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Contribution title The PUF-program: A differentiated preventive approach to infants’ mental health vulnerabilities in the community health care
Contribution code D2.168
Authors
  1. Janni Ammitzbøll National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Copenhagen, Denmark Presenter
  2. Majbritt Vonsild National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Copenhagen, Denmark
  3. Camilla Dahl Kristensen
  4. Mette Bagge Møller National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Copenhagen, Denmark
  5. Julie Rothaus Voss Rathsach National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Copenhagen, Denmark
  6. Stine Kjær Wehner National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Copenhagen, Denmark
  7. Clara Barfod Parellada National Institute Of Public Health - University Of Southern Denmark
  8. Anne Mette Skovgaard National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Copenhagen, Denmark
Form of presentation Poster
Topic
  • T47 - Prevention & intervention
Abstract Background: Community-based programs addressing mental health in early childhood are urgently needed. The PUF-method has potentials for early identification of developmental and regulatory problems at child ages 9-10 months, but community-based approaches addressing the needs of infants with identified vulnerabilities are lacking.

We describe the development and implementation of a program for the early identification and basic intervention to infants with mental health vulnerabilities.

Methods: The PUF-program was co-created with practicing community health nurses (CHNs), building on the PUF-method, research evidence on developmental psychopathology and sensitive parenting, and the best practices of CHNs.
Fidelity, face validity and feasibility was explored in a mixed-methods study in 17 Danish municipalities. Descriptive statistics included data from the municipality, the Child Health Database, and Danish National registries. Qualitative analyses were based on questionnaires and interviews.

Results: Multiple regulatory or developmental problems was found in 11% of the infant population. High face validity was reported, and parents appreciated the approach. The fidelity of the program differed, and booster sessions were added to optimize the adherence to the program. Detailed results will be presented at the congress.

Discussion: The PUF-program offers a feasible standardized approach for the CHNs’ identification of mental health vulnerabilities at child ages 9-10 months in dialogue with the parents, including feedback to parents and guidelines for a timely and subsequent intervention. An educational course is mandatory. Supplementary intervention to infants with major and multiple vulnerabilities as an add-on to the PUF-program is under investigation.