Peer reviewed?
No
PFL Evaluation Team at the UCD Geary Institute. (2013). Preparing For Life: Early childhood intervention: Assessing the impact of Preparing For Life at twenty-four months. Dublin, Ireland: UCD Geary Institute.
Screening Conclusion
Eligible for review
Model(s) Reviewed
Funding Sources
The Atlantic Philanthropies and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (Ireland) supported the research.
Study Design
| Design | Attrition | Baseline equivalence | Confounding factors | Valid, reliable measures? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randomized controlled trial | Low | Not assessed for randomized controlled trials with low attrition |
No |
Yes |
Notes
Information on how certain measures were constructed and their reliability were based on correspondence with the author. Several findings not reported in the tables below received a low rating because they did not satisfy the reliability requirement. HomVEE’s calculations for statistical significance are used because authors’ calculations are based on one-tailed statistical tests. Findings about mothers’ civic engagement, partnership status, household size, child number of siblings, and whether the mother knows the baby’s weight are ineligible for review because they do not fall in one of HomVEE’s eligible outcome domains. Findings for child number of health problems for which they were taken to doctor/health center/casualty and child received medical attention for wheezing or asthma are duplicates of those reported in Doyle et al. (2015) and are reported under that peer-reviewed manuscript.
Findings that rate moderate or high in this manuscript
Child Development and School Readiness
| Outcome Measure | Timing of Follow-Up | Rating | Direction of Effect | Effect Size (Absolute Value) | Stastical Significance | Sample Size | Sample Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ): Communication cut-off score | 24 months old | High | 0.13 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.37 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ): Communication score | 24 months old | High | 0.03 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.86 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ): Gross motor cut-off score | 24 months old | High | 0.12 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.56 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ): Gross motor score | 24 months old | High | 0.04 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.78 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ): Social-emotional cut-off score | 24 months old | High | 0.05 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.84 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ): Social-emotional score | 24 months old | High | 0.04 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.80 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA): Competence cut-off score | 24 months old | High | 0.05 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.83 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA): Competence score | 24 months old | High | 0.06 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.67 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA): Dysregulation | 24 months old | High | 0.29 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.07 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA): External problems, Inverse Probability Weighted results | 24 months old | High | 0.07 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.68 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA): Internal problems, Inverse Probability Weighted results | 24 months old | High | 0.22 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.16 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA): Problem cut-off score | 24 months old | High | 0.28 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.07 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA): Problem score | 24 months old | High | 0.24 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.12 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA): Red flag | 24 months old | High | 0.14 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.37 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL): Aggressive behavior | 24 months old | High | 0.08 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.59 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL): Anxious/depressed, Inverse Probability Weighted results | 24 months old | High | 0.11 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.48 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL): Attention problems | 24 months old | High | 0.12 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.44 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL): Emotionally reactive, Inverse Probability Weighted results | 24 months old | High | 0.14 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.36 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL): Externalizing problems cut-off, Inverse Probability Weighted results | 24 months old | High | 0.27 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.29 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL): Externalizing problems, Inverse Probability Weighted results | 24 months old | High | 0.10 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.53 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL): Internalizing problems cut-off, Inverse Probability Weighted results | 24 months old | High | 0.22 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.15 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL): Internalizing problems, Inverse Probability Weighted results | 24 months old | High | 0.11 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.49 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL): Other problems, Inverse Probability Weighted results | 24 months old | High | 0.29 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.06 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL): Sleep problems | 24 months old | High | 0.33 | Statistically significant, p = 0.03 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL): Somatic complaints, Inverse Probability Weighted results | 24 months old | High | 0.11 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.49 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL): Total score | 24 months old | High | 0.20 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.19 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL): Total score cut-off | 24 months old | High | 0.39 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.22 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL): Withdrawn, Inverse Probability Weighted results | 24 months old | High | 0.05 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.74 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Child receiving special services, Multiple Imputation results | 24 months old | High | 0.19 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.20 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Developmental Profiles 3 (DP-3): Above average cut-off, Multiple Imputation results | 24 months old | High | 0.25 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.12 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Developmental Profiles 3 (DP-3): Cognitive development standardized score | 24 months old | High | 0.27 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.09 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories (CDI): Can combine words | 24 months old | High | 0.16 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.28 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories (CDI): Vocabulary words produced | 24 months old | High | 0.03 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.85 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Uses any type of childcare | 24 months old | High | 0.09 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.52 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample |
