title: EVALUATION OFALL BABIES CRY, A SECOND GENERATION UNIVERSAL ABUSIVE HEAD TRAUMA PREVENTION PROGRAM.
abstract: Child maltreatment results in significant individual, family, and societal costs. This study assessed the efficacy ofAll Babies Cry (ABC), a media-based infant maltreatment prevention program, using a mixed-method, quasi-experimental staged evaluation design. ABC's messaging, designed and tested through a series of focus groups, provides strategies for reducing parental stress and soothing infants. Participants (n= 423) were first-time parents, 70% fathers, recruited at two hospitals. The first 211 were controls; the next 212 received ABC. Participants were interviewed 3 times: at baseline in hospital, and by telephone 5 weeks (n= 359; 85%) and 17 weeks (n= 326; 77%) later. Researchers measured parents' perceptions, intentions, and use of strategies to calm crying and manage caregiver stress. Outcomes were based on the Strengthening Families Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior. The intervention was well received, appears effective in improving mediators of behavior, and may change parental behavior.
authors.affiliation: Vida Health Communications, Inc.
authors.forename: Allison C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Morrill
authors.affiliation: Vida Health Communications, Inc.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: McElaney
authors.affiliation: Vida Health Communications, Inc.
authors.forename: Betsy
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Peixotto
authors.affiliation: Women and Infants Hospital.
authors.forename: Marcia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: VanVleet
authors.affiliation: Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sege