Intention to Read to Newborns Following a Brief Reading Promotion Intervention among Low-Income Pregnant Women

Abstract

Introduction. Reading to children can increase word knowledge andsuccess in school. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommendsbeginning reading at birth. However, children from low-incomefamilies are exposed to less words, including reading exposure, thanchildren from high-income families.Methods.xPregnant women attending a community prenatal educationprogram targeted at high-risk and low-income populationswere recruited into this study. Participants completed a pre-survey,engaged with a brief educational intervention, then completed amatched post-survey. Surveys assessed perceived benefits, intendedbehaviors, and self-efficacy regarding reading to their child.Results. Of 61 eligible participants, 54 (89%) completed the study.Participants reported being Black (33%), White (30%), Hispanic(28%), and other race (9%). Average gestational age at enrollmentwas 27 weeks (range 13 to 38 weeks). The average age of respondentswas 26 years (SD = 7.2); 46% reported being pregnant for the firsttime. Following the intervention, no change in knowledge regardingbenefits of reading was observed, however, baseline knowledge washigh (58% - 94%). At post-test, significantly more women reported itwas important to start reading to their child at birth (83% vs 56%; p< 0.001) and that they planned to start reading to their child at birth(70% vs 50%; p = 0.001).Conclusions. A brief educational intervention showed promise inincreasing pregnant women’s intentions to read to their children andshould be considered in conjunction with other reading promotionprograms. Follow-up to assess actual reading behavior is needed.Kans J Med 2019;12(2):50-52.