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The value of book distribution in a clinic-based literacy intervention program
V F Jones1, S M Franco, S C Metcalf
1Department of Pediatrics/UCHS, University of Louisville, School of Medicine, KY 40292, USA.
Insights
Pediatric anticipatory guidance during well-child visits (WCV) that includes early literacy promotion and book distribution significantly enhances family literacy practices and parent-physician communication. This intervention fosters greater enjoyment in shared reading activities.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Early Childhood Education
Background:
- Early literacy development is crucial for cognitive and social-emotional growth in young children.
- Well-child visits (WCV) offer a key opportunity to promote health and developmental guidance.
- Integrating literacy promotion into routine pediatric care can address disparities and support families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of anticipatory guidance on early literacy and book provision during WCV on family literacy practices.
- To assess changes in parental engagement and physician helpfulness perception.
- To determine the long-term effects on shared reading enjoyment.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, controlled study involving 352 children (2-24 months) in an inner-city pediatric clinic.
- Intervention group received anticipatory guidance on literacy and an age-appropriate book at each WCV.
- Control group received standard guidance; data collected via parent and physician questionnaires, and follow-up assessments.
Main Results:
- Parental ratings of physician helpfulness were significantly higher in the intervention group (p<0.05).
- Physicians reported higher parental receptiveness in the intervention group (p<0.05).
- Two years post-enrollment, children receiving books showed twice the likelihood of reporting enjoyment in reading with their mothers compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Anticipatory guidance incorporating early literacy development and book distribution at WCV effectively increases family literacy orientation.
- The intervention positively impacts parental receptiveness and perceived physician helpfulness.
- Providing books during WCV is a valuable strategy to promote shared reading and long-term literacy engagement.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to determine whether anticipatory guidance at well-child visits (WCV) that included early literacy development and the provision of books by the examining physician changed family literacy practices. It was conducted in an inner-city pediatric clinic that serves as the continuity practice site for pediatric and pediatric/internal medicine residents. There were 352 children (181 treatment: 171 control), aged 2 to 24 months, enrolled in this prospective, controlled study. The health care providers underwent training on literacy and on how to incorporate this information during WCV. Anticipatory guidance on safety, development, and early literacy was given to all parents. Additionally, the treatment group received an age-appropriate book at each WCV. There were 1,263 visits made (686 treatment, 577 control). Questionnaires were completed by parents on physician helpfulness and by physicians on parental receptiveness. Parental ratings on physician helpfulness were higher in the treatment group than in the control group (p<0.05). Physician's rating of parental receptiveness was also higher in the treatment group than in the control group (p<0.05). Two years after enrollment, mother-child pairs who received guidance and a book were two times more likely to report enjoyment in reading together than the controls who received guidance but no book. We conclude that anticipatory guidance that included early literacy development and distribution of books at WCV resulted in increased family literacy orientation, parental receptiveness, and perception of physician helpfulness.