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| Research |
The aim of this research is to evaluate the efficacy of a multi-facet group programme for first time parents in comparison to telephone-based support. For many people, the transition to parenthood can be a turbulent time. Roles and lifestyles change as you go from partners to parents.
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The programme is a structured series of workshops, designed and facilitated by various perinatal health professionals. The aim of the programme is to educate, empower, prepare and support those in numerous aspects of the transition to parenthood. The programme consists of 4-sessions which commence at approximately 33 - 36 weeks gestation, and a further 4-sessions following the birth of your baby.
To enable the researchers to evaluate the programme you will be asked to complete a series of questionnaires. You may also be randomly selected to participate in an interview to discuss your experience of parenthood in greater detail.
There will be a series of programmes, those of which will begin on the following date:
Monday the 11th of October, 2010
Monday the 15th of November, 2010
Sunday the 21st of November, 2010
If your gestation period (33 – 36 weeks) does not fall within the date provided above, please contact Melissa Buultjens as other start dates will follow depending on interest. |
The programme intervention is located in Viewbank, Melbourne. |
Telephone-based support is offered at any time throughout the research period from 33 - 36 weeks gestation. If you participate in the telephone-based support intervention you may continue to access any services and other programmes, with the addition of a phone call to support your transition to parenthood. This continues into the postnatal period. A phone call each week will give you the opportunity to discuss your transition to parenthood and ask questions related to your pregnancy, birth and postnatal experience. To enable the researchers to evaluate the programme you will be asked to complete a series of questionnaires, and may be randomly selected to participate in a longer interview to discuss your experience of parenthood in greater detail.
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A series of questionnaires will be used to assess the quality and clinical significance of these interventions over five time periods.
Each measure will be given to both the programme intervention and telephone-based support intervention. The questionnaires are categorised into five topics; maternal mood, marital adjustment, social support, mother-infant attachment and parenting satisfaction. Each measure is expected to take a few minutes of you time.
As recompense for your time and to support you in the transition to parenthood we have come together with various community organizations to offer you the following:
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Eligible participants will be women (and their partners) experiencing their first pregnancy who are at least 18 years of age. They must be able to speak English because only English language questionnaires will be used in this research. In addition Australian indigenous women will be excluded because the questionnaires will not be culturally adapted for this group. Participants must be able to access the premises where the clinic is located and be contactable by phone.
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During the study all research documentation will be securely stored at La Trobe University, Bundoora.
If you wish to receive a copy of the results from the study please contact Melissa Buultjens by phone 9479 6502, email M.Buultjens@latrobe.edu.au or address Melissa Buultjens School of Public Health, La Trobe University Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia.
Results from this research will be reported in a thesis, published in journals and presented at conferences. The knowledge gained from these interventions will provide useful information for future maternity services and health professional regulators in this field. These services have received little attention to date; therefore this study will increase awareness and help facilitate those making the transition to parenthood. |
Your participation is of course voluntary and all information relating to you and your baby will be kept strictly confidential and only accessible to the research team. There are no disadvantages, penalties or adverse consequences for not participating or for withdrawing. You have the right to withdraw from active participation in this project at anytime and, further, to demand that data arising from your participation are not used in the research project provided that this right is exercised within four weeks of the completion of your participation in the project. In doing so you are asked to complete the Withdrawal of Consent Form or to notify the investigator by e-mail or telephone that you wish to withdraw your consent for your data to be used in this research project. |
The principle investigator of this study will bear all research-related costs, to include, preparation, production and delivery of both interventions. |
Any questions regarding this project may be directed to the primary investigator.
Melissa Buultjens can be reached at 9479 6502 or M.Buultjens@latrobe.edu.au. She would be happy to answer any questions you have about this research.
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