Effect of a parent-provided early intervention program on infant health and development: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Early Intervention Program (EIP) is a unique way of providing ideal stimulation, education and care for children. EIP are designed to provide detection, treatment, prevention of handicaps, developmental delays, and environmental deprivation as early in a child's life as possible. Objective of present study were to assess the effect of parent-provided EIP on infant cognitive, psychomotor and socio- emotional behaviors at the completion of age 12 months and to evaluate whether these effects were moderated by the infant feeding practices, general health status and socio-demographic characters.Methods: The present study was randomized controlled trial conducted at villages under Vantamuri PHC area attached to J.N Medical College, Belgaum during the period May 2012 to August 2013, with a sample size of 64, full term, normal babies and weighing ≥2.5 kg. At the end of 12 months, babies were assessed by an independent evaluator using BSID-II and ASQ/SE questionnaire.Results: In the present study the mental index (MDI) scores were higher in intervention group than control group (106.63 Vs 94.45, P=0.0001). Problem solving skills were higher in intervention group compared to control group (21.33 Vs 11.56, P=0.000). Person social skills were higher for intervention compared to control (27.66 Vs 22.34, P=0.001). Children with fewer episodes of diarrhea and acute respiratory infections showed better performance.Conclusions: Early Intervention Program effectively increases the cognitive, person social, problem solving and socio-emotional skills at 12 months of age.