|
|||||
|
|
Caregiver perspectives of risk and protective factors influencing early childhood development in low-income,urban settings: A social ecological perspective |
|
| Authors: | Catherine E. Draper Caylee J. Cook Steven J. Howard Hleliwe Makaula Rebecca Merkley Mbulelo Mshudulu Nosibusiso Tshetu Gaia Scerif |
| Affiliation: | 1. SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa;2. SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa Contribution: Conceptualization, Investigation, Project administration, Writing - review & editing;3. Early Start and School of Education, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia Contribution: Writing - review & editing;4. SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa Contribution: Investigation, Methodology, Writing - review & editing;5. Department of Cognitive Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada Contribution: Conceptualization, Writing - review & editing;6. Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK Contribution: Conceptualization, Funding acquisition, Writing - review & editing |
| Abstract: | This qualitative study explored caregivers' perceptions of factors influencing early childhood development in low-income, urban South African settings, from a social ecological perspective. Individual interviews were conducted with 15 caregivers of 3–5-year-old children; a reflexive thematic analysis approach was adopted. In the family and home context, caregivers spoke about their role in developing, nurturing, providing, protecting and disciplining their children. Risks included low socioeconomic status, dysfunctional relationships and caregiver mental health; resources related to early learning and social support. In the preschool/school context, caregivers discussed the value of early learning, and priorities for selecting early childhood care and education settings. Community risks included violence and crime; resources mentioned were social support, community programmes and infrastructure. The social ecological model provides a holistic and contextually relevant perspective for understanding multiple factors (risks and protective factors) influencing early childhood development in low-income South African settings. |
| Keywords: | caregivers low-income social ecological model |