Randomized trial of the Early Start program of home visitation: parent and family outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the extent to which the Early Start program of home visitation had beneficial consequences in the areas of maternal health, family functioning, family economic circumstances, and exposure to stress and adversity.


METHODS
The study used a randomized, controlled trial design in which 220 families receiving the Early Start program were contrasted with a control series of 223 families not receiving the program. Families were enrolled in the program after population screening conducted by community health nurses. Families were enrolled in the program for up to 36 months. Outcomes were assessed at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after trial entry.


RESULTS
There was a consistent lack of association between maternal and family outcomes and group membership. There were no significant differences between the Early Start and control series in any comparisons.


CONCLUSIONS
This evaluation suggested that the Early Start program failed to lead to parent- and family-related benefits. This absence of benefit for parent/family outcomes is contrasted with the benefits found previously for child-related outcomes, including child health, preschool education, child abuse and neglect, parenting, and behavioral adjustment. This comparison suggests that home visitation programs may provide benefits for child-related outcomes in the absence of parent- or family-related outcomes.
Fergusson
David M
DM
Christchurch Health and Development Study, Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand. david.fergusson@chmeds.ac.nz
Grant
Hildegard
H
Horwood
L John
LJ
Ridder
Elizabeth M
EM
D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018479:Early Intervention, Educational; D005192:Family Health; D006792:House Calls; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008429:Maternal Welfare; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D016487:Parenting; D011203:Poverty; D012944:Social Support; D012947:Social Work; D013179:Spouse Abuse; D013315:Stress, Psychological