Effects of "Parenting in Sweden" on Trust in Social Services (PiSRCT)

Karolinska Institute

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Immigrant; Parent-Child Relations

Treatments: Behavioral: Unstructured group meeting; Behavioral: Structured group discussions

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06874998

2024-06868-01

Details and patient eligibility

About

Supporting Parents in a New Country

Adjusting to parenthood in a new country presents significant challenges. Many immigrant parents face language barriers, financial difficulties, and cultural differences that can complicate their ability to support their children's adaptation to Swedish society. These challenges can contribute to increased stress within the family and, in some cases, elevate the risk of child maltreatment-particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. However, research suggests that strong social support and positive parenting strategies can mitigate these risks.

Sweden, known for its high levels of trust in authorities, has implemented various initiatives to assist families, especially those new to the country. One such initiative is Parenting in Sweden (PiS), a structured program designed to help foreign-born parents navigate Swedish society, understand their rights, and support their children's development. Delivered in five sessions, the program covers key topics such as the Swedish school system, healthcare services, parental rights, and challenges related to raising teenagers.

This study aims to assess whether participation in PiS increase parents' trust in social services. Additionally, it explores whether the program encourages parents to enroll their children in extracurricular activities, which are known to support child development. Another important aspect under investigation is whether the program can help reduce the risk of parents resorting to harsh disciplinary practices.

To evaluate these outcomes, the study follows a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. Immigrant parents of children aged 0-17 are invited to participate, with half assigned to complete the full five-session program and the other half (control group) placed on a waiting list, receiving a group meeting to discuss films related to moving to Sweden. All participants will complete surveys assessing their trust in social services, their children's participation in extracurricular activities, and their parenting practices. These surveys will be administered before and after the program, as well as six months later, to track any changes over time.

The primary objective is to determine whether participation in PiS leads to increased trust in social services. Additional expected benefits (exploratory analysis) include promoting positive parenting behaviors, such as seeking help when needed and actively engaging children in structured activities outside of school.

By examining the effectiveness of parental support programs facilitating integration, this study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how structured interventions can help families navigate life in Sweden. If the program proves successful in fostering trust and encouraging positive parenting, it may have long-term benefits for both parents and children, ultimately supporting their well-being and integration into Swedish society.

Enrollment: 200 estimated patients

Sex: All

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• All parents invited to participate in PiS can take part in the study.
• Eligibility extends to parents born outside of Sweden who have children aged 0 to 17 years.
• There are no restrictions regarding the length of time since their migration to Sweden; i.e., participants may have lived in Sweden for decades prior to joining. - - Literacy is not a requirement for participation.

Exclusion criteria

• Individuals who are unable, physically or not willing, to sign a consent form will not be eligible to participate in the study.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Other

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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200 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

Parenting in Sweden

Experimental group

Description:

The intervention group will be given the full program straight after recruitment ("Structured group discussions"). The program consists of five 3-hour sessions once a week. The themes for the five sessions are: Family in a new country, School, girls and boys, Health and health care system, Parents rights and obligations and parenting a teenager. Each session combines lectures and group discussions on topics critical to families adapting to life in Sweden. The sessions are held by a trained group leader and, if needed, interpreters.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Structured group discussions

Waitlist

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

The control group will be placed on a waiting list for 6 months ("Unstructured group meeting"). After 6 weeks the control group is offered a session with two short films from the Swedish Educational Broadcasting Company (UR), followed by a brief discussion. The first film explores how one can establish a place in society, the second film illustrates how hard it can be to create a new social context. The intention with the short films is not to give a short version of PiS, but to engage parents in the study and the program so they will complete them. The control group is then offered to participate in the whole program after 6 months.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Unstructured group meeting