Parental Choice Research Articles

Brand Trust, Perceived Quality, and Parental Decision-Making: A Study of International School Selection in Chiang Mai

Background and Aim: This research investigates the factors influencing parents' decision-making process when choosing international schools in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. With the increasing popularity of international education in Thailand, understanding the key determinants of school choice is crucial for both parents and educational institutions. This study focuses on the impact of brand trust and perceived brand quality on parental decision-making, aiming to provide valuable insights for school operators and stakeholders to develop competitive strategies and enhance educational services. Materials and Methods: The study employs a quantitative research design with a convenience sampling technique. Data is collected from parents of children attending or considering 21 international schools in Chiang Mai through a structured online questionnaire. The questionnaire assesses brand trust, perceived brand quality, and their influence on the school choice decision-making process. Multiple regression analysis is used to examine the relationships between these variables. Results: The findings reveal that both brand trust and perceived brand quality significantly influence parental decision-making. Brand trust emerges as the strongest predictor, indicating that parents prioritize the credibility and reputation of international schools. Perceived brand quality also plays a crucial role, as parents associate high-quality brands with superior educational outcomes. The study demonstrates that these two factors collectively account for a substantial portion of the variance in parental choices. Conclusion: This research confirms the importance of brand management for international schools in Chiang Mai Province. By focusing on building brand trust and enhancing perceived brand quality, schools can effectively attract and retain students. The study's findings offer valuable guidance for school administrators and marketers in developing targeted strategies to meet the evolving needs and expectations of parents in the international education market.

The Role of Energy Balance-Related Behaviors (EBRBs) and their Determinants on the Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Children in Need, in Greece: A Scoping Review.

There is scarce literature concerning 'children in need' at a European level (including Greece), particularly regarding energy balance-related behaviors (EBRBs) associated with overweight and obesity. This scoping review aimed to synthesize evidence on the EBRBs associated with overweight and obesity among 'children in need' in Greece and their key determinants. Inclusion criteria included children (0-18years) who were 'in need', living with overweight or obesity, residing in Greece, and which included data on EBRBs and their potential determinants. APA PsychInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, as well as grey literature (in Greek/English), were searched (without publication date limitations). Data was extracted using an adapted Joanna Briggs Institute tool. Seven studies were identified (n = 141-7,283 participants), highlighting prevalent EBRBs, categorized into groups; nutrition (lower diet quality, poor dietary habits, higher intake of carbohydrates, sugar sweetened beverage consumption, low adherence to the Mediterranean diet pattern, lack of daily breakfast consumption), sleep (low sleep duration), and sedentary behaviors / physical activity (television in children's bedrooms, high screen time, low physical activity, high sedentary time). Key determinants included low parental education, food culture, food preparation by grandmothers, the home environment, parental dietary choices, and lower socioeconomic status, etc. CONCLUSION: This review identified specific EBRBs associated with overweight and obesity affecting children in need in Greece and their determining factors. These findings should guide future research, tailored intervention programs, and public health policies (i.e. the European Child Guarantee Strategy) targeted at this understudied priority population of children in need, in Greece. Review registration number: Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/w7qdu.

A tale of two languages: charting Chinese parents’ beliefs about and engagement with Chinese and English language learning

ABSTRACT This study investigates Chinese parental beliefs about and engagement with their children’s Chinese and English language learning in Yinchuan, China, utilizing the theory of planned behaviour as an analytical framework and a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data from 879 parents reveals a strong preference for Chinese language education based on its perceived utility, cultural identity, and socioeconomic returns, contrasting with an ambivalent stance towards English. Qualitative insights highlight the influences of nationalism, anti-Western sentiments, and the COVID-19 pandemic on parental attitudes. These findings underscore the dominance of top-down language policies and societal expectations in shaping parental choices, often leading to contradictions between expressed attitudes and realized engagement. Perceived behavioural control emerges as a critical factor, with parents navigating challenges such as resource limitations, policy instability, and the dynamics of child autonomy. This study offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of parental involvement and the factors shaping language learning priorities, thus contributing to the growing body of literature on language education in China. These findings can inform language education policies and practices, emphasizing the need for accessible home-based resources, cultural understanding, and open dialogue to support effective and equitable language learning outcomes for Chinese children.

