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Child Sexual AbuseNCT05976867

Parent-focused Primary Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse: An Effectiveness-implementation Hybrid Trial

A study testing Parents as Teachers (PAT) as usual and Parents as Teachers (PAT) + Smart Parents in people with Child Sexual Abuse, run by New York University at 1 site in United States.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to test the effectiveness of a parent-focused child sexual abuse prevention program (Smart Parents) delivered to parents enrolled in a parent education program (Parents as Teachers; PAT). The main questions the trial aims to answer are: 1. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 15 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Child Sexual Abuse
What is being tested?
Parents as Teachers (PAT) as usual and Parents as Teachers (PAT) + Smart Parents
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
400 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
7 Nov 2024to 31 Jul 2028
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 15 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child, Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • One parent per household that is currently enrolled in PAT qualified to receive bi-weekly visits;
  • English or Spanish speaking;
  • Has at least one child at home over 12-mo;
  • Only newly enrolled parents (i.e., parents who have not received more than 3 of the PAT foundational sessions).

Who cannot join

  • Not currently enrolled in PAT;
  • Not English or Spanish speaking;
  • Does not have a child over 12-mo old;
  • Previously enrolled in PAT (i.e., parents who have received more than 3 of the PAT foundational sessions)

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Kate Guastaferro, PhD, MPH contact

2129929032

kate.guastaferro@nyu.edu

United States1 site, 1 recruiting
  • New York University, School of Global Public Health

    New York, New York, 10003

    Kate Guastaferro, PhD MPH, 212-992-9032, smartparentsstudy@nyu.edu

    Recruiting

Other trials in United States

About this study

The goal of this clinical trial is to test the effectiveness of a parent-focused child sexual abuse prevention program (Smart Parents) delivered to parents enrolled in a parent education program (Parents as Teachers; PAT). The main questions the trial aims to answer are:

  1. Does PAT + Smart Parents improve parents' CSA-related awareness and protective behaviors compared to PAT as usual?
  2. Are potential gains maintained 12- and 24-months post intervention?
  3. What parent-, provider-, and organizational-level factors hold promise for future dissemination and implementation efforts?
Read the detailed description

To expand the empirical evidence for the effectiveness of Smart Parents and to explore the implementation factors that might promote or hinder adoption, fidelity, and scalability, the proposed study uses a type 2 hybrid effectiveness-implementation design. Designed to efficiently bridge the research to practice gap, the type 2 hybrid design tests the effectiveness of an intervention while concurrently exploring the viability of an explicit implementation strategy in a real world setting. To determine effectiveness (Aims 1 \& 2), the investigators will conduct a pragmatic, quasi-experimental, stepped wedge cluster randomized trial (SW-CRT; N = 400) of CSA-related awareness (i.e., knowledge and attitudes about CSA and CSA prevention) and intention to use CSA protective behaviors for parents receiving Smart Parents when added to PAT (PAT+Smart Parents) compared to parents receiving PAT treatment as usual (PAT-TAU; Aim 1). The investigators will follow-up participating parents in both conditions at 12- and 24-months to determine retention of awareness (i.e., knowledge and attitudes) and actual use of protective behaviors (Aim 2).

A variation of a crossover experimental design, the SW-CRT is a pragmatic experimental design wherein randomized clusters sequentially transition from control to intervention until all clusters are exposed to the intervention. Once introduced to a cluster, the intervention is never removed. Facilitated by PAT National, 25 PAT sites will be recruited at the start of the study period. Sites will then be randomized into 1 of 5 clustered sequences (or steps) each containing 5 sites (or clusters). At the time on randomization, providers at all sites will begin recruiting eligible parents for participation in research and parents will begin the data collection protocols. At the point of the wedge, sites will be trained to deliver Smart Parents and will transition from control (PAT+TAU) to intervention (PAT+Smart Parents) conditions, the timing of which will be determined by the randomized step assignment.

Being tested
Parents as Teachers (PAT) as usual, Parents as Teachers (PAT) + Smart Parents
Keywords
primary prevention, child sexual abuse, implementation science

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Parents as Teachers (PAT) as usualBehavioural

    Parents as Teachers parent-education program as designed. Delivered in the home to parents of children under 5. Parents begin with the foundational curriculum (mostly taught within the first six sessions) focused on healthy child development, parenting behaviors including parent-child interactions and communication, and creating a safe home environment in terms of avoiding accidents and injuries. After the foundational curriculum, additional sessions are delivered based on the continued needs of the family until the child ages out or the parent discontinues services. PAT uses development-centered parenting, family well-being, and community connections to reinforce this foundational curriculum.

  • Parents as Teachers (PAT) + Smart ParentsBehavioural

    Added session to PAT following foundational visit 6. Smart Parents is comprised of 3 CSA specific prevention components: (1) healthy child sexual development, (2) communication about sexual concepts and sexual behaviors, and (3) safety strategies (including online safety.

    Delivered in one session (~60 min). Parents return to PAT as usual following this session.

Study groups in NCT05976867
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
PAT + Smart ParentsExperimentalParticipants in this arm will receive the additional Smart Parents module, added to Parents as Teachers (PAT) in which they are already enrolled. This is the experimental condition.
Receives: Behavioral: Parents as Teachers (PAT) + Smart Parents
PAT as usualActive comparatorParticipants in this arm will continue to receive Parents as Teachers (PAT) as usual. This is the treatment as usual condition (comparison).
Receives: Behavioral: Parents as Teachers (PAT) as usual

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Assessment of Sexual Abuse Knowledge

    The Assessment of SmartParents Knowledge will be used to evaluate (a) CSA knowledge, norms, and attitudes (e.g., items regarding the degree to which parents endorsed accurate facts about CSA, the role of a parent in CSA prevention, and what is appropriate to discuss with children), and (b) intention to use CSA prevention related behaviors (e.g., items regarding identifying signs of CSA, talking to children and other adults about CSA prevention, and knowing how to respond appropriately if CSA is suspected).

