Early Stimulation in Children Aged 3 to 5 Years: A Correlational Study on Knowledge and Practices in Caregivers

Abstract

Aim: To identify the knowledge and practices of caregivers regarding early stimulation in children aged 3 to 5 years in three neighborhoods of Cartagena (Bolívar). Methodology: Quantitative, correlational study. The reference population was 3,344 children aged 3 to 5 years living in three neighborhoods of the city of Cartagena. An instrument consisting of 3 sections was used for data collection: 1. Sociodemographic aspects, 2. Knowledge of early stimulation, 3. Practices on early stimulation. The forms were typed into a database according to the study variables. The chi-square analysis was 5%, and p values <0.05 were considered significant. Results: A sample size of 359 caregivers and parents of children was estimated, taking three first-level care centers in the city of Cartagena as reference. The caregivers were mothers (61.8%), aged 30 – 39 years (42.6%), living in a free union (42.6%), having technical/technological studies (44.8%), belonging to social-economical level (stratum) 1 (38.4%). Knowledge was regular (82.5%) and practices were good (82.5%). The practices were correlated with the age of the child (p: 0.012), age of the caregiver (p: 0.000) marital status (p: 0.000) (in Health Center 1), gender of the child (p: 0.049) (in Health Center 2), and origin of the child (p: 0.002) (in Health Center 3). Conclusions: caregivers of children from 3 to 5 years old from 3 neighborhoods of Cartagena have regular knowledge and good practices regarding early stimulation.