Abstract: Adapting Digital Parenting Support for Diverse Needs: Qualitative Insights from Mothers with ADHD and Parents Who Use Substances (Society for Social Work and Research 31st Annual Conference)

Schedule:

Saturday, January 23, 2027

Golden Gate 4 (Hilton San Francisco Union Square)

* noted as presenting author

Wenxi Yu, MSc, PhD Student, University of Maryland at College Park, College Park, MD

Madelyn Kinney, Research Assistant, University of Maryland at College Park, College Park, MD

Francia Ximena Marin Gutierrez, MSW, Research Coordinator, University of Maryland at College Park, College Park, MD

Andrea Chronis-Tuscano, PhD, Joel and Kim Feller Endowed Professor, University of Maryland at College Park, College Park, MD

Heather Joseph, DO, Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

Devlon Jackson, Assistant Research Professor, University of Maryland at College Park, College Park, MD

Quynh Nguyen, PhD, na, University of Maryland at Baltimore, Baltimore, MD

Elizabeth Norell, PhD, MSW, LCSW-C, Associate Professor, University of Maryland at College Park, College Park, MD

Background and Purpose: Digital tools such as conversational chatbots have shown promise in supporting parenting and health information needs by providing centralized, accessible, and nonjudgmental support. Rosie, an AI-powered chatbot, was initially developed to support expectant parents and parents of infants by integrating reliable, clinician-informed resources into a single platform. However, many digital health tools are designed for general populations and may not adequately address the needs of specific groups. Mothers with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and individuals who use tobacco, cannabis, or alcohol during the transition to parenthood face distinct challenges, including high cognitive load, stigma, and barriers to behavior change. This study aimed to inform adaptations of Rosie for these two populations by exploring their parenting information needs and perceptions of the chatbot. Guided by Diffusion of Innovation theory, we examined factors influencing perceived acceptability and potential adoption.

Methods: Seven semi-structured focus groups were conducted across two qualitative studies with a total of 12 participants (six pregnant or postpartum mothers with ADHD; six expectant or parenting individuals who use tobacco, cannabis, or alcohol), recruited online via convenience sampling. Discussions explored parenting experiences, information-seeking behaviors, substance use, technology use, and reactions to the Rosie chatbot prototype. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim using Zoom auto-transcription, and manually corrected. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Diffusion of Innovation theory informed the interpretation of factors influencing perceived acceptability and potential adaptation.

Results: Analysis produced four cross-cutting themes across both groups. Across both groups, participants described high cognitive, emotional, and contextual demands during pregnancy and early parenting. Participants reported relying on multiple sources for information, including search engines, AI tools, social media, healthcare providers, and personal networks; however, navigating fragmented and sometimes conflicting information was often overwhelming. Both groups identified gaps in existing resources and expressed a strong preference for centralized, reliable support. Mothers with ADHD emphasized the need to reduce cognitive load, highlighting challenges with attention, organization, and maintaining routines, and preferring concise, low-distraction design features. In contrast, individuals who use substances emphasized the importance of nonjudgmental, emotionally supportive interactions, describing a preference for a “judgment-free” space to seek guidance on reducing or quitting use. Across groups, Rosie was viewed as a promising tool that could reduce the need to search across platforms, with sustained engagement dependent on population-specific adaptations.

Conclusions and Implications: Findings highlight the importance of adapting digital health interventions to meet the needs of specific populations. Rosie has the potential to serve as a scalable, tailored support tool when designed to reduce cognitive load and address stigma-related barriers. In practice, Rosie may complement clinical social work in healthcare and mental health settings by supporting ongoing engagement, reinforcing behavior change, and providing accessible, real-time assistance between clinical encounters during the transition to parenthood.