Translational Research on Caregiver Reading and Playing Behaviors: Evidence from an In Vivo Community-based Intervention Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic

Overview

Journal J Child Fam Stud

Date 2022 Jun 22

PMID 35729872

Authors

Kendra J Thomas

Anthony A Mangino

Samantha J Walker

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

This study provides a rigorous assessment of a community-based early child development (ECD) intervention to understand the drivers of caregivers' reading and playing practices in a low-resourced township in South Africa. Mentors visited 157 homes biweekly (2474 observations from 2019-21; children ages 0-5), completing surveys regarding caregiver behaviors and engagement. One hundred and fifty-seven caregivers (mostly Black, Zulu women) participated in the program during this time period and completed surveys biannually on their support system (modified version of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Support) and ECD beliefs (modified versions of the Parental Play Beliefs Scale and the Parent Opinion Survey). Longitudinal Hierarchical Linear Model revealed that several behaviors and beliefs significantly predicted positive parenting behaviors. Regression discontinuity plots suggest that positive parenting behaviors could continue and even improve following Covid-19 shutdowns, especially in homes with more intervention visits. This paper provides translational evidence on tangible ways interventions can engage caregivers in stimulating ECD behaviors.

Citing Articles

A global scoping review of adaptations in nurturing care interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Godoi L, Schenkman S, Baumann A, Bousquat A, Buccini G Front Public Health. 2024; 12:1365763.

PMID: 39281084 PMC: 11394190. DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1365763.

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