Abstract
Introduction: Maternal competencies among mothers with infants at early infancy are sparsely described in the literature. This study explores the dimensions of competencies among mothers with infants at early infancy in the Sri Lankan context. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted using focus group discussions with mothers, fathers, and grandparents of infants aged up to 6 months and in-depth interviews with health personnel providing maternal and child health services for these mothers and infants. The Framework approach for qualitative data analysis was used to identify dimensions of parenting competencies in mothers at early infancy. Results: Five dimensions of maternal parenting competencies were identified i.e.; feeding the infant, maintaining hygiene, dealing with crying, dealing with illnesses and recognizing the normal growth and development. Conclusions: The findings can be used to develop culturally specific tools to assess the level of parenting competencies in mothers and to design maternal educational interventions to reinforce their parenting skills.
Highlights
Maternal competencies among mothers with infants at early infancy are sparsely described in the literature
focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with mothers, fathers, and grandparents of infants at the early infancy period registered in Maternal and Child Health (MCH) clinics in Matara District, Sri Lanka
A total of 24 participants of mothers, fathers, and grandparents were included for FGDs, whereas 10 service providers were recruited for the in-depth interviews (IDI)
Summary
Maternal competencies among mothers with infants at early infancy are sparsely described in the literature. Assessment of parenting competencies is very crucial to ensure the health and well-being of the child. Parenting competencies are defined as ‘a set of knowledge, skills, and attitudes that facilitate and optimize the performance of the parental role with the necessary mastery to ensure the maximum potential for the child’s growth and development’ [4]. According to the International Council of Nurses [5], parenting involves four dimensions: taking on responsibilities for the effective exercise of the role; optimizing the child’s growth and development; incorporating the child into the family, and behaving according to the expected behaviours of being a mother and father. The acquisition of knowledge and skills related to the child’s needs are promoted with the acquisition and development of parenting competencies, with the subsequent improvement of confidence, satisfaction and mastery in-role performance [4]
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