Early Childhood Prevention Research Articles

Membangun Generasi Bebas Narkoba di Lingkungan Anak-anak melalui Edukasi dan Pendampingan Bersama Badan Narkotika Nasional (BNN)

Talking about drugs is certainly not a foreign thing anymore, because a little news warning about drugs is widely spread on various social media, even in schools we have often heard. Not a few people who consume drugs excessively, ranging from adults, teenagers and even children. Therefore, MIT-18 KKN Students Posko 27 have a work program, namely the socialization of drug prevention in early childhood. It is very important to provide education about drug prevention from an early age. This work program was held because of the many complaints and concerns of the Payung village community regarding the large number of village teenagers who consume illegal drugs. In this socialization, KKN Students Posko 27 collaborated with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) to provide education related to drugs. The method of implementing this socialization begins with; a). Submission of a proposal to the BNN (National Narcotics Agency), b). Submission of a socialization permit letter to the principal of SD N 1 Payung, c). Preparing a place for the implementation of socialization, d). Drug education materials by BNN, e). Ice Breaking, f). Drug related Quizzes and Questions.

Centre-based childcare in early childhood and child obesity: systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

ObjectivesCentre-based childcare has been identified as a promising environment for obesity prevention in early childhood, but the longitudinal relationships between attending centre-based childcare and child obesity are not well understood....

Longitudinal Study on Dental Status, Caries Risk Assessment, and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in 3-6-Year-Old Children Receiving Nitrous Oxide Inhalational Sedation.

Introduction Dental caries prevention in early childhood is crucial, necessitating timely assessments by dental professionals and parents. The oral health of children during their early years can significantly impact both the children themselves and their parents' quality of life. This study seeks to assessthe changes in oral health-related quality of life after treatment under nitrous oxide sedation in anxious preschool children, for whom treatment otherwise is quite difficult chairside. Aim The aim of this study is to assess theassociationbetween dental caries status, risk assessment, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in 3-6-year-old children, before and after undergoing treatment under nitrous oxide inhalation sedation. Materials and methods Eighty children wereassessed for caries risk and dental status using the caries risk assessment for treatment (CRAFT) tool. Nitrous oxide sedation was employed for dental treatment, and assessments were conducted pre-treatment and post-treatment. Statistical analyses performed were paired t-tests, correlation analyses, and Chi-Square tests. Results The study revealed a mean age of 4.033 ± 0.96, with a balanced gender distribution (47.5% boys, 52.5% girls). Post-treatment, significant negative correlations were observed between OHRQoL and treatment outcomes, emphasizing improved oral health-related quality of life. Associations were found between OHRQoL, pufa index, and caries risk post-treatment. Conclusion The current research suggests that treatment done under nitrous oxide sedation could improve the OHRQoL in preschool children. Integrating risk assessment and OHRQoL enhances understanding, facilitating targeted prevention and treatment strategies. Addressing untreated dental caries is imperative for optimizing the overall well-being of children in this age group.

Associations among family socioeconomic status, parenting and sustained attention for socioeconomically disadvantaged children at age 5 years

AbstractChildren whose families experience socioeconomic disadvantage are at risk for poor sustained attention, a foundational skill related to goal‐oriented behaviour, self‐regulation and kindergarten readiness. Maternal parenting behaviours and parenting stress are theorised developmental pathways linking socioeconomic status (SES) to children's sustained attention. However, research has yet to empirically test for these indirect pathways, thus limiting the relevance of extant findings to inform targets of parent‐mediated programmes addressing attentional disparities at school entry for low‐income children. Using a sample of mostly low‐income children from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 2214) and the process of parenting model, this study tested whether maternal parenting stress, harsh parenting and cognitive stimulation uniquely explained associations between SES and child sustained attention at age 5 years. Results from structural equation modelling revealed that SES was positively and directly associated with child sustained attention. Some of these effects were indirectly transmitted through the pathway of maternal cognitive stimulation; however, neither harsh parenting nor parenting stress helped to explain the relationship between SES and child sustained attention. Implications of the findings are explored in the context of early childhood prevention and promotion programmes serving low‐income families.Highlights This study explores the direct and indirect paths of family SES on child sustained attention through the pathways of maternal cognitive stimulation, harsh parenting and parenting stress amongst socioeconomically disadvantaged children. Results from SEM revealed that SES was positively and directly associated with child‐sustained attention and some of these effects were indirectly transmitted through the pathway of maternal cognitive stimulation. Cognitive stimulation is a crucial pathway through which SES may promote or impede the development of children's sustained attention skills.

