An Exploratory Study of Program Dropout in an Evidence-Based Home Visiting Program

• In Event: 16.048 - Health in Education

Abstract

Home visiting is a method or strategy for delivering services for vulnerable families. Although home visiting programs have blossomed since 1993, home visiting practitioners also face implementation challenges such as retaining families. Our purpose in this paper is to explore factors related to dropout from a Midwest Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program. Results from Cox regression survival analysis showed that mother’s education level higher than some high school decreases the odds of dropout by 13%. Moreover, not showing postpartum depressive symptoms decreases the odds of dropout by 18%. Findings from this study have implications on supporting an increase in educational attainment of these at-risk mothers.

Authors

• Li-Ting Chen, Indiana University

• Allison Ann Howland, Indiana University

• Heidi R Cornell, Wichita State University

• Jeffrey A. Anderson, Indiana University