Research Lead: James Guevara, M.D., M.P.H.
Study Team: Brooke Rothman, M.S.S.P., Denise Actie, M.S.W., Marsha Gerdes, Ph.D., Susan Dougherty, Ph.D., Rhonda Boyd, Ph.D., and Russell Localio, Ph.D.
Supported by: Maternal and Child Health Bureau (HRSA); CATCH grant (AAP)
Dates: February 2009-January 2012
Background
Depression has a negative impact on a caregiver’s ability to nurture and care for children. Parents suffering from depression should be referred for mental health services so they can receive treatment to reduce depressive symptoms and improve child outcomes. However, few parents use referrals for psychiatric assistance. In addition, parenting education for depressed caregivers is not widely available.
Aims
- • Adapt The Incredible Year Babies and Toddler Program, a parent coaching intervention, for depressed caregivers of young children in primary care
- • Assess the acceptability and feasibility of a parenting intervention for depressed caregivers of young children in primary care
- • Explore differences in depressive symptoms, parenting stress, parent response to child behaviors, social support, child developmental and behavioral functioning, and completion of mental health referrals among depressed caregivers in the study
Methods
Study Design: Three-year randomized trial with wait-list controls. Information is collected from the completion of 3 home visits and monthly phone follow-up calls up to 7 months in duration. Enrolled caregivers receive The Incredible Years Babies and Toddlers parenting program, a 12 week group parent coaching intervention, adapted with inclusion of depression psychoeducation. In addition, all participants are assessed for barriers to mental health service use.
Population: 130 caregivers of one- and two-year-old children who screened positive for depressive symptoms in Philadelphia City Health Centers and CHOP Primary Care Centers
Progress
Enrollment is underway.
Dissemination
- Study Advisory Group composed of pediatricians, mental health specialists, child health advocates, and maternal depression service providers
Relevant Resources
The Incredible Years (2009).
http://www.incredibleyears.com/program/baby-toddler.asp
Maternal and Child Health Bureau. http://mchb.hrsa.gov/