PENDAMPINGAN PENGENALAN PREVENTIF STUNTING PADA ANAK USIA DINI

Prevention of stunting in early childhood in Linduk village is still low. Stunting is the impact of lack of healthy and nutritious food intake within 1000 days of a child's life. The introduction of stunting prevention can be done to prospective parents or parents. Stunting prevention aims to prevent 1000 days of a child's life from stunting. Assistance in the introduction of stunting prevention in children at this age is carried out using lecture and discussion methods which are packaged in parenting activities in the Community Development Playgroup. Partners in this activity were as many as 40 parents of Bani Umat's KB students. The stages of parenting activities are carried out with preliminary studies, preparation, implementation and evaluation. The results of assistance in the introduction of stunting prevention in early childhood show that increasing parental understanding of stunting, stunting characteristics, stunting prevention and the impact of stunting on early childhood

Knowledge of HPV and HPV Vaccination among Polish Students from Medical and Non-Medical Universities.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause both benign and malignant lesions. HPV vaccines, preferably administered before the onset of sexual activity, have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in preventing HPV-related cancers. The impact of a healthcare provider's recommendation on HPV vaccine acceptance is substantial. Therefore, medical students must undergo thorough training in this domain. This study compares fundamental understanding and viewpoints regarding HPV and anti-HPV vaccines among Polish students pursuing medical and non-medical sciences. This study was based on the authors' questionnaire, and the results were statistically analyzed. The participants in this study were 1025 students (medical sciences students-520 respondents in total; and non-medical sciences students-505 respondents in total). According to the results, medical students' knowledge about the consequences of HPV infection and vaccination against HPV was significantly greater. To date, numerous publications have investigated the understanding of particular social, gender, parental, etc., groups about vaccination, but the knowledge of students at different universities-medical and other-has not been compared. Social awareness is still insufficient, even in groups of medical students. There is much to be done to educate and encourage preventive behavior in those not receiving primary prevention in early childhood.

Black Fathers’ Perspectives About Early Childhood Adversity and Toxic Stress: Results From Focus Groups

Black children in the United States disproportionately experience early childhood adversity and toxic stress, which can lead to long-term negative physical and mental health outcomes. Mothers are traditionally enrolled in intervention programs to help address this while fathers typically are not. This study assessed Black fathers’ perspectives about early childhood adversity and toxic stress to begin to understand this public health concern through their lens. Sixteen self-identified Black fathers watched a six-minute animation about toxic stress, neurodevelopment, and resilience, and engaged in focus group discussions. Fathers identified unique and culture-specific contributors to early childhood adversity and toxic stress, as well as their inherent strengths and needs to help protect children. Implications for social work practice, particularly related to Black father engagement in early childhood prevention and intervention programs, are discussed.

Process evaluation of a kindergarten-based intervention for obesity prevention in early childhood: the Toybox study Malaysia

BackgroundToybox is a kindergarten-based intervention program that targets sedentary behavior, snacking and drinking habits, as well as promoting physical activity in an effort to improve healthy energy balance-related behaviors among children attending kindergartens in Malaysia. The pilot of this program was conducted as a randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 837 children from 22 intervention kindergartens and 26 control kindergartens respectively. This paper outlines the process evaluation of this intervention.MethodsWe assessed five process indicators: recruitment, retention, dosage, fidelity, and satisfaction for the Toybox program. Data collection was conducted via teachers’ monthly logbooks, post-intervention feedback through questionnaires, and focus group discussions (FGD) with teachers, parents, and children. Data were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods.ResultsA total of 1072 children were invited. Out of the 1001 children whose parents consented to join, only 837 completed the program (Retention rate: 88.4%). As high as 91% of the 44 teachers and their assistants engaged positively in one or more of the process evaluation data collection methods. In terms of dosage and fidelity, 76% of parents had received newsletters, tip cards, and posters at the appropriate times. All teachers and their assistants felt satisfied with the intervention program. However, they also mentioned some barriers to its implementation, including the lack of suitable indoor environments to conduct activities and the need to make kangaroo stories more interesting to captivate the children’s attention. As for parents, 88% of them were satisfied with the family-based activities and enjoyed them. They also felt that the materials provided were easy to understand and managed to improve their knowledge. Lastly, the children showed positive behaviors in consuming more water, fruits, and vegetables.ConclusionsThe Toybox program was deemed acceptable and feasible to implement by the parents and teachers. However, several factors need to be improved before it can be expanded and embedded as a routine practice across Malaysia.

