The value of book distribution in a clinic-based literacy intervention program

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.