Knox, V., & Michalopoulos, C. (2023). Mother and Infant Home Visiting Program Evaluation (MIHOPE), United States, 2012-2019. MIHOPE Model Results Documentation [Study 2-HFA contrast]. Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research. https://doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR37848.v3.
| Screening decision | Screening conclusion | HomVEE procedures and standards version |
|---|---|---|
| Passes screens | Eligible for review | Version 2 |
| Rating | Design | Attrition | Baseline equivalence | Compromised randomization | Confounding factors | Valid, reliable measure(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Randomized controlled trial | Low | Not assessed for randomized controlled trials with low attrition |
No | No |
Yes |
The Mother and Infant Home Visiting Program Evaluation (MIHOPE) included four evidence-based home visiting models. This review focuses on Healthy Families America (HFA) and the findings in Knox & Michalopoulos, 2023. HomVEE has reviewed additional analyses from the MIHOPE evaluation under Michalopoulos et al., 2019.
One finding in this set of analyses, on a measure of breastfeeding duration, received a moderate rating because the finding demonstrated high attrition but satisfied the baseline equivalence requirement. Findings on measures of maternal health status and depression; food insecurity; parental unsupportiveness, engagement, and discipline; awareness of health and safety hazards; child behavior; and physical abuse received a rating of indeterminate because HomVEE could not assess whether the measures were reliable according to HomVEE standards. One finding on a measure of any report of child maltreatment was deemed to be ineligible for review because HomVEE does not review unsubstantiated reports of child maltreatment. Information on sample sizes and reliability and validity of measures, along with information necessary to demonstrate equivalence of the intervention and comparison groups, is based on correspondence with the authors.
| Study participants | The Mother and Infant Home Visiting Program Evaluation (MIHOPE) is a national evaluation of the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program. MIHOPE study participants were recruited from 2012 to 2015. Participants were eligible for the MIHOPE evaluation if they were age 15 or older at enrollment, were pregnant or had children younger than six months old, spoke English or Spanish proficiently, and met the relevant eligibility criteria for the local home visiting model. A total of 1,458 participants were recruited for the study in Healthy Families America (HFA) programs and randomly assigned to either the HFA home visiting intervention group (725 participants) or the comparison condition (733 participants). Up to 1,407 participants recruited for the study through HFA programs were included in the analyses: 691 in HFA and 716 in the comparison group. Similarly, up to 1,375 children of these participants were included in the analyses: 683 in HFA and 692 in the comparison group. Outcomes were measured when children were 15 months old. For the MIHOPE participants recruited through HFA programs, 22 percent of women were of Mexican origin, 12 percent were another Hispanic ethnicity, 27 percent were White, 31 percent were Black, and 8 percent were another race. Forty-three percent had less than a high school diploma at study entry. At enrollment, the average age of participants recruited through HFA programs was 24. |
|---|---|
| Setting | The study took place in 12 states: California, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington, and Wisconsin. The evaluation selected 26 local program affiliates that operated Healthy Families America (HFA) and met program eligibility criteria. |
| Intervention services | As described in this manuscript, Healthy Families America (HFA) consists of activities designed to assess family needs, educate and support parents, and refer families to community services. The content and delivery of HFA vary, but the intervention has historically focused on preventing child maltreatment and is typically geared toward families at risk of child maltreatment or with behavioral health issues. The manuscript does not provide additional information on the HFA programs in the study, including the intensity or length of services offered to participating families. |
| Comparison conditions | Women assigned to the comparison group were not eligible to receive Healthy Families America (HFA) services. They received information about other appropriate services in their local community. |
| 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). There were no subgroups reported in this manuscript. |
| Funding sources | This research was supported by the Administration for Children and Families, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a competitive award, Contract No. HHS-HHSP23320095644WC. |
| Author affiliation | Authors are affiliated with MDRC and subcontractors James Bell Associates, Johns Hopkins University, Mathematica, the University of Georgia, and Columbia University. HomVEE is not aware of any relationship between the authors and the home visiting model developer or distributor. |
| Peer reviewed | No |
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02069782. SocialScienceRegistry.org Identifier: None found. Registry of Efficacy and Effectiveness Studies Identifier: None found. Study registration was assessed by HomVEE for Clinicaltrials.gov beginning with the 2014 review, and for other registries beginning with the 2021 review.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Brief Infant Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA), total competence score |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
1,124 children | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = 0.00 | Not available | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. |
| High | Received any early intervention services (%) |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
1,101 mothers | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = 0.00 | HomVEE calculated = -0.09 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. |
| High | Use of nonparental child care |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
1,096 children | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = -0.02 | HomVEE calculated = -0.04 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. |
| Rating | Outcome measure | Effect | Sample | Timing of follow-up | Sample size | Intervention group | Comparison group | Group difference | Effect size | Statistical significance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Any Medicaid-paid nonbirth hospitalizations |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
1,375 children | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = -0.01 | HomVEE calculated = -0.03 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. |
| High | At risk of being overweight (%) |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
908 children | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = 0.05 | HomVEE calculated = 0.14 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
Negative effect is favorable to the intervention. The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. |
| High | Normal weight (%) |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
908 children | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = -0.02 | HomVEE calculated = -0.06 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. |
| High | Number of Medicaid-paid immunizations |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
1,210 children | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = 0.30 | Not available | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. |
| High | Primary care provider for the child (%) |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
1,136 children | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = 0.00 | HomVEE calculated = 0.02 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. |