Stability of maternal postnatal bonding between 3 and 6 months: Associations with maternal mental health and infant temperament

Maternal bonding is key for infant development and well-being. Research to date focused on prenatal bonding experience, with fewer studies looking at the postnatal period. Moreover, evidence suggests significant associations among maternal bonding, maternal mental health, and infant temperament. The joint impact of maternal mental health and infant temperament on maternal postnatal bonding remains unclear, with limited research reporting longitudinal data. Hence, the present study aims (1) to explore the impact of maternal mental health and infant temperament on postnatal bonding at both 3 and 6 months of age, (2) to explore postnatal bonding stability from 3 to 6 months, and (3) to determine which factors are linked with 3-to-6-month changes in bonding. At the infants' 3 months (n = 261) and 6 months of age (n = 217), mothers provided measures of bonding, depressive and anxious symptoms, and infant temperament via validated questionnaires. At 3 months, higher levels of maternal bonding were predicted by lower levels of anxiety and depression in the mothers and by higher infants' regulation scores. At 6 months, lower levels of anxiety and depression predicted higher levels of bonding. Moreover, mothers showing decreases in bonding were characterized by 3-to-6-month increases in depression and anxiety, as well as increased reported difficulties in regulation dimensions of infant temperament. This study highlights the impact of both maternal mental health and infant temperament on maternal postnatal bonding in a longitudinal sample and could offer useful information for early childhood prevention and care.

Interactive book: An Alternative tool for educating sexual abuse prevention in early childhood

In early childhood (0-6 years), lack of understanding of sexual organs, ease of manipulation along with the lower age of the child are strong risk factors for Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) in early childhood. Meanwhile, the eastern culture adopted in Indonesia tends to still regard the giving of its information as something taboo. Till now, there is no media for educating children about CSA prevention that can help parents in the process. So, this study aims to develop an interactive book as an educational tool for CSA prevention in early childhood so that adults, especially parents, feel more comfortable in providing understanding to children about CSA prevention. The method used is mixed methods on seven experts of psychology and early childhood education. Qualitative Descriptive Analysis was used to see the important improvement points in the development of interactive books. Meanwhile, quantitative analysis is used to see the feasibility of interactive books based on the expert's assessment which will be processed with Aiken’s v. The qualitative results show that the selection of themes, colors, words, illustrations, and sizes are important factors in the feasibility of books and improvement points in interactive books. Quantitatively, interactive books are considered worthy of being a tool for the prevention of CSA in early childhood with an Aiken’s v coefficient ranging from 0.75-0.93 for each sub-theme, which means worthy as a CSA prevention tool. The existence of an interactive self-protection book is expected to be a choice of educational media as well as an assessment for parents, teachers, or health workers in identifying cases of child sexual violence in their environment more comfortably without appearing rigid cause of taboo in eastern culture.

Social disparities in early childhood prevention and management of food allergy

Social disparities in early childhood prevention and management of food allergy

Association of maternal low-carbohydrate-diet score during pregnancy with allergic diseases at 2 years of age.

We prospectively evaluated the association between low-carbohydrate-diet (LCD) score during pregnancy and the risk of allergic diseases in infants up to 2 years. Participants were from a prospective mother-offspring cohort study in Wuhan, China. LCD score was calculated according to the percentage of dietary energy intake from carbohydrate, protein, and fat assessed in late pregnancy using validated food frequency questionnaires. Allergic diseases, including immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic diseases, allergic contact dermatitis, and food allergy, were recorded at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postpartum follow-up. Poisson regression models were used to calculate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Among 1636 mother-infant pairs included in the present analysis, 230 infants (14.1%) with IgE-mediated allergic diseases, 77 (4.7%) with allergic contact dermatitis, and 488 (29.8%) with food allergy were, respectively, reported. Independent of total energy intake and other potential confounders, both the lowest quintile (RR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.13-2.77) and the highest quintile (RR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.22-2.63), were associated with the risk of IgE-mediated allergic diseases compared with the middle quintile. Among high-carbohydrate-diet pregnant women, substituting 5% of energy from either protein or fat for carbohydrate was associated with a lower risk of IgE-mediated allergic diseases. While among low-carbohydrate-diet pregnant women, substituting 5% of energy from carbohydrate, especially high-quality carbohydrate, for fat was associated with a lower risk of IgE-mediated allergic diseases. Maternal low carbohydrate-high protein and fat, and high carbohydrate-low protein and fat diet were both associated with an increased risk of allergic diseases in the infants up to 2 years. This study may provide an intervention strategy for allergy prevention in early childhood.