Child Health
| Outcome Measure | Timing of Follow-Up | Rating | Direction of Effect | Effect Size (Absolute Value) | Stastical Significance | Sample Size | Sample Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child eats fatty food daily, Multiple Imputation results | 24 months old | High | 0.21 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.20 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Child exposed to cigarette smoke | 24 months old | High | 0.17 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.30 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Child had chest infection in last 6 months, Multiple Imputation results | 24 months old | High | 0.26 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.10 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Child has poor eating habits, Multiple Imputation results | 24 months old | High | 0.25 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.11 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Child stayed in hospital for at least one day in last 6 months, Multiple Imputation results | 24 months old | High | 0.17 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.22 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| How often child drinks formula, Multiple Imputation results | 24 months old | High | 0.16 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.30 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| How often child eats dairy, Multiple Imputation results | 24 months old | High | 0.10 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.63 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| How often child eats fruits, Multiple Imputation results | 24 months old | High | 0.25 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.11 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| How often child eats grains, Multiple Imputation results | 24 months old | High | 0.05 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.77 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| How often child eats other food (sugars and fats), Multiple Imputation results | 24 months old | High | 0.14 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.38 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| How often child eats protein, Multiple Imputation results | 24 months old | High | 0.34 | Statistically significant, p = 0.03 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| How often child eats vegetables, Multiple Imputation results | 24 months old | High | 0.23 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.13 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample |
Family Economic Self-Sufficiency
| Outcome Measure | Timing of Follow-Up | Rating | Direction of Effect | Effect Size (Absolute Value) | Stastical Significance | Sample Size | Sample Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equivalized weekly household income | 24 months old | High | 0.09 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.56 | 152 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Member of household has a medical card | 24 months old | High | 0.12 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.48 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Mother currently in school | 24 months old | High | 0.07 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.67 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Mother has postsecondary school education | 24 months old | High | 0.31 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.06 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Mother Junior Certificate complete | 24 months old | High | 0.09 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.67 | 160 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Mother Leaving Certificate (final secondary school exam) complete | 24 months old | High | 0.03 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.90 | 160 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Mother years in full time education | 24 months old | High | 0.10 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.53 | 158 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Receipt of One Parent Family benefit | 24 months old | High | 0.07 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.60 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Receipt of social welfare | 24 months old | High | 0.10 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.57 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Resides with grandparent | 24 months old | High | 0.01 | Not statistically significant, p = 1.00 | 163 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Saves regularly | 24 months old | High | 0.08 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.60 | 164 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Unemployment benefit | 24 months old | High | 0.06 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.69 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample |
Linkages and Referrals
| Outcome Measure | Timing of Follow-Up | Rating | Direction of Effect | Effect Size (Absolute Value) | Stastical Significance | Sample Size | Sample Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social worker working with family | 24 months old | High | 0.27 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.10 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample |
Maternal Health
| Outcome Measure | Timing of Follow-Up | Rating | Direction of Effect | Effect Size (Absolute Value) | Stastical Significance | Sample Size | Sample Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consideration of Future Consequences (CFC) scale | 24 months old | High | 0.10 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.53 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score (EPDS), 10 cut-off score | 24 months old | High | 0.18 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.25 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score (EPDS), past 7 days | 24 months old | High | 0.13 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.40 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Maternal History of Antisocial Behavior Scale, antisocial behavior as adult | 24 months old | High | 0.05 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.76 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Meet friends most days | 24 months old | High | 0.07 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.70 | 164 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Mother binge drinking (>6 units in a sitting at least