Campbell, K. I., & Silva, P. A. (1997). Parents as first teachers pilot programme evaluation : Age three assessments. Final report to the ministry of education on the Dunedin and Gisborne/East coast areas. Wellington: Ministry of Education.
Model(s) Reviewed:
Parents as First Teachers (New Zealand)
| Screening decision | Screening conclusion | HomVEE procedures and standards version |
|---|---|---|
| Passes screens | Eligible for review | Version 1 |
| Rating | Design | Attrition | Baseline equivalence | Compromised randomization | Confounding factors | Valid, reliable measure(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate | Randomized controlled trial | Low | Not established on race/ethnicity, SES, or outcomes | None | None | Not assessed in manuscripts reviewed before 2021 |
Notes:
In 2020, HomVEE updated this review in two ways. First, HomVEE removed five findings related to mother's partnership status/family structure from the Family Economic Self-Sufficiency domain because ACF determined that mother's partnership status is ineligible for review by HomVEE. Second, HomVEE removed two partner employment findings from the Family Economic Self-Sufficiency domain because partner SES is not eligible for review unless the same SES variable is measured for the mother, and the partner is coresident with the mother.
This study receives a mixed rating. All outcomes from the Gisborne/East Coast areas had high attrition and receive a low rating. Many of the outcomes from the Dunedin sample had low attrition and receive a moderate rating. Some of the Dunedin outcomes had high attrition or lacked the sample size information necessary to calculate attrition and receive a low rating (low-rated outcomes are not reported).
In order to receive a high rating, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with low attrition must control for race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), and, if applicable, baseline outcomes if statistically significant differences exist between treatment and control groups. In this case, we had insufficient information to assess baseline equivalence on race/ethnicity, SES, or outcomes in order to determine if there were statistically significant differences for which the authors should have controlled in analyses.
| Study participants | The Parents as First Teachers (PAFT) pilot project was initiated in 1992–1993 in four areas of New Zealand: Whangarei, South Auckland, Gisbome, and Dunedin. This study reports on the Dunedin and Gisborne regions. The PAFT pilot project aimed to provide first-time parents in each of the four geographical areas with a variety of services, from the birth of their first child until the child was 3 years of age. Participants were randomly assigned to the program or comparison group. In Dunedin, 133 program families and 134 comparison families took part in the evaluation. In Gisborne, 108 program families and 100 comparison families took part in the evaluation. |
|---|---|
| Setting | This study took place in two areas within New Zealand: Dunedin and Gisborne. |
| Intervention services | Trained parent educators provided monthly home visits, offering parenting education and guidance with the goal of increasing parents’ feelings of confidence and competence. The intervention included periodic child development screening and any necessary referrals, monthly group meetings, and access to resources at PAFT centers. |
| Comparison conditions | Comparison group families had annual contact with program staff, via mailings, to maintain contact and update addresses. |
| Subgroups examined |
This field lists subgroups examined in the manuscript (even if they were not replicated in other samples and not reported on the summary page for this model’s report). Subgroups are not listed for manuscripts reviewed before 2021. |
| Funding sources | New Zealand Ministry of Education |
| Author affiliation | None of the study authors is a developer of this model. |
| Peer reviewed | Peer reviewed status is not listed for manuscripts reviewed before 2021. |
Findings that rate moderate or high
| Rating | Outcome measure | Effect | Sample | Timing of follow-up | Sample size | Intervention group | Comparison group | Group difference | Effect size | Statistical significance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate | Age in months when child first walked 6 steps unaided | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 206 mothers | Unadjusted mean = 12.90 | Unadjusted mean = 12.37 | Mean difference = 0.53 | HomVEE calculated = 0.24 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Behaviour Checklist | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Not available | Not available | Not reported | Not available | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Denver II Assessment, Fine Motor Delay | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 206 mothers | Not available | Not available | Not reported | Not available | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Denver II Assessment, Gross Motor Delay | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 206 mothers | Not available | Not available | Not reported | Not available | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Denver II Assessment, Language Delay | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 206 mothers | Not available | Not available | Not reported | Not available | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Denver II Assessment, Personal Social Items | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 206 mothers | Not available | Not available | Not reported | Not available | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, Mental Processing Composite | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 158 mothers | Unadjusted mean = 59.44 | Unadjusted mean = 60.34 | Mean difference = -0.90 | HomVEE calculated = -0.09 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, Sequential Processing | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 158 mothers | Unadjusted mean = 22.14 | Unadjusted mean = 23.00 | Mean difference = -0.86 | HomVEE calculated = -0.16 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
| Rating | Outcome measure | Effect | Sample | Timing of follow-up | Sample size | Intervention group | Comparison group | Group difference | Effect size | Statistical significance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate | Incidence of ear infections | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Unadjusted % = 0.70 | Unadjusted % = 0.79 | Mean difference = -0.09 | HomVEE calculated = -0.29 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Incidence of hearing problems | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Unadjusted % = 0.08 | Unadjusted % = 0.07 | Mean difference = 0.01 | HomVEE calculated = 0.09 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Number of health problems children had experienced | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Unadjusted mean = 4.85 | Unadjusted mean = 4.91 | Mean difference = -0.06 | HomVEE calculated = -0.03 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | Authors report that significantly more program children experienced bronchitis attacks.
