Condition 1 - Educational Condition (Educational Book Group) Clinical Trial
Official title:
Using Baby Books to Promote Maternal and Child Health
The Baby Books Project tests whether embedding educational information into baby books can improve the health and wellbeing of first-time mothers and their young children.
This study tests the efficacy of embedding educational information (i.e., pediatric
anticipatory guidance) into baby books that first-time mothers read to their infants. This
3-group longitudinal study recruited first-time mothers in their third trimester of
pregnancy, randomly assigned them to conditions, and followed them until the child was 18
months of age. One group received educational baby books, another group was given the same
illustrated books with non-educational text, and the third group was not given any books.
Thus, the effects of educational reading could be parsed from the effects of reading alone.
The study aimed to test whether embedding pediatric anticipatory guidance in picture books
is an effective method for increasing maternal knowledge of child development, parenting
strategies, and safety practices, improving parenting beliefs and attitudes (e.g., parenting
efficacy, importance of reading, use of corporal punishment), supporting optimal parenting
practices (e.g., breastfeeding and nutrition, responsiveness, safety practices), improving
maternal health (stress, depression), and supporting children's healthier development
(injuries, illness, immunizations, and linguistic, social, and cognitive development).
Survey and observational data collection occurred in participants' homes during their third
trimester of pregnancy and when their child was 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months of age. Twelve
phone call interviews were conducted between these home visits. When children were 18
months, a retrospective medical chart audit was conducted.
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