once per week) | 24 months old | High | 0.07 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.65 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Mother currently a smoker | 24 months old | High | 0.04 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.90 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Mother currently using a valid form of birth control | 24 months old | High | 0.18 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.24 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Mother drank alcohol in past 6 months | 24 months old | High | 0.14 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.42 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Mother drug use in past 6 months | 24 months old | High | 0.01 | Not statistically significant, p = 1.00 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Mother more than 14 units of alcohol consumed per week | 24 months old | High | 0.07 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.65 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Mother number of general practitioner visits | 24 months old | High | 0.21 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.17 | 163 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Mother pregnant (subsequent pregnancy) | 24 months old | High | 0.19 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.27 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Parenting Stress Index (PSI): 90 cut-off score | 24 months old | High | 0.37 | Statistically significant, p = 0.03 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Parenting Stress Index (PSI): Difficult child | 24 months old | High | 0.15 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.35 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Parenting Stress Index (PSI): Parent-child dysfunctional interactions | 24 months old | High | 0.10 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.52 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Parenting Stress Index (PSI): Parental distress | 24 months old | High | 0.02 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.89 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Parenting Stress Index (PSI): Total score | 24 months old | High | 0.08 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.63 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale | 24 months old | High | 0.01 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.93 | 166 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample |
Positive Parenting Practices
| Outcome Measure | Timing of Follow-Up | Rating | Direction of Effect | Effect Size (Absolute Value) | Stastical Significance | Sample Size | Sample Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condon Maternal Attachment Scale (CMAS): Absence of hostility | 24 months old | High | 0.06 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.63 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Condon Maternal Attachment Scale (CMAS): Quality of attachment | 24 months old | High | 0.12 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.50 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Condon Maternal Attachment Scale (CMAS): Total score | 24 months old | High | 0.02 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.89 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Father has contact with child daily | 24 months old | High | 0.05 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.68 | 163 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Parental Cognition and Conduct Toward the Infant Scale (PACOTIS): Baby comparison score | 24 months old | High | 0.29 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.07 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Parental Cognition and Conduct Toward the Infant Scale (PACOTIS): Parental hostile-reactive behavior | 24 months old | High | 0.10 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.51 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Parental Cognition and Conduct Toward the Infant Scale (PACOTIS): Parental impact | 24 months old | High | 0.20 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.21 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Parental Cognition and Conduct Toward the Infant Scale (PACOTIS): Parental over-protection | 24 months old | High | 0.12 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.45 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Parental Cognition and Conduct Toward the Infant Scale (PACOTIS): Parental self efficacy | 24 months old | High | 0.29 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.07 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample | ||
| Parental Cognition and Conduct Toward the Infant Scale (PACOTIS): Parental warmth | 24 months old | High | 0.15 | Not statistically significant, p = 0.36 | 165 mothers and children | High PFL vs. Low PFL; Dublin, Ireland 2008-2010; full sample |
This study included participants from the following locations:
- State not reported or international
International Locations
Ireland
Study Participants
Study participants were pregnant women recruited in a maternity hospital or in the community. A total of 233 pregnant women were randomly assigned to either the Preparing for Life—Home Visiting group that received home visiting services (“high PFL”; 115 participants) or the comparison condition that did not receive home visiting services (“low PFL”; 118 participants). The study included a total of 166 participants, 82 in the high PFL group and 84 in the low PFL comparison group. Outcomes were measured when the children in the sample were 24 months old. At intake, the average age of the mothers was 25. The percentage of mothers identifying as Irish was 96 percent, and 4 percent identified as Irish Traveller. About half of the women were first-time mothers.
Setting
The study took place in North Dublin, Ireland.
Intervention condition
Note: Navigate to the model page for more information about the home visiting model. See the source manuscript for more information about how the model was implemented in this study.
Comparison Conditions
Participants in the low PFL (comparison) group did not have access to the home visiting services or tip sheets. The comparison group did, however, receive some of the same resources made available to the high PFL (intervention) group, including the package of safety items and toys. These participants had access to an information officer who met with participants before the child’s birth and at various intervals after birth and provided information on Preparing for Life community events and other local services. Participants in the comparison group had access to public health workshops, such as a stress-control program and a healthy food program.
Were any subgroups examined?
No
Subgroups examined
• Child gender (boy or girl) • Parity (primiparous) • Relationship status (single parent) • Cognitive resources of mother (high or low as measured by the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence) • Emotional well-being level of mother (high or low as measured by the World Health Organization Wellbeing Index) • Maternal substance use/disorder (smoked or drank during pregnancy) • Maternal familial risk (high as measured by a survey of household domestic risks)