Effectiveness of Parenting Program for Macau Shift Work Parents: Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Happy Parenting: Round-the-Clock Parenting (HPRCP) program for Macau parents on shift work, using randomized controlled trial design. Methods: The participants included 154 parents on shift work who were randomized into the intervention ( n = 78) and waitlist control ( n = 76) groups. Participants were requested to complete a set of questionnaires on their children’s behavior, their own parenting stress, parenting practices, and emotion-focused parenting style both before and after the completion of the program by the intervention group. Results: Analysis was by intention-to-treat. The results indicated significant reduction in child behavior problems, parenting stress, and dysfunctional parenting practices in the intervention group after intervention. Conclusions: The results provided promising evidence on the effectiveness of the HPRCP program for parents on shift work.