Intergovernmental policy opportunities for childhood obesity prevention in Australia: Perspectives from senior officials.

BackgroundEarly childhood (from conception to five years) is a key life stage for interventions to prevent obesity. In the Australian Federation, policy responsibility for obesity prevention sits across all levels of government and several intergovernmental institutions, rendering a complicated policy space. There is a gap in our understanding of the role of intergovernmentalism in developing obesity prevention policy in Australia. Given the complexity of intergovernmental structures and initiatives influencing childhood obesity prevention policy, it is important to understand the perspectives of senior health officials within the bureaucracy of government who through their roles may be able to influence processes or new strategies.MethodsDocument analysis relating to obesity prevention in the intergovernmental context provided material support to the study. This analysis informed the interview guides for nine interviews with ten senior health department officials (one interview per jurisdiction).FindingsSeveral opportunities exist to support nutrition and obesity prevention in early childhood including marketing regulation (discretionary choices, breastmilk substitutes, commercial complementary foods and ‘toddler milks’) and supporting the early childhood education and care sector. This study found a widening structural gap to support national obesity policy in Australia. New public management strategies limit the ability of intergovernmental institutions to support coordination within and between governments to address complex issues such as obesity. Subnational informants perceived a gap in national leadership for obesity prevention, while a Commonwealth informant noted the commitment of the national government to partner with industry under a self-regulation model. In this gap, subnational leaders have pursued nationally consistent action to address obesity, including the development of a national obesity strategy as a bipartisan endeavour across jurisdictions. Public officials calculate the strategic possibilities of pursuing opportunities within state agendas but note the limited chances of structural change in the absence of national leadership and funding.

A cross-sectional, exploratory survey on health-relevant free-time activities and body mass index in preschool children in urban and rural settings of Austria

BackgroundThe increasing prevalence of obesity is among the most relevant healthcare issues in Europe. The number of overweight people rises due to lifestyle changes, increased sitting activities, and less physical activity. Prevention in early childhood is paramount to stop this alarming trend.AimThis study primarily aimed to evaluate the average time children (3-5 years) from rural and urban Austrian regions spent engaging in physical activity and sedentary behaviors in their free-time. Additionally, we investigated the potential correlation between duration and habits of free-time activity or place of residence and age- and sex-specific body mass index (BMI). The potential impact of socio-economic factors on BMI was examined.MethodsUrban (Vienna) and rural (Carinthia) regions of Austria were chosen for this observational cross-sectional study. Preschool children (n=130) attending nurseries in these regions were included. Weight and height were measured and BMI calculated. Free-time activity and socio-economic data were asked using a self-administered questionnaire. Data on sedentary behavior time (sedentary activity and media consumption) and physical activity time (defined as organized or spontaneous exercise) were analyzed using non-parametric tests.ResultsPreschool children spent approximately as many hours of their free-time engaged in physical activity as in sedentary behaviors. Time trend in media consumption amounts to one-third of the cumulative time spent engaging in sedentary behaviors. Preschoolers from the urban area spent fewer hours practicing organized exercise and more in sedentary behaviors than peers in the rural area. In the selected areas, 7 % of preschoolers were overweight, 3.9 % were obese. BMI was not associated with free-time activities but showed a trendwise negative correlation with organized exercise. A positive correlation of age and organized exercise was observed but not with physical activity per se.ConclusionsOur results confirm the necessity of preventive interventions among Austrian preschoolers and lead to a better understanding of their free-time activities. Further investigations with larger study populations are needed to promote effective childhood obesity prevention and examine the differences regarding obesity prevalence and leisure-time activity between rural and urban areas.

