathers during pregnancy
Official title: Adapting text4FATHER to Directly Link to First-time Expectant Fathers Using Social Media to Improve Infant and Family Health
Run by Johns Hopkins University · NCT06289101 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests a text messaging program designed to help first-time dads stay involved during pregnancy and after the baby is born by sending them helpful information and resources.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 10, 2024 |
| Main results expected | June 2027 |
| Study ends | June 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06289101 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are first-time fathers-to-be who are at least 18 years old, live in the U.S., speak English, and are willing to receive text messages.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who may not benefit from this study include those who are not first-time fathers, do not speak English, or have reported safety concerns in their relationship with the mother-to-be.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This project examines the effectiveness of a text messaging intervention called text4FATHER, aimed at recruiting first-time fathers-to-be through social media across the U.S. The program sends twice-weekly texts to fathers from mid-pregnancy through two months postnatally, providing information and resources to enhance their involvement and support the well-being of the infant and mother. The content is developed based on formative research and expert consensus to ensure relevance and efficacy in promoting father engagement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the well-being of infants and parents by fostering greater involvement of first-time fathers during critical early stages of development.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using mobile health interventions to engage parents, but this specific approach targeting first-time fathers is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged ≥18 years * Live in the U.S. * Speak English * Mother gestational age at enrollment less than 25 weeks * First-time father-to-be * Willing/able to receive texts. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals who are minors * Do not speak English * Unable to provide informed consent * Not a first-time father * Not willing/unable to receive texts * In the past 12 months, any safety concern reported between father-to-be and the mother-to-be, including report of any physical, emotional, sexual harm, threatening behaviors, police involvement, restraining or protective order
Where it's running
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Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Arik Marcell, MD, MPH — Johns Hopkins Dept of Pediatrics / Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine
- Study coordinator: Arik V Marcell, MD, MPH
- Email: amarcell@jhu.edu
- Phone: 4432878946
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.