Working out dads (WOD): a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of a group-based peer support intervention for men experiencing mental health difficulties in early fatherhood
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journal contribution
posted on 2022-12-01, 00:00 authored by Rebecca GialloRebecca Giallo, M Seymour, A Fogarty, C Hosking, L A Williams, A Cooklin, A Grobler, J Ride, L Leach, B Oldenburg, C Wood, R Borschmann, J O’Brien, K Evans, K Treyvaud, C Garfield, S Brown, J NicholsonAbstract
Background
Approximately one in ten men experience mental health difficulties during the early years of fatherhood, and these can have negative impacts on children and families. However, few evidence-based interventions targeting fathers’ mental health are available. The aim of the trial is to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Working Out Dads (WOD) – a facilitated peer support group intervention for fathers of young children, in reducing psychological distress and other mental health symptoms.
Methods
This trial will employ a parallel-arm randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of WOD peer support group intervention compared to usual care (a 30-min mental health and service focused phone consultation with a health professional). A total of 280 fathers of young children (aged 0-4 years) who are experiencing mental health difficulties and/or are at risk of poor mental health will be recruited.
Randomisation and analyses will be at the level of the individual participant. The primary outcome is psychological distress symptoms, measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) from baseline to 24 weeks post randomisation. A range of secondary outcomes will be assessed including suicidal ideation; mental health disorders, specific symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress; social support, quality of life, health service use, and health care costs. Data will be collected at baseline, 10- and 24 weeks post-randomisation.
Discussion
This trial will examine the effectiveness of a novel group-based peer support intervention in reducing the psychological distress and other mental health symptoms of fathers compared to usual care. The economic and process evaluation will guide policy decision making along with informing the future implementation of WOD on a larger scale if effectiveness is demonstrated.
Trial registration
The current trial has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (Registration ID - NCT04813042). Date of Registration: March 22nd, 2021.
Background
Approximately one in ten men experience mental health difficulties during the early years of fatherhood, and these can have negative impacts on children and families. However, few evidence-based interventions targeting fathers’ mental health are available. The aim of the trial is to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Working Out Dads (WOD) – a facilitated peer support group intervention for fathers of young children, in reducing psychological distress and other mental health symptoms.
Methods
This trial will employ a parallel-arm randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of WOD peer support group intervention compared to usual care (a 30-min mental health and service focused phone consultation with a health professional). A total of 280 fathers of young children (aged 0-4 years) who are experiencing mental health difficulties and/or are at risk of poor mental health will be recruited.
Randomisation and analyses will be at the level of the individual participant. The primary outcome is psychological distress symptoms, measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) from baseline to 24 weeks post randomisation. A range of secondary outcomes will be assessed including suicidal ideation; mental health disorders, specific symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress; social support, quality of life, health service use, and health care costs. Data will be collected at baseline, 10- and 24 weeks post-randomisation.
Discussion
This trial will examine the effectiveness of a novel group-based peer support intervention in reducing the psychological distress and other mental health symptoms of fathers compared to usual care. The economic and process evaluation will guide policy decision making along with informing the future implementation of WOD on a larger scale if effectiveness is demonstrated.
Trial registration
The current trial has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (Registration ID - NCT04813042). Date of Registration: March 22nd, 2021.
History
Journal
BMC PsychiatryVolume
22Issue
1Article number
111Pagination
1 - 12Publisher
BioMed CentralLocation
London, EnglandPublisher DOI
ISSN
1471-244XeISSN
1471-244XLanguage
EnglishPublication classification
C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalUsage metrics
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No categories selectedKeywords
Cost-effectivenessEarly parenthoodEffectivenessFathersMental healthPeer support interventionRandomised controlled trialScience & TechnologyLife Sciences & BiomedicinePsychiatryEARLY PARENTING PERIODPOSTNATAL-PERIODRISK-FACTORSPOSTPARTUM DEPRESSIONPATERNAL DEPRESSIONSELF-EFFICACYCHILDBEHAVIORPSYCHOPATHOLOGYTRAJECTORIES
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