PERINATAL TRIALS REPORT

PTO378

A preventative intervention for illicit drug using mothers and their infants

Plain Language Summary:      

This randomised controlled trial is testing the effectiveness of a family centred community based preventive intervention for illicit drug using mothers. Mothers from a chemical dependency unit will be randomly allocated to either a home visitation program intervention or a control group. Further comparisons will be made between the control group from this specialised clinic with mothers from nonspecialised peripheral clinics. Outcomes examined will include immunisation and breastfeeding rates; maternal and infant characteristics; parenting skills; infant development; postnatal psychological morbidity; family resilience and support; drug use characteristics and attrition.

Trial status:                         Open to accrual

Date trial opened to accrual:        May 2000

Expected accrual period:              3 years

Trial Objective:

* To test the impact of a family centred, community based, preventive intervention for illicit drug using mothers by comparing postnatal outcomes of illicit drug using mothers who have received an intervention against those who have not received an intervention. This randomised controlled trial will include a specifically designed home visitation program. Through this program of support and encouragement the aim is to empower the mothers to take control over their lives and that of the health and development of their infants.
* To compare the outcomes of illicit drug using mothers from the control arm of the randomised controlled trial, against the outcomes of illicit drug using mothers who were cared for in peripheral services to ascertain the benefits of a specialised service.
* To compare the postnatal outcomes of all illicit drug using mothers in the study against the postnatal outcomes of the normal obstetric population.
* To develop a model of best practice for illicit drug using antenatal and postnatal women that can be introduced into mainstream obstetric practice and outreach services.

Type of administration:        Single centre

Principal Investigator/s:       Dr Anne Bartu

                                        Ph 618 9370 0333

                                        Email: anne.bartu@health.wa.gov.au

                                        Prof Sue McDonald

                                        Ph 613 9344 2840

                                        Email: s.mcdonald@latrobe.edu.au  

Contact Person/s:               Prof Sue McDonald

                                        Ph 613 9344 2840

                                        Email: s.mcdonald@latrobe.edu.au  

© IMPACT/PSANZ 2001