Fathers' Perceptions of Change Following Parenting Intervention: Randomized Controlled Trial of Triple P for Parents of Children With Asthma or Eczema

Abstract

Objective: To test whether families' participation in an evidence-based parenting program can improve health-related outcomes reported by fathers of 2- to 10-year-old children with asthma and/or eczema.

Methods: A 2 (Triple P-Positive Parenting Program vs. care as usual) by 3 (baseline, postintervention, 6-month follow-up) design was used, with random group assignment. Of 107 families, 51.4% (N = 55) had a father participate alongside the child's mother, who was the primary intervention target. Fathers completed questionnaires assessing illness-related child behavior problems; self-efficacy with illness management and illness-related child behavior problems; and health-related quality of life.

Results: Secondary intent-to-treat analyses indicated improved child behavior and self-efficacy for managing eczema, but not asthma. Health-related quality of life improved for children, but not parents/families. There were no other significant intervention effects.

Conclusions: Intervention outcomes were positive for eczema but not asthma, and did not depend on the extent of father participation in the intervention.

Keywords: behavior problems; children; chronic illness; fatherhood; health behavior; intervention outcome; parenting.