Investigating the feasibility of implementing the SafeCare parenting program in birthing centers in Haiti

Child maltreatment is a global issue in need of intervention. This study investigated whether SafeCare, an evidence-based behavioral parenting program to prevent child neglect and physical violence, is desired and feasible to implement in Haiti birthing centers.

A total of four focus groups were conducted with 29 birthing center staff and mothers in two birthing centers in Haiti. Staff participants also completed the World Health Organization Readiness Assessment for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment written survey.

Focus group findings suggest that SafeCare is a desired program by both caregivers attending the birth center and birth center staff. Findings also showed that the SafeCare curriculum needs cultural adaptations before delivery in Haitian birth centers. We also found that despite contextual challenges that pregnant mothers and birth center staff face in Haiti, birth centers continue to be a place for women to receive pre- and post-natal medical care and weekly education sessions.

Findings support that although there are contextual challenges to a SafeCare implementation in Haiti, birthing centers are ideal and feasible locations in which to deliver SafeCare. Birth center networks may be potential settings in which to disseminate and scale evidence-based programs for improved health outcomes for mothers and children.