Assessing the Perceptions of Early Childhood Development among Primary Caregivers in Chhattisgarh, India Open Access

Abstract

Early childhood development refers to the process by which young children grow and thrive physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively (Grantham-McGregor et al., 2007). India has the world's largest integrated early childhood program, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) (UNICEF, 2007). Despite this, India still has high rates of malnutrition and disease/infection. This study investigates the perception of early childhood development activities and practices, including barriers and facilitators of activities promoting early childhood development using qualitative methods and the theory of diffusion of innovation among primary caregivers in Chhattisgarh, India. A thematic analysis of the focus group data reveals how early childhood development is perceived within the targeted regions, for example nutritional and physical development rather than socio-emotional and cognitive development is discussed more heavily. The results also identify early childhood development practices, such as massaging and bathing. Additionally, barriers, such as financial constraints and facilitators, such as social support were identified. Overall, the findings provide implications for designing an early childhood development program or enhancing and adapting existing programs to better suit the needs of primary caregivers and young children in Chhattisgarh, India.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Background……………………………………………………………………………………………………7
Theoretical Orientation……………………………………………………………………………………. . 8
Research Objectives…………………………………………………………………………………………. 10
Literature Review……………………………………………………………………………………….. 12
Methods…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 18
Research Design and Participants……………………………….……………………………………. 18
Research Location……………………………………….…………………………………………………. . 20
Research Instruments………………………..…………………………………………………………. 22
Procedure………………………………………………….……………………………………………….. 23
Data analysis………………………………………………………………………………………………. 24
Results……………………………………………….………………………………………………………. 28
Discussion…………………………………………………………….……………………………………. 42
Limitations……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 45
Implications…………………………………………………………………………………………………47
References…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 50
Appendices……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 52
Appendix 1: Mothers Focus Group Guide Mothers……………………………………….. 52
Appendix 2: Mother-­‐in-­‐laws Focus Group Guide……………………………………….…. 57
Appendix 3: Father and Father-­‐in-­‐laws Focus Group Guide………………….………. 62

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Behavioral Sciences and Health Education
Degree	MPH
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health
Keyword	Early Childhood Development
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Thompson, Nancy J, Emory University
Committee Members	DiGirolamo, Ann, CARE
Partnering Agencies	International Non-governmental organization (e.g., CARE, Inc.)

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