Parents' Evaluation of Early Childhood Newborn Parenting Education in Tertiary Healthcare Settings: A Cross-sectional Study

Parenting programs can have a significant impact on child development. There is evidence to prove the efficacy of early interventions. Parental education seeks to train and support parents in developing confidence and competence in the parenting role. The effectiveness of parenting education programs can lead to happy, healthy, and satisfied families. This study explores the efficacy of the newborn parenting education program in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. A survey was conducted with parents who participated in a newborn parenting education program at the tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, from October 2021 to December 2022. The sample size achieved was 287. Already collected secondary data as part of the newborn inpatient ECD educator consult evaluation was analyzed. The data was on the 5-point Likert scale. The mean and SD score of the participant satisfaction was presented. Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests were applied to check the significance of the program. Of the 287 participants, almost all had smartphones to attend the NPEP 285 (99.3%). The mean ±SD score of overall course implementation was 4.2 ±0.7, followed by the level of interaction with participants 4.0 ±0.7, acquired new knowledge 3.6 ±1.1, participants' queries responded 4.0 ±1.0, and the material was useful 4.2 ±0.7. The majority were very satisfied with the level of interaction with participants, 169 (58.9%), followed by acquired new knowledge, 105 (36.6%), p<0.001. While nearly half of the participants were extremely satisfied, 123 (42.9%), that their queries were responded to, and the material provided was useful to 135 (47.0%). Moreover, 116 (40.4%) were extremely satisfied with the overall course implementation, p<0.001. Newborn parental education programs are highly effective in training parents. These programs not only train parents but also support families in the care, education, and upbringing of a newborn. Future research is required on the establishment and advancement of innovative newborn educational programs.