Differential Impact of a Universal Prevention Program on Academic Self-Efficacy: the Moderating Role of Baseline Self-Control

Self-control (SC) plays a critical role in development across the life course; poor SC is a common antecedent of outcomes with high public health and societal burden including lower educational and occupational attainment, problem substance use, depression, obesity, and antisocial behavior. Further, SC is associated with academic self-efficacy and academic success; therefore, optimizing SC in early childhood could have long-term health and educational implications. However, it remains unknown whether the impact of early childhood prevention programs varies by baseline levels of SC, and whether better SC in early childhood leads to better self-efficacy in adolescence. This study leverages a sample of predominately low-/middle-income Black participants (n = 678) who were part of a randomized universal preventive trial in first grade (1993-1995). Teacher-reported SC was measured at baseline. Utilizing a three-step latent transition analysis, transitions between SC classes and academic self-efficacy trajectories were explored. Intervention status was explored as a predictor of the transition. Results suggest that teacher-rated SC in early childhood predicts academic self-efficacy up to 11 years later. Moderation analyses suggest that there are individual differences in prevention program effectiveness by baseline behavioral regulation skills. Implications for school-based universal prevention programming having an impact on low risk children and methods for exploring moderation within a prevention context are discussed.

BLACK FATHERS' KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES ABOUT TOXIC STRESS

To help address the disproportionate rates of early childhood adversity within the Black community, this study set out to assess African American fathers’ knowledge and attitudes about toxic stress, its effect on neurodevelopment, and resilience factors, as well as their receptivity to engaging in research that addresses mental health disparities associated with early childhood. Sixteen self-identified Black adult males (mean age: 39 years) with children 18 years old or younger watched a 6-minute animated video about toxic stress, neurodevelopment, and resilience, and engaged in focus groups to assess their attitudes about these topics. Pre- and postsurvey questionnaires were used to quantify knowledge gained. Participants additionally completed the original and expanded Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and Benevolent Childhood Experiences (BCE) questionnaires. All participants experienced at least 1 ACE (M: 3.5), one expanded ACE (M: 6.3), and 1 BCE (M: 8.5). Confidence in being able to explain toxic stress and its effects to others increased (M = 2.8, SD = 0.98 vs M = 3.5, SD = 0.82; p = 0.036), as did knowledge that genes, environment, and experiences together affect child cognitive, social, and emotional development (M = 10.44, SD = 1.8 vs M = 12.3, SD = 1.4; p = 0.002). Qualitative themes related to toxic stress included the perpetuation of historical and intergenerational trauma, parental stress of managing systemic barriers (ie, racial discrimination, financial inequities, incarceration), and challenges within co-parenting relationships. Protective themes included the need for early parental education about the effects of toxic stress, positive imagery of Black fatherhood, and the resilience of Black fathers and the Black community as a whole. This study yielded insights into Black fathers’ perspectives about culturally specific contributors and protective factors of childhood toxic stress that are not currently addressed by evidence-based practices. These data, and the paucity of purposeful inclusion of fathers in early childhood prevention and intervention programs, represent gaps in current program design and implementation, and highlight the need for more father engagement and community-partnered participatory collaborations to improve mental health outcomes of children.

Pengembangan Buku Panduan Anti-Bullying untuk Mengembangkan Keterampilan Sosial-Emosional Anak Usia Dini

The incidence of bullying that often occurs among teenagers and adults has begun to spread among early childhood. Lack of knowledge about bullying sometimes makes teachers and parents ignore things that can lead to bullying. The purpose of this study was to produce a product in the form of a guidebook for anti-bullying activities for children aged 5-6 years for proper and effective Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers. This research includes Research and Development model ADDIE (Analyze, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluate). The data collection technique in this study used an online questionnaire in a google form which was distributed to 40 ECE teachers. The results of the study show that 1) The guidebook “Anti-Bullying” is suitable for use and meets the material feasibility score of 80.5% in the valid category and the media feasibility 87.5% with the very valid category; 2) The trial results show that the guidebook is very effective to use for ECE teachers with a percentage of 88.1%. The findings of this study contribute in the form of understanding and input to policymakers to make this book the main reference for bullying prevention in early childhood.

Adverse childhood experiences and trauma informed care: treating the whole patient with a more complete osteopathic approach.

In 1998, a seminal study identified a strong connection between participants' exposures to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the development of risk factors for serious health conditions later in life. More than two decades later, leaders in both policy and health care professions now appreciate the impact of social determinants of health, including the enormous societal costs incurred by deleterious experiences, and recognize that treating illness begins with prevention in early childhood. The trauma informed care (TIC) model offers a treatment approach that lends consideration to the traumatic experiences that impact a given patient and allows for more complete treatment by their physician. Delivering care under the TIC model encourages trauma identification, early intervention, system level awareness and policy change, and avoiding retraumatization in the therapeutic setting. Various programs across the country seek to employ these methods at the community, state, and federal level. Several programs aimed at introducing medical students to these principles have contributed to an incorporation of TIC within the physician pipeline. In this Commentary, the author proposes an expansion of the Tenets of Osteopathic Medicine with a fifth principle-considering the implications of a patient's past formative experiences, their present life circumstances, and their future prospects-as a vehicle for instilling TIC principles ubiquitously throughout osteopathic medical training to develop physicians who treat the whole person more completely and are better equipped to manage this public health crisis.

