Pilot Randomized Trial of a Family Management Efficacy Intervention for Caregivers of African American Adolescents with Disruptive Behaviors

Ukamaka Marian Oruche, Sheri L. Robb, Claire Burke Draucker, Matt Aalsma, Bernice Pescosolido, Anil Chacko, Susan Ofner, Giorgos Bakoyannis, Brittany Brown-Podgorski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Caregivers of adolescents diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder and/or Conduct Disorder (ODD/CD) experience unique challenges when interacting with child service systems involved in their adolescents’ care. Absent from the literature are interventions to improve these interactions, which in the long term may improve adolescent behavioral health outcomes. Objective: To examine feasibility/acceptability of Family Management Efficacy (FAME) intervention content, structure, delivery, and appropriateness of selected measures for caregivers of African American adolescents with ODD/CD. Secondary aim was to explore changes in FAME caregivers’ interaction self-efficacy, stress, quality of life, and family functioning scores relative to caregivers receiving treatment as usual (TAU). Method: A pilot two-group randomized trial was conducted with caregivers of African American adolescents (ages 12–18 years) diagnosed with ODD/CD receiving FAME (n = 11) or TAU (n = 9). Feasibility outcomes of enrollment/attrition, measurement completion, session attendance, and homework completion were assessed using tracking logs and field notes, and acceptability through caregiver satisfaction scores and interviews. Preliminary outcomes were assessed at baseline, post- and 2-months post intervention. Results: FAME was highly acceptable and met a priori thresholds for feasibility in enrollment (56%), attrition (35%), caregiver attendance (55%), and homework completion (50%), with lower than anticipated kin attendance (42%) and measurement completion (55%). Preliminary outcomes suggest FAME may benefit caregivers in areas of family communication, cohesion, and quality of life, but lacked observed benefit for self-efficacy and problem solving indicating need for refinement. Conclusion: Results inform changes to FAME content, measurement, and delivery schedule in preparation for a fully powered randomized controlled trial.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)803-827
Number of pages25
JournalChild and Youth Care Forum
Volume47
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2018

Keywords

  • Adolescent(s)
  • Caregiver and child service system interactions
  • Family Management Efficacy Intervention
  • Multiple Family Group
  • Oppositional Defiant and Conduct Disorder

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Life-span and Life-course Studies

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