Randomized trial of a parenting intervention for very preterm infants: outcome at 2 years.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of a neonatal parenting intervention for improving development in very preterm infants.


METHODS
A cluster-randomized, controlled trial with a cross-over design and washout period was conducted in 6 neonatal centers. Two hundred thirty-three babies <32 weeks' gestation were recruited (intervention = 112; control = 121). Intervention families received weekly Parent Baby Interaction Programme (PBIP) sessions during neonatal intensive care unit admission and up to 6 weeks after discharge. Control families received standard care. All 195 infants remaining in the study at 24 months' corrected age were assessed by psychologists blinded to group allocation.


RESULTS
There was no significant difference in Mental Development Index (-0.9 points; 95% CI, -5.0, 3.2) or Psychomotor Development Index (2.5; -3.3, 8.4) scores between the intervention and control groups and no significant effect of intervention on Mental Development Index or Psychomotor Development Index scores for subgroups dichotomized by gestational age (<28 weeks/> or =28 weeks), parity (1st/other child) or mother's cohabiting status (supported/unsupported).


CONCLUSIONS
There was no effect of PBIP on infant development at 2 years' corrected age. Parenting interventions may be better delivered after discharge or targeted for preterm infants with high biological and social risk.
Johnson
Samantha
S
University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom. s.j.johnson@ucl.ac.uk
Whitelaw
Andrew
A
Glazebrook
Cris
C
Israel
Chrissie
C
Turner
Rebecca
R
White
Ian R
IR
Croudace
Tim
T
Davenport
Franca
F
Marlow
Neil
N
D000328:Adult; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007224:Infant Care; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D016487:Parenting; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome