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Feasibility of a Preventive Parenting Intervention for Very Preterm Children at 18 Months Corrected Age: A Randomized
Monique Flierman1, Karen Koldewijn1, Dominique Meijssen1
1Department of Rehabilitation, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
This study shows that additional responsive parenting support for toddlers born very preterm is feasible and beneficial. It positively impacts various parental and child development outcomes, including motor skills and behavior.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatrics
- Early Intervention
Background:
- Very preterm born children face developmental challenges.
- Early responsive parenting interventions show promise.
- Continued support may be beneficial during toddlerhood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and efficacy of an additional, age-appropriate parenting intervention for very preterm toddlers.
- To evaluate the impact on child development and parent-child interaction.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled pilot study involving 60 very preterm infants.
- Intervention group received 4-6 home visits between 18-22 months corrected age.
- Outcomes measured using validated assessments for social-emotional, language, motor, cognitive, and parent-child interaction.
Main Results:
- High parental compliance and satisfaction.
- Medium effect sizes for cognitive development and parent-child interaction.
- Large effect sizes for externalizing behaviors, dysregulation, and motor development.
Conclusions:
- Additional responsive parenting support at toddler age is feasible post-hospital discharge.
- The intervention is associated with positive outcomes across multiple parental and child measures.
- This approach supports the development of very preterm infants.
Objective:
To evaluate the feasibility and potential efficacy of an age-appropriate additional parenting intervention for very preterm born toddlers.
Study Design:
In a randomized controlled pilot study, 60 of 94 eligible very preterm born children who had received a responsive parenting intervention in their first year were randomized to usual care or the additional intervention, consisting of 4-6 home visits between 18 and 22 months' corrected gestational age (CA). Parents were supported to responsively interact during increasingly complex daily activities and play. Parental satisfaction with the intervention was evaluated with a questionnaire. At baseline and 24 months CA, parents completed the Infant Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment, the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, and the Dutch Schlichting Lexilist for receptive language. At 24 months CA, motor, and cognitive development was measured by the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition Dutch version, and parent-child interaction was evaluated by the Emotional Availability Scales.
Results:
Parental compliance and satisfaction with the intervention was high. Effect sizes (after correction for baseline variables) were small for internalizing and competence behavior, receptive language, and problem solving; medium for cognitive development and parent-child interaction; and large for externalizing and dysregulation behavior and motor development.
Conclusion:
After a postdischarge intervention during the first year, an additional responsive parenting support at toddler-age is feasible and associated with positive outcomes in a broad array of parental and child outcome measures.
Trial Registration:
www.toetsingonline.nl: NL40208.018.12.
