Evaluating the Feasibility and Acceptability of Rosie the Chatbot for Racial and Ethnic Minoritized Fathers: A Health Education Question-And-Answer Chatbot for Fathers of Color

Abstract

This study aimed to (1) assess male role norms, depressive symptoms, PTSD symptoms, and ACEs as predictors of parental self-efficacy among fathers of color, (2) develop a low-fidelity prototype of Rosie the Chatbot for fathers of color utilizing a human-centered approach, and (3) assess the psychometric properties of the Philadelphia ACEs questionnaire. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was employed to explore and understand fathers’ unique experiences of mental health issues and masculine norms as they relate to their parental self-efficacy to develop a low-fidelity prototype of Rosie the Chatbot for fathers of color. Participants (n=233) completed a questionnaire to examine male role norms, depressive symptoms, PTSD symptoms, and ACES as predictors of parental self-efficacy. These were followed up with two phases of focus groups with 19 participants. Quantitative strand analyses identified that none of these variables were independent significant predictors of parental self-efficacy, even after controlling for the highest level of education, household income, and race. Qualitative strand analyses from phase 1 focus groups exposed three salient themes: lessons learned from childhood upbringing, mental health, and the role of masculinity on mental health. Phase 2 focus groups described three salient themes: what resonated, what to modify, and barriers and facilitators to using Rosie the Chatbot. Additionally, our Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) of the Philadelphia ACEs yielded a six-factor solution, convergent and discriminant validity, and good internal consistency (a=.88). Findings from this study can be used to inform the piloting of a culturally relevant AI-powered chatbot to support fathers of color to improve their parental self-efficacy. Furthermore, with the establishment of the psychometric properties of the Philadelphia ACEs questionnaire, racial and ethnic minoritized individuals’ unique experiences can be better assessed to inform programming to suit their needs.