Comparative analysis of prevention activities targeted at parents of 8–12-year-old children with behavioural disorders

Behavioural disorders affect the daily lives of thousands of children in Estonia, and on average, over 3,000 children each year seek psychiatric consultations due to symptoms of behavioural and emotional disorders. Although parent-focused interventions have proven effective in alleviating children’s behavioural problems and improving parental skills, there are no solutions in Estonia specifically designed for the parents of school-aged children. The aim of the analysis was to determine which preventive measures could be implemented for the parents of 8–12-year-old children in Estonia, drawing on international evidence and the local context. To this end, trends in behavioural disorders were examined, and an overview of local services and preventive measures focusing on the most common behavioural disorders was compiled. A literature review of existing interventions in other countries was conducted, followed by a comparative analysis. In this analysis, experts assessed indicators related to the implementation of preventive measures and their impact, using the framework developed by the National Institute for Health Development’s Prevention Scientific Council, and provided each activity with an evaluation of its evidence level. After the comparative analysis, a consensus workshop was held, during which representatives of the client, field experts and stakeholders jointly evaluated the feasibility of implementing the preventive measures in Estonia by analysing the strengths and weaknesses associated with adapting and implementing the measures. Based on the outcomes of the workshop, recommendations were developed to be considered when introducing and implementing these measures in Estonia.