Primary Care Triple P for parents of NICU graduates with behavioral problems: A randomized, clinical trial using observations of parent-child interaction

Abstract

Background: Preterm-born or asphyxiated term-born children show more emotional and behavioral problems at preschool age than term-born children without a medical condition. It is uncertain whether parenting intervention programs aimed at the general population, are effective in this specific group. In earlier findings from the present trial, Primary Care Triple P was not effective in reducing parent-reported child behavioral problems. However, parenting programs claim to positively change child behavior through enhancement of the parent-child interaction. Therefore, we investigated whether Primary Care Triple P is effective in improving the quality of parent-child interaction and increasing the application of trained parenting skills in parents of preterm-born or asphyxiated term-born preschoolers with behavioral problems. Methods: For this pragmatic, open randomized clinical trial, participants were recruited from a cohort of infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care units of two Dutch hospitals. Children aged 2-5 years, with a gestational age Results: There was no effect of the intervention on either of the observational outcome measures at the 6-month trialendpoint. Conclusions: Primary Care Triple P, is not effective in improving the quality of parent-child interaction nor does it increase the application of trained parenting skills in parents of preterm-born or asphyxiated term-born children with behavioral problems. Further research should focus on personalized care for these parents, with an emphasis on psych  ological support to reduce stress and promote self-regulation.