Effectiveness of an online parenting program for childhood anxiety in North Macedonia

Abstract

Anxiety is considered a basic and adaptive emotion. However, anxiety problems are one of the most prevalent mental health problems, with multiple negative effects and a tendency to worsen with age. The high prevalence rates and their negative consequences accent the importance of developing timely and effective prevention strategies. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an online parenting program in reducing anxiety symptoms in young children in the Republic of North Macedonia. Materials and methods: A controlled randomized controlled study was conducted including parents of children aged 2-9 years old in North Macedonia. Eligible parents were assessed at baseline and post-intervention, using self-report questionnaires on sociodemographic characteristics and childhood anxiety (CBCL anxiety scale, CBCL-A; CBCL anxiety/depression scale, CBCL-AD). Parents were assigned to five group sessions of a parenting program, as the intervention group, or a structured group presentation, as a control group. Results: A total of 288 parents were included in the study. The findings showed significant reductions in childhood anxiety symptoms reported by parents in both the parenting program and the active control condition. However, between-group comparisons showed no significant differences between the two conditions. Conclusions:The study is the first to evaluate the effectiveness of an online group parenting program in reducing anxiety symptoms in young children in North Macedonia. The findings demonstrate that it is possible to achieve a significant change in child anxiety problems, using technology-assisted methods of intervention delivery in the country.