Does a Blended Infant Massage-Parenting Enhancement Program Improve Infant Health Outcomes?

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to determine whether a blended Infant Massage-Parenting Enhancement Program (IMPEP) improved infant health outcomes (growth, development, safety in home environment/infant safety, and immunizations) among infants of Substance-Addicted Mothers (SAMs) actively engaged in outpatient rehabilitation.Methods: Designed as a randomized, three-group controlled trial testing two levels of psycho-educational intervention (IMPEP versus Parenting Enhancement Program [PEP]) and a control group (standard of care parenting resources), the study was conducted in two substance abuse centers in southeast Florida on a convenience sample of 138 infants. IMPEP or PEP classes were held weekly on Weeks 2-5, with