Peer-reviewed article

Knowledge, attitude, and practices of healthcare workers at secondary care hospital regarding early childhood development in Karachi, Pakistan

Saleem, Sarosh · 1 Dec 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Early childhood development is a crucial period in a child's life, forming the basis for their future growth and overall well-being. Research has highlighted the significant impact of healthcare settings on a child's health. However, limited literature exists on the evaluation of healthcare professionals' understanding and perspectives concerning early childhood development in Pakistan, despite its proven significance in other nations. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the awareness and attitude of healthcare providers employed at secondary hospitals regarding early childhood development.Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed-method research approach was utilized. Initially, the population of healthcare workers, including physicians, nurses, trainees, and midwives, currently serving at secondary hospitals in the Garden and Karimabad regions, was recruited to complete the CKCDI questionnaire. This questionnaire was specifically designed to evaluate their knowledge of early childhood development. Subsequently, a semi-structured interview guide was employed to conduct interviews and gather insights into their perceptions concerning the concepts of ECD and their practices. The results were analyzed using SPSS software to determine the mean and standard deviation for knowledge, while themes were derived from the dialogues of the healthcare professionals.Results: The results of the study reveal a concerning trend in the knowledge levels of healthcare professionals, with 125 out of 159 participants demonstrating a low understanding of Early Childhood Development (ECD). Moreover, a minimal number of participants, only 3 individuals, reported having attended any specific ECD training. Through the qualitative interviews, several key themes emerged, shedding light on the complex landscape of ECD in the context of secondary care hospitals. These themes included the importance of nurturing care by parents and caregivers, emphasizing the critical roles of parenting and caregiving as well as the Doctor[1]Patient/Caregiver relationship. Additionally, the study uncovered insights into the knowledge and practices of healthcare workers, emphasizing the need for continuous 9 learning and training programs to improve ECD practices. The integration of early childhood services within secondary hospitals revealed various challenges and barriers, highlighting the importance of healthcare professional and caregiver engagement. Furthermore, the study emphasized the significance of national policies for ECD implementation, focusing on ensuring access and equity, as well as proper funding and resource allocation for effective ECD services within the healthcare system.Conclusion: In conclusion, this extensive research has highlighted significant findings regarding early childhood development (ECD) in the healthcare sector. The study underscores the crucial need for comprehensive educational interventions and continuous training programs to bridge the evident knowledge gap among healthcare professionals. While healthcare providers exhibit a fundamental understanding of ECD, time constraints often limit their ability to provide comprehensive guidance to caregivers and parents. Additionally, advocating for parenting interventions has emphasized their potential in nurturing healthier parent-child interactions and improving parenting practices. Addressing these identified challenges is vital for creating a nurturing environment that supports the optimal growth and development of young children, emphasizing the importance of targeted initiatives and policy measures within healthcare institutions. Effective approach to promoting Early Childhood Development (ECD) involves organizing regular workshops and seminars for healthcare professionals, along with integrating ECD modules into medical education. Furthermore, implementing a robust monitoring and evaluation system can help assess the effectiveness of EC