Parent training programmes for managing infantile colic.

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Developmental Psychology
• Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

• Infantile colic significantly impacts infants and parents, causing distress and exhaustion.
• Current physical treatments for colic lack conclusive evidence of effectiveness.
• Parent training programs offer an alternative approach focusing on parental support and psychological interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the effectiveness and safety of parent training programs for infantile colic in infants under four months.
• Identify the educational content and attributes of published parent training programs.

Main Methods:

• Searched multiple databases and trial registers for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs.
• Two authors independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias.
• Meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5, with evidence certainty assessed by GRADE methodology.

Main Results:

• Seven studies with 1187 participants met inclusion criteria; all involved infants under four months with colic.
• Parent training showed a statistically significant reduction in crying time compared to control (low-certainty evidence).
• Limited data prevented comprehensive analysis of program content; no adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions:

• Evidence for the effectiveness and safety of parent training programs for infantile colic is limited and of low certainty.
• Further high-quality RCTs are necessary to clearly define interventions and assess their role in managing colic.
• More research is needed to comprehensively identify program attributes and confirm benefits.