Implementing and evaluating a sustainable early child development program in Limpopo, South Africa: A pilot study

Abstract

asked to report on expansion of partnership opportunities through GEMx. Outcomes & Evaluation:Based on their responses to open-ended questions, the participating partner schools indicated that the GEMx application system could be useful in promoting transparency because schools can promote the exchange opportunities they provide. Two schools formed new partnerships during the initial phase of GEMx. While virtual meetings could be used for information sharing, face-toface meetings were thought to increase familiarity and promote engagement that would provide the basis for formation of virtual relationships. Some representatives of partner schools recognized the need for additional effort on the part of their schools and stated that dedicated staffing and time were needed to support these efforts. GEMx regional meetings are planned to foster a sense of community that can support virtual team formation and foster multi-institutional collaboration. Background: According to the World Health Organization, inadequate cognitive stimulation affects 20-25% of children in the developing world, resulting in an estimated 20% loss in adult productivity. Consistent evidence from early child development (ECD) literature states that interventions providing increased cognitive stimulation or learning opportunities to young children significantly increase cognitive and social-emotional competence later in life. The purpose of this study was to determine the suitability and feasibility of an ECD assessment tool and program to improve ECD in Limpopo, South Africa. Methods: A mixed-method approach was used to determine the feasibility and cultural acceptance of an ECD assessment tool and intervention. The sample consisted of 18 primary health nurses employed in the Vhembe Health District of South Africa. Focus groups were conducted to select an appropriate assessment tool and discuss the barriers and feasibility of implementing an ECD program. The Ages and Stages developmental screening tool and the CAT/CLAMS developmental assessment tool were taught and discussed with the focus group participants. An educational intervention was used to teach nurses about ECD, the ECD program, and ECD interventions for parents. Knowledge surveys were used to compare pre-existing and learned content related to ECD. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to compare pre-and post-intervention knowledge. Qualitative data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Program/Project Purpose: During international health electives (IHEs) medical students experience the challenge of working in resource-limited healthcare settings firsthand. In addition to the mental and physical challenges related to their clinical, laboratory, and scholarly work, students often experience challenges that are emotional in nature. To help students identify and explore these emotional challenges, the Center for Global Health Education at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) piloted a Reflection and Debriefing assignment for s...

Cultural adaptations of obesity‐related behavioral prevention interventions in early childhood: A systematic review

“…This process was repeated for the full‐text screening (SM screened all records; CR, LMW, ST, PL, and ME independently double screened the records; YL resolved discrepancies). When the full text was required but not accessible ( n = 3), 32 , 33 , 34 the authors were contacted for further information. Two responses confirmed the abstracts were outside the review scope, and one did not receive a response, and no information was available in English, so it was also excluded.…”

“…When the full text was required but not accessible (n = 3), [32][33][34] the authors were contacted for further information. Two responses confirmed the abstracts were outside the review scope, and one did not receive a response, and no information was available in English, so it was also excluded.…”