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A protocol to study the effect of targeted parental education intervention to identify early childhood development
Vadivelan Kanniappan1, Prakash Muthuperumal2, P Venkataraman3
1SRM College of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu, Kattankulathur, 603203, India. vadivelk@srmist.edu.in.
Insights
This study educates antenatal women on monitoring neurological maturation to improve early detection of developmental delays (DD) in children. Empowering parents enhances early intervention and better child development outcomes in India.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Maternal Health
Background:
- Developmental Delay (DD) affects 3.5 million Indian children, often linked to preterm birth and impacting neurological/motor development.
- Delayed identification of developmental milestones is exacerbated by low parental awareness, increasing the burden on families.
- Maternal unemployment is a significant socioeconomic factor associated with developmental delays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of a multiphasic, multi-method parental education intervention for antenatal women.
- To improve parental knowledge and early detection capabilities for neurodevelopmental disorders in early childhood.
- To empower mothers with tools for monitoring neurological maturation and identifying developmental concerns.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial assigning antenatal women to an intervention or control group.
- The intervention group receives specialized training using a module for early detection of neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Outcomes measured via questionnaires assessing knowledge improvement and early DD identification, analyzed using chi-square tests.
Main Results:
- The intervention aims to significantly improve parental awareness and early detection rates of developmental delays.
- Statistical analysis will quantify the impact of the educational intervention on parental knowledge and identification of DD.
- The study is structured in three phases: preparatory, implementation, and evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Early identification and intervention for DD are crucial for improving long-term child health outcomes in India.
- This educational program empowers parents to actively participate in their child's developmental monitoring.
- The study aligns with policy goals to reduce the burden of DD and enhance early intervention services.
Background:
In India, approximately 3.5 million children are affected by Developmental Delay (DD), often stemming from preterm births. These delays contribute to neurological and motor development delays, placing a significant financial burden on families. Maternal unemployment rates are also elevated in such cases. Delayed Developmental Milestones identification, often due to a lack of parental awareness, further compounds these challenges. This study introduces a multiphasic approach aimed at educating antenatal women on monitoring neurological maturation, with the overarching objective of assessing the effectiveness of a targeted multi-method parental education intervention in improving parents' knowledge and early detection of developmental disorders in early childhood.
Methods:
Antenatal women will be assigned to intervention or control groups. The intervention group will undergo specialized training in a multiphasic study, while the control group will receive routine care. A meticulously developed intervention module for early detection of neurodevelopmental disorders will empower mothers to monitor their newborns for potential deficits. Outcomes will be assessed through questionnaires, analyzing knowledge improvement and early identification of DD using statistical methods such as chi-square tests. The study involves three phases: preparatory, implementation, and evaluation, aiming to empower mothers to detect developmental concerns early and improve maternal awareness of child development. The study was approved by the SRM Institutional Ethical Committee with the reference number 8688/IEC/2023.
Discussion:
This study will identify DD and improve parental awareness by providing tools for early detection thereby empowers parents to identify developmental concerns early. The study supports policy goals to reduce the burden of DD, enhance early intervention, and improve long-term outcomes for children. It is anticipated that this intervention will complement existing health policies, contributing to better child health and developmental outcomes in India.
Trial Registration:
Trail is registered under Clinical Trails Registry - India (CTRI/2024/04/065008) registered on 01 April 2024.
