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The feasibility and acceptability of a preventive intervention programme for children with depressed parents: study
Valeria de Angel1, Fernanda Prieto1,2, Tracy R G Gladstone3
1Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Clínico University of Chile Medical School, Avenida La Paz, Recoleta, Santiago, 1003, Chile.
Insights
This pilot study assesses the feasibility of a family-based preventive intervention for children of depressed parents in Chile. The goal is to adapt and implement this program to reduce childhood depression risk.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Mental Health Interventions
- Preventive Psychiatry
Background:
- Children with a depressed parent face a 2-4x higher risk of developing depression.
- Family-based preventive interventions, like the Preventive Intervention Program (PIP), are effective globally.
- Adapting PIP for the Chilean context is crucial due to lifelong depression consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the acceptability and feasibility of an adapted Preventive Intervention Program (PIP) in Chile.
- To evaluate a family-based intervention targeting children at risk of depression.
- To inform a definitive trial for national implementation of the adapted PIP.
Main Methods:
- Pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a manualized, seven-week, in-home intervention.
- Intervention primarily targets parents, with child outcomes also measured.
- Feasibility assessed via recruitment, adherence, dropout, missing data, and scale burden; 11-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Pilot study results will inform a definitive trial for national implementation.
- The intervention's feasibility and acceptability in Chile will be assessed.
- Data on recruitment, adherence, and participant burden will guide future research.
Conclusions:
- Preventive programs are essential given the lifelong impact of depression.
- Adaptation of the PIP to the Chilean context is a prerequisite for success.
- This pilot study is foundational for a larger trial and potential national rollout.
Background:
One of the most important risk factors for childhood depression is being the child of a depressed parent. These at-risk children have two to four times the probability of having an affective episode compared with their peers. Preventive interventions such as Beardslee's Preventive Intervention Program (PIP) that are targeted at children of depressed parents have proven effective in many countries. The PIP is a family-based approach that works by promoting resilience in children and increasing positive interactions within the family. In this pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT), we will determine the acceptability and feasibility of an adapted version of this intervention in Chile.
Methods/Design:
We are conducting a pilot RCT with a manualized intervention. The intervention will be delivered in seven weekly sessions at the family home. It is targeted mostly at parents but will also measure outcomes among the children. Control subjects will follow their treatment as usual. Feasibility and acceptability will be assessed by recruitment, adherence, dropout and level of missing data, as well as the burden of scales and measurement tools. Families will be followed for 11 months.
Discussion:
Given the negative lifelong consequences of depression and the burden they represent, preventive programmes are not only feasible but necessary. Despite the successful implementation of this intervention in different countries, an adaptation to the Chilean reality will be prerequisite. The results of this pilot study will inform a definitive trial that will make the case for its national implementation.
Trial Registration:
Clinicaltrials.gov trial identifier: NCT02593266 . Registration date: 30 Octo 2015.
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