Qualitative evaluation of a scalable early childhood parenting programme in rural Colombia

Integrating early childhood parenting programmes into existing government services is a key strategy for reducing the loss of children's developmental potential in low- and middle-income countries. There is limited evidence of participants' perceptions of these programmes, especially when implemented at scale. We integrated an intervention into an existing government programme targeting pregnant women and mothers of children up to 2 years of age and their families in rural Colombia.

As part of a cluster randomized trial, 171 government workers (facilitators) implemented the intervention. The intervention included four components: (1) structured curricula, (2) play materials, (3) nutrition and (4) training and supervision. In this qualitative evaluation of the programme, we conducted semi-structured interviews with beneficiary mothers (n = 62), facilitators (n = 40) and supervisors (n = 8). Topic guides were developed to collect information on participants' perspectives of the acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of the intervention and the enablers and barriers to implementation. All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed, and data were analysed using the framework approach.

Participants' responses indicated that the intervention was acceptable, feasible and effective. Key enablers to implementation were (1) the use of evidence-based behaviour change techniques leading to interactive, fun and participatory sessions; (2) structured curricula with easy to use, simple activities and materials; (3) the focus on positive, supportive relationships; and (4) the perceived benefits of the programme to the beneficiary mothers, children and families, facilitators and programme supervisors. The main barriers were (1) facilitators took time to become comfortable and competent in using the new participatory methodology and (2) the logistics related to making and distributing the play materials.

Providing structured curricula and play materials with training and ongoing supervision to enhance an existing programme targeting mothers, families and children was reported as acceptable, feasible and effective by beneficiary mothers and programme staff.