O19 A Mindful Parenting Intervention for Obesity Prevention in Early Childhood

BackgroundLimited evidence exists on how the quality of maternal-child interactions influences preschoolers’ eating and physical activity (PA) behaviors and environments and, ultimately, growth. A 6-week, mindful parenting intervention was developed to facilitate positive parent-child interactions during mealtimes and PA. The intervention targeted families with limited resources and was implemented with 33 mothers (35% Hispanic) of preschoolers living in rural, northeast Colorado.ObjectiveTo qualitatively describe parents’ experiences with a mindful parenting intervention, perceived changes to parent-child interactions during mealtimes and PA opportunities, and the feasibility of the intervention.Study Design, Setting, ParticipantsThirty program participants were invited to participate in post-intervention focus groups (n = 4 groups; n = 18 participants) and individual interviews (n = 26) in the Spring of 2020.Measurable Outcome/AnalysisRecordings were transcribed verbatim and uploaded into NVivo v12. Group coding was used to train coders and establish coder consensus. Three trained coders independently analyzed transcripts utilizing a directed content analysis approach to understand how mindful parenting concepts were utilized by caregivers to facilitate positive parent-child interactions.ResultsParents described utilizing key aspects of mindful parenting within the mealtime and PA contexts. They found program content “easy to understand” and implement in their daily routines. Parental focus and presence, and non-judgmental acceptance of child emerged as key themes. For example, parents described employing skills such as asking questions and listening intently to understand their preschooler's point of view. These strategies subsequently resulted in less stressful interactions with their preschooler.ConclusionA mindful parenting approach to promote quality parent-child interactions during mealtimes and PA was feasible and well accepted. Strategies related to mindful parenting were reported to positively influence how parents engaged with and communicated with their preschooler. Parents reported developing a greater understanding of their preschooler and feeling less stressed about mealtime and PA interactions. Limited evidence exists on how the quality of maternal-child interactions influences preschoolers’ eating and physical activity (PA) behaviors and environments and, ultimately, growth. A 6-week, mindful parenting intervention was developed to facilitate positive parent-child interactions during mealtimes and PA. The intervention targeted families with limited resources and was implemented with 33 mothers (35% Hispanic) of preschoolers living in rural, northeast Colorado. To qualitatively describe parents’ experiences with a mindful parenting intervention, perceived changes to parent-child interactions during mealtimes and PA opportunities, and the feasibility of the intervention. Thirty program participants were invited to participate in post-intervention focus groups (n = 4 groups; n = 18 participants) and individual interviews (n = 26) in the Spring of 2020. Recordings were transcribed verbatim and uploaded into NVivo v12. Group coding was used to train coders and establish coder consensus. Three trained coders independently analyzed transcripts utilizing a directed content analysis approach to understand how mindful parenting concepts were utilized by caregivers to facilitate positive parent-child interactions. Parents described utilizing key aspects of mindful parenting within the mealtime and PA contexts. They found program content “easy to understand” and implement in their daily routines. Parental focus and presence, and non-judgmental acceptance of child emerged as key themes. For example, parents described employing skills such as asking questions and listening intently to understand their preschooler's point of view. These strategies subsequently resulted in less stressful interactions with their preschooler. A mindful parenting approach to promote quality parent-child interactions during mealtimes and PA was feasible and well accepted. Strategies related to mindful parenting were reported to positively influence how parents engaged with and communicated with their preschooler. Parents reported developing a greater understanding of their preschooler and feeling less stressed about mealtime and PA interactions.

A Glass Half Full and Half Empty: The State of the Science in Early Childhood Prevention and Intervention Research

In this article, we review the field of early childhood prevention and intervention science, describe noteworthy achievements over the past half-century by researchers in this area, and comment on current issues in need of ongoing attention. Although there have been many successes and noteworthy achievements in the field, in recent decades there has been little progress toward population-level impacts of early intervention. As such, novel empirical methods and revised standards of evidence are needed to complement (rather than replace) existing best practices for the development, implementation, evaluation, and scaling of effective programs.