Nagamani Krishnamurthy
Balaviakasa Educational Academy, India
Title: Effectiveness of parenting intervention for improving child mental health: Randomised single blind controlled trial
Biography
Biography: Nagamani Krishnamurthy
Abstract
Background: Mental health issues are commonest cause of disability in childhood including behaviour issues and conduct problem. To assess the effectiveness of a parenting intervention in community setting for improving the mental health of children, randomised controlled trial was undertaken.
Methods: Randomised controlled trial with 8-week of intervention, follow-up at 6 months, assessors blind to treatment status. Participants were recruited family and children’s centre from 3 sites in India. From initial assessments with psychologist and mental health nurse, 86 children, aged 2-8 years with behaviour and conduct issues were included in 8-week intervention or wait-list control. Parenting intervention was designed as group program, training parents in cognitive-behavioural techniques for managing child’s difficult behaviour and issues. Program was focused on parent-child problem solving method and positive interaction. Primary outcomes were child problem behaviour assessed by parent-report (Eyberg) and the Goodman Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes measure included General health, Parenting Stress and Self Esteem of parents. These outcomes were measured before and immediately after the 8-weeks intervention, and at six months follow up.
Results: Intervention group showed significant improvements in child problem behaviour, (p=.002) conduct problem (p<0.05), emotional score (p<0.05), peer problems (p<0.01) after post assessments. These changes were sustained at follow up assessments. Parental anxiety, depression and social dysfunction were better improved in intervention group compared to control at post assessment. Overall parents’ satisfaction was high in intervention group. There was no comparison group at follow up assessments as waitlist control started intervention after 2-month waiting period. However, changes in intervention group were maintained at follow up assessments.
Conclusions: Findings suggest group parenting intervention could be effective in a community setting for reducing conduct problems and enhancing parenting skills.