Peer-reviewed article
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Healthcare Workers Regarding Early Childhood Development: A Mixed-Methods Study at Secondary Care Maternal and Child Care Hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan
Sarosh Hirani, Shelina Bhamani, Hajra Malik, Samira Lakhani, Adeeb Kanji et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare workers regarding early childhood development at two secondary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan. The researchers surveyed physicians, nurses, trainees, and midwives using a standardized knowledge inventory and conducted interviews to explore their perceptions. The findings revealed that most healthcare workers had low knowledge of early childhood development and very few had received specific training, highlighting gaps in understanding how to support optimal child development in healthcare settings.
Key points
- 78.6% of healthcare worker participants demonstrated low knowledge of early childhood development
- Only 3 out of 125 participants reported having received specific early childhood development training
- Healthcare workers emphasized the importance of nurturing care by parents and caregivers and the doctor-patient relationship
- Time constraints and lack of resources were identified as major barriers to integrating early childhood development services in secondary hospitals
- Comprehensive training programs and policy measures are needed to address knowledge gaps among healthcare professionals
Limitations
The study was conducted at only two secondary care hospitals in Karachi, so findings may not be generalizable to other healthcare settings in Pakistan or other countries. The study measures awareness and attitudes but does not evaluate whether improved knowledge leads to better outcomes for children.
Abstract
Introduction:Early childhood development (ECD) is a critical period that lays the foundation for a child's future growth and overall well-being.Healthcare settings play a significant role in shaping these developmental outcomes.However, there is limited research evaluating healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitude, and practices on ECD in Pakistan.This study aims to assess the awareness, attitudes, and practices of healthcare providers working in secondary hospitals regarding ECD. Methods:A sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach was used.The study initially recruited healthcare workers, including physicians, nurses, trainees, and midwives from two secondary care hospitals.Participants completed the Caregiver Knowledge of Child Development Inventory (CKCDI) to assess their ECD knowledge.This was followed by semi-structured interviews to explore their perceptions and practices concerning ECD.Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Results:The study revealed that 78.6% (n=125) participants demonstrate low knowledge of ECD.Only 3 participants reported having received specific ECD training.Qualitative interviews highlighted the crucial role of nurturing care by parents and caregivers, the importance of the doctor-patient/caregiver relationship, and the need for continuous learning and training programs regarding ECD parenting education.Challenges to ECD services integration within secondary hospitals include time constraints and lack of resources. Conclusion:This study emphasizes the need for comprehensive educational interventions and continuous training programs to address the evident knowledge gaps among healthcare professionals.Implementing targeted initiatives, policy measures, and regular ECD training in healthcare settings is vital for fostering a nurturing environment that supports optimal child development.