    Measured: Baseline (T0)

  2. Assessment of Sexual Abuse Knowledge

    The Assessment of SmartParents Knowledge will be used to evaluate (a) CSA knowledge, norms, and attitudes (e.g., items regarding the degree to which parents endorsed accurate facts about CSA, the role of a parent in CSA prevention, and what is appropriate to discuss with children), and (b) intention to use CSA prevention related behaviors (e.g., items regarding identifying signs of CSA, talking to children and other adults about CSA prevention, and knowing how to respond appropriately if CSA is suspected).

    Measured: Up to 4 months (Post Session 6) (T1)

  3. Assessment of Sexual Abuse Knowledge

    The Assessment of SmartParents Knowledge will be used to evaluate (a) CSA knowledge, norms, and attitudes (e.g., items regarding the degree to which parents endorsed accurate facts about CSA, the role of a parent in CSA prevention, and what is appropriate to discuss with children), and (b) intention to use CSA prevention related behaviors (e.g., items regarding identifying signs of CSA, talking to children and other adults about CSA prevention, and knowing how to respond appropriately if CSA is suspected).

    Measured: 12-month assessment (T2)

  4. Assessment of Sexual Abuse Knowledge

    The Assessment of SmartParents Knowledge will be used to evaluate (a) CSA knowledge, norms, and attitudes (e.g., items regarding the degree to which parents endorsed accurate facts about CSA, the role of a parent in CSA prevention, and what is appropriate to discuss with children), and (b) intention to use CSA prevention related behaviors (e.g., items regarding identifying signs of CSA, talking to children and other adults about CSA prevention, and knowing how to respond appropriately if CSA is suspected).

    Measured: 24-month assessment (T3)

  5. Parental Use of Behavioral Strategies Interview

    The Parental Use of Behavioral Strategies Interview (PUBSI) is a project created semi-structured behavioral interview deeply assess the use of behavior strategies at four levels: (1) community-level intentions, awareness, and behaviors; (2) personal environment; (3) personal actions/behaviors; and (4) personal behaviors. In addition to parents' reports of behaviors across the four levels, parents rate (on a scale of 1 to 5) their confidence in their ability to engage in each behavior as well as as their success in communicating with others about the various CSA related topics assessed.

    Measured: 12-month assessment (T2)

  6. Parental Use of Behavioral Strategies Interview

    The Parental Use of Behavioral Strategies Interview (PUBSI) is a project created semi-structured behavioral interview deeply assess the use of behavior strategies at four levels: (1) community-level intentions, awareness, and behaviors; (2) personal environment; (3) personal actions/behaviors; and (4) personal behaviors. In addition to parents' reports of behaviors across the four levels, parents rate (on a scale of 1 to 5) their confidence in their ability to engage in each behavior as well as as their success in communicating with others about the various CSA related topics assessed.

    Measured: 24-month assessment (T3)

  7. Preventive Behaviors Questionnaire

    A 10-item instrument designed to assess the frequency with which parents perform protective behaviors within the past month (e.g., "Told my child never to keep secrets about touching" or "Talked to my relatives about my child's personal safety rules."). This quantitative assessment of behaviors will complement the PUBSI.

    Measured: Baseline (T0)

  8. Preventive Behaviors Questionnaire

    A 10-item instrument designed to assess the frequency with which parents perform protective behaviors within the past month (e.g., "Told my child never to keep secrets about touching" or "Talked to my relatives about my child's personal safety rules."). This quantitative assessment of behaviors will complement the PUBSI.

    Measured: Up to 4 months (Post Session 6) (T1)

  9. Preventive Behaviors Questionnaire

    A 10-item instrument designed to assess the frequency with which parents perform protective behaviors within the past month (e.g., "Told my child never to keep secrets about touching" or "Talked to my relatives about my child's personal safety rules."). This quantitative assessment of behaviors will complement the PUBSI.

    Measured: 12-month assessment (T2)

  10. Preventive Behaviors Questionnaire

    A 10-item instrument designed to assess the frequency with which parents perform protective behaviors within the past month (e.g., "Told my child never to keep secrets about touching" or "Talked to my relatives about my child's personal safety rules."). This quantitative assessment of behaviors will complement the PUBSI.

    Measured: 24-month assessment (T3)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted4 Aug 2023
  2. Study start7 Nov 2024
  3. Primary completion1 Apr 2028 (estimated)
  4. Study completion31 Jul 2028 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Prevention
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
400 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT05976867
Sponsor's protocol ID
R01HD108209
Status last verified
Jun 2025
First submitted
6 Dec 2022
Last updated
11 Jun 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Parents as Teachers (PAT) as usual and Parents as Teachers (PAT) + Smart Parents in people with Child Sexual Abuse, run by New York University at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 11 Jun 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Kate Guastaferro, PhD, MPH (2129929032, kate.guastaferro@nyu.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Assessment of Sexual Abuse Knowledge (time frame: Baseline (T0)). The study lists 10 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 11 Jun 2025.

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