Testing an intervention to improve knowledge and use of family leave programs by parents of newborns and children with special health care needs

Background: Family leave programs (including federal, state, local, and employer-provided benefits) allow parents to care for a newborn or seriously ill child. Use of these programs, however, is limited even among parents with clear need. This study seeks to develop and pilot-test an intervention to improve knowledge and use of family leave programs among these parents.

Methods: Using findings from semi-structured qualitative parent interviews as a platform, we collaborated with community stakeholders (physicians, social workers, parents, HR managers, and an employment lawyer) to develop a half-hour interactive session for parents that determines eligibility for and provides guidance on specific family leave programs. We recruit employed parents from prenatal clinics and hospitals in Los Angeles. Parents are randomized into intervention (session plus education materials) and control (publicly available education materials only) groups. Each group completes baseline, 2-month and 12-month follow-up surveys. Main study outcomes include knowledge and use of leave and effects on parent and child physical and emotional health.

Results: Preliminary assessments reveal high satisfaction with the sessions, improved knowledge of leave benefits, and higher self-efficacy in leave planning in the intervention group. Follow-up assessments will allow for comparisons of use of leave benefits and duration of leave-taking between intervention and control parents.

Discussion: Family leave programs are a potentially crucial tool for employed parents when their children require their presence and care. This intervention, developed collaboratively with community partners, may prove to be an effective method of increasing awareness and use of existing programs.