Journal article
Parental acceptance of brain health programs for preschool children: a mixed-methods study exploring barriers, facilitators and future approaches
Frontiers in public health, Vol.12, pp.1-10
23/05/2024
PMID: 38883200
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Source: InCites
Abstract
Background: Recent research proposes that as much as 40% of dementia risk is amendable. Promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors in early life through educational methods can cultivate habits that may decrease dementia risk in later life. This study explores parental acceptance of brain health programs tailored for preschool children, aiming to identify barriers and facilitators affecting parental and child engagement.
Methods: Mixed-methods cross-sectional study. Urban and suburban parents (N = 187, M age = 37.3 SD = 5.53, range = 29) of children aged three to five years across Australia. Parents participated in an online survey containing both open and closed questions exploring their personal views and opinions on brain health programs for their preschool children. Descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression analyses, and thematic analysis were used to explore sociodemographic factors associated with parental program acceptance.
Results: Most participants accepted a brain health program with over 98% agreeing a program would be useful for their child(ren). Participants with younger aged children were more likely to exhibit acceptance of a program (β = −0.209, p = 0.007). Three main categories emerged: dual home and preschool environments, the need for engaging brain health programs that were hands-on and screen-free, and addressing key barriers such as time and financial constraints to support implementation.
Conclusion: Participants valued educating their children for a healthy life and viewed brain health programs favorably. This study contributes to early childhood education discussions, offering guidance for future generations' brain health and wellbeing.
Details
- Title
- Parental acceptance of brain health programs for preschool children: a mixed-methods study exploring barriers, facilitators and future approaches
- Creators
- Lily A. Montague - Western Sydney UniversitySusan Hespos - Western Sydney UniversityErin Mackenzie - Western Sydney UniversityJoyce Siette - Western Sydney University
- Publication Details
- Frontiers in public health, Vol.12, pp.1-10
- Publisher
- Frontiers Media S.A
- Grant note
- The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
- Identifiers
- 991013328521302368
- Copyright
- © 2024 Montague, Hespos, Mackenzie and Siette.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Education
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article