| High | Underweight (%) |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
908 children | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = -0.03 | HomVEE calculated = -0.16 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
Negative effect is favorable to the intervention. The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. |
| Moderate | Duration of breastfeeding |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
579 children | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = 0.40 | Not available | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. |
| Rating | Outcome measure | Effect | Sample | Timing of follow-up | Sample size | Intervention group | Comparison group | Group difference | Effect size | Statistical significance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Health insurance coverage for the mother |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
1,391 mothers | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = 0.05 | HomVEE calculated = 0.18 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. The study reported this finding was statistically significant (p = 0.01) prior to a multiple comparisons adjustment. |
| High | Received any transportation services |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
1,093 mothers | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = -0.02 | HomVEE calculated = -0.10 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. |
| High | Received disability insurance during the past month |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
1,098 children | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = 0.00 | HomVEE calculated = -0.03 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. |
| High | Received SNAP during the past month |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
1,097 children | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = -0.01 | HomVEE calculated = -0.03 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. |
| High | Received TANF during the past month |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
1,096 children | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = 0.01 | HomVEE calculated = 0.05 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. |
| High | Received WIC during the past month |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
1,100 children | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = -0.02 | HomVEE calculated = -0.06 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. |
| Rating | Outcome measure | Effect | Sample | Timing of follow-up | Sample size | Intervention group | Comparison group | Group difference | Effect size | Statistical significance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Current smoker |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
1,091 mothers | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = -0.01 | HomVEE calculated = -0.04 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
Negative effect is favorable to the intervention. The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. |
| High | Parenting Stress Index - Short Form (PSI-SF), parent-child dysfunctional interaction |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
1,106 mothers | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = -0.10 | Not available | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
Negative effect is favorable to the intervention. The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. |
| High | Parenting Stress Index - Short Form (PSI-SF), parental distress |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
1,108 mothers | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = -0.60 | Not available | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
Negative effect is favorable to the intervention. The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. The study reported this finding was statistically significant (p = 0.01) prior to a multiple comparisons adjustment. |
| High | Received any behavioral health services |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
1,094 mothers | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = 0.00 | HomVEE calculated = -0.03 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. |
| High | Substance use during the past three months |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
1,084 mothers | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = 0.01 | HomVEE calculated = 0.03 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
Negative effect is favorable to the intervention. The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. |
| Rating | Outcome measure | Effect | Sample | Timing of follow-up | Sample size | Intervention group | Comparison group | Group difference | Effect size | Statistical significance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Any substantiated maltreatment report |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
1,406 mothers | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = 0.01 | HomVEE calculated = 0.19 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
Negative effect is favorable to the intervention. The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. |
| High | Loss of custody |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
1,407 mothers | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = 0.01 | HomVEE calculated = 0.12 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
Negative effect is favorable to the intervention. The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. |
| Rating | Outcome measure | Effect | Sample | Timing of follow-up | Sample size | Intervention group | Comparison group | Group difference | Effect size | Statistical significance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Received any domestic violence services |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
1,097 mothers | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = -0.01 | HomVEE calculated = -0.26 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. |
| High | Received any services from a domestic violence shelter |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
1,096 mothers | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = -0.02 | HomVEE calculated = -0.49 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. The study reported this finding was statistically significant (p = 0.046) prior to a multiple comparisons adjustment. |
| High | Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2), maternal experience with physical or sexual violence |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
1,095 mothers | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = -0.03 | HomVEE calculated = -0.47 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
Negative effect is favorable to the intervention. The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. The study reported this finding was statistically significant (p = 0.01) prior to a multiple comparisons adjustment. |
| High | Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2), maternal perpetration of physical violence |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
1,096 mothers | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = -0.02 | HomVEE calculated = -0.13 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
Negative effect is favorable to the intervention. The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. |
| High | Women's Experience with Battering (WEB) Scale |
FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
HFA vs. Resource referral RCT (MIHOPE), 2012-2015, United States, full sample |
15 months old |
1,088 mothers | Not reported | Not reported | Difference = -0.04 | HomVEE calculated = -0.48 | Not statistically significant, p ≥ 0.05 |
Negative effect is favorable to the intervention. The statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons is reported. The study reported this finding was statistically significant (p = 0.01) prior to a multiple comparisons adjustment. |