A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 48 studies with a total of 4 937 subjects and covered three types of programmes: behavioural, cognitive-behavioural and multimodal. The studies included in this review were largely directed at mothers, and the trial investigators reported results that were mainly derived from the mothers. Overall, group-based parenting programmes led to statistically significant short-term improvements in depression (SMD -0.17, 95% CI -0.28 to -0.07), anxiety (SMD -0.22, 95% CI -0.43 to -0.01), stress (SMD -0.29, 95% CI -0.42 to -0.15), anger (SMD -0.60, 95% CI -1.00 to -0.20), guilt (SMD -0.79, 95% CI -1.18 to -0.41), confidence (SMD -0.34, 95% CI -0.51 to -0.17) and satisfaction with the partner relationship (SMD -0.28, 95% CI -0.47 to -0.09). However, only stress and confidence continued to be statistically significant at 6 month follow-up, and none were significant at one year. There was no evidence of any effect on self-esteem (SMD -0.01, 95% CI -0.45 to 0.42). None of the trials reported on aggression or adverse effects.
The limited data that explicitly focused on outcomes for fathers showed a statistically significant short-term improvement in paternal stress (SMD -0.43, 95% CI -0.79 to -0.06). It was not possible to combine data for other outcomes and individual study results were inconclusive in terms of any effect on depressive symptoms, confidence or partner satisfaction.
Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by study limitations (inadequate or unclear allocation concealment and blinding).
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