|
| Moderate | Number of hospital admissions | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Unadjusted % = 0.33 | Unadjusted % = 0.30 | Mean difference = 0.03 | HomVEE calculated = 0.08 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Number of hospital visits | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Unadjusted % = 0.64 | Unadjusted % = 0.72 | Mean difference = -0.08 | HomVEE calculated = -0.22 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Number of times children visited a hospital clinic | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Unadjusted % = 0.42 | Unadjusted % = 0.51 | Mean difference = -0.09 | HomVEE calculated = -0.22 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Number of times children visited general practitioner | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Unadjusted % = 0.00 | Unadjusted % = 0.00 | Mean difference = 0.00 | Not available | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Number of times children visited health specialist | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Unadjusted % = 0.54 | Unadjusted % = 0.51 | Mean difference = 0.03 | HomVEE calculated = 0.07 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Number of times children visited other professional health service | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Unadjusted % = 0.18 | Unadjusted % = 0.15 | Mean difference = 0.03 | HomVEE calculated = 0.13 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Total number of injuries | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Unadjusted % = 0.42 | Unadjusted % = 0.38 | Mean difference = 0.04 | HomVEE calculated = 0.10 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
| Rating | Outcome measure | Effect | Sample | Timing of follow-up | Sample size | Intervention group | Comparison group | Group difference | Effect size | Statistical significance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate | Attained additional educational qualifications since birth of child | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin | 3 years | 207 mothers | Unadjusted % = 0.23 | Unadjusted % = 0.30 | Mean difference = -0.07 | HomVEE calculated = -0.22 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Elley-Irving Socio-Economic Index | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Not available | Not available | Not reported | Not available | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Family means of transport | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Not available | Not available | Not reported | Not available | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Family owns car | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Unadjusted % = 0.88 | Unadjusted % = 0.90 | Mean difference = -0.02 | HomVEE calculated = -0.12 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Family Strains Questionnaire, Sum of strains | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 206 mothers | Unadjusted mean = 10.92 | Unadjusted mean = 9.97 | Mean difference = 0.95 | HomVEE calculated = 0.12 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | Authors report that significantly more program group families reported experiencing increased strain on family money for medical expenses, clothes, food, etc., but, after applying the Bonferroni inequality, this difference was no longer significant.
|
| Moderate | Family Stressors Questionnaire, Sum of stressors | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 206 mothers | Unadjusted mean = 15.42 | Unadjusted mean = 14.54 | Mean difference = 0.88 | HomVEE calculated = 0.10 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Held a community services card | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Unadjusted % = 0.39 | Unadjusted % = 0.42 | Mean difference = -0.03 | HomVEE calculated = -0.08 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Language use in the home | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Not available | Not available | Not reported | Not available | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Mother working in full-time position | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Unadjusted % = 0.35 | Unadjusted % = 0.53 | Mean difference = -0.18 | HomVEE calculated = -0.45 | Statistically significant, p < 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Mother working in paid employment | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Unadjusted % = 0.64 | Unadjusted % = 0.56 | Mean difference = 0.08 | HomVEE calculated = 0.20 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Receiving government support | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Unadjusted % = 0.42 | Unadjusted % = 0.39 | Mean difference = 0.03 | HomVEE calculated = 0.08 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Subjective perception of income level | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 207 mothers | Not available | Not available | Not reported | Not available | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Type of accomodation | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Not available | Not available | Not reported | Not available | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
| Rating | Outcome measure | Effect | Sample | Timing of follow-up | Sample size | Intervention group | Comparison group | Group difference | Effect size | Statistical significance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate | Maternal Social Support Index (MSSI),Overall | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 207 mothers | Not available | Not available | Not reported | Not available | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
| Rating | Outcome measure | Effect | Sample | Timing of follow-up | Sample size | Intervention group | Comparison group | Group difference | Effect size | Statistical significance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate | HOME Questionnaire, Overall | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 207 mothers | Not available | Not available | Not reported | Not available | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Parental Concerns, Disruption of plans | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Unadjusted % = 0.04 | Unadjusted % = 0.04 | Mean difference = 0.00 | HomVEE calculated = 0.00 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Parental Concerns, Disruption of relationship with partner | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Unadjusted % = 0.10 | Unadjusted % = 0.15 | Mean difference = -0.05 | HomVEE calculated = -0.28 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Parental Concerns, Significant Concern | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Unadjusted % = 0.18 | Unadjusted % = 0.14 | Mean difference = 0.04 | HomVEE calculated = 0.18 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Parental Concerns, Social Concern | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Unadjusted % = 0.21 | Unadjusted % = 0.25 | Mean difference = -0.04 | HomVEE calculated = -0.14 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Parents as Teachers Questionnaire, Overall | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Not available | Not available | Not reported | Not available | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | Authors report that significantly more program parents respond yes to the following item: Looking around his/her surroundings takes up much of a baby's day during the first month of life.
|
| Moderate | Total number of activities | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Unadjusted mean = 27.64 | Unadjusted mean = 27.27 | Mean difference = 0.37 | HomVEE calculated = 0.17 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | Authors report that significantly more program children play fantasy games.
|
| Moderate | Total number of experiences | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 208 mothers | Unadjusted mean = 18.93 | Unadjusted mean = 18.79 | Mean difference = 0.14 | HomVEE calculated = 0.04 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | |
| Moderate | Video Session, Parent-Child Interaction | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
Dunedin sample | 3 years | 155 mothers | Unadjusted mean = 26.78 | Unadjusted mean = 30.97 | Mean difference = -4.19 | HomVEE calculated = -0.21 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 | Authors report significant differences on several items: “Book chosen by,” “Motivation,” “Attention maintained,” “Attending to help,” and “Using information.” |