Bridging the education gap: A comprehensive analysis of travel distance and education quality based spatial accessibility of early childhood education in Metropolitan Melbourne

In Australia, Melbourne's population is growing rapidly and will soon overtake Sydney, fuelled by a COVID-19 baby boom that has increased demand for early childhood education (ECE). In response, the Victorian Government has announced transformational reforms to improve the accessibility and quality of ECE for the growing urban population. This study aims to addresses the evolution and effectiveness of ECE reforms in Melbourne from 2021 to 2036 by proposing an innovative approach that integrates spatial accessibility and educational quality into ECE evaluations. Using the distance decay function, the Floating Catchment Area (FCA) method and the Huff model, it extends traditional geographical analyses by highlighting the importance of educational quality in parental choice and providing a refined technique for simulating local demand based on educational quality and travel distance. Overall, inequalities in educational resources have been identified, with a concentration of ECE services near the CBD, despite high population density, while peripheral areas have significant service deficits. Furthermore, the projected poor accessibility scores for 2026, 2031 and 2036 highlight the urgent need for educational infrastructure development, even in areas rated as having better accessibility in 2021.

A Quantitative Study on Parental Influence and Lifestyle Factors in Child Obesity

Child obesity is a growing global health concern, significantly impacting both developed and developing countries. This study examines the influence of parental behaviors and lifestyle factors on child obesity in Keyouqianqi, Inner Mongolia, China. Employing a quantitative research design, data was collected from 50 parents of obese children through structured questionnaires. Statistical analyses revealed significant associations between parental promotion of healthy eating, physical activity encouragement, and lower obesity rates, whereas restrictive feeding practices were linked to higher obesity rates. Lifestyle factors such as high-calorie food consumption, sugary beverage intake, insufficient physical activity, and excessive screen time were also significantly associated with child obesity. The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive interventions addressing both parental behaviors and children's lifestyle choices to combat child obesity effectively.

Pupil referral units (PRUs) and alternative education provision; a think piece on making a case for parental choice for children with SEND

AbstractParental choice remains a central theme in education policy in England. Parents have the right to choose how their children are educated. For some families this choice is surrendered, with volition and intention, to their local authority which allocates school places after parents, statutory guardians and families have made their decisions. Where applicable, after parents have selected mainstream education for children with SEND, their child might be evaluated, and a recommendation made for their child to undergo a managed move; typically to join a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) or Alternative Provision (AP). In this think piece, we advocate for PRUs and APs to sit alongside mainstream and special education schools to offer a more balanced first choice for parents. This means PRUs and APs are not ‘othered’ in this choice offer for parents. There are academic, psycho‐social, emotional, well‐being and self‐affirming complexities which could, and quite frankly, tend to result in the pupils and students accessing settings such as these which appear to be othered in this way.

'I wouldn't want one or the other': Understanding parents' preferences for direct support or parent coaching for young autistic children.

Professionals often support autistic children by working with them directly (direct support) or by coaching their parents. We know a lot about what parents think about parent coaching, but we do not know as much about what they think about direct support. We also do not know whether parents prefer parent coaching or direct support. The current study involved 22 parents who each received 2 h a week of direct support for their autistic child and up to 1 h a week of parent coaching for 6 months. At the end of 6 months, all these parents indicated in a survey whether they preferred parent coaching or direct support. Eleven of these participating parents also chose to take part in an interview to understand more about these preferences. Our findings suggest that parents generally liked both supports and believed they worked well together; however, they preferred direct support over parent coaching. While parents think that both approaches are beneficial, there are strengths and challenges of each. These findings emphasise the importance of parent choice in the delivery of support. It may also be possible to adapt both approaches to address some of the identified challenges and improve the whole family's experience.

Persistent and Resistant: Middle Class Advantage in Schooling

AbstractThis commentary applies Martin Thrupp’s long-term research interest in the practices of persistent middleclass advantage to a discussion of parents’ apparent freedom to choose the State school their child attends, and the effects of this parental choice on educational equality. In a highly unequal society such as Aotearoa New Zealand, parents’ capabilities to act, consume, self-maximise and choose freely in the schooling marketplace are also highly unequal. The commentary then draws on Axel Honneth’s version of recognition theory to examine underlying assumptions among advantaged groups that effectively frame parental choice as: (i) natural (i.e. all parents promote their own children’s best interests); (ii) unobjectionable (i.e. parents can choose or decide not to as they wish); and (iii) harmless to others (i.e. parents’ schooling choices affect only their own children). This family or household view of best interests is contrasted with one that focuses on the collective schooling interests of the neighbourhood.

To What Extent can Parental Rights be Limited by “Minimum Educational Standards as may be Laid Down or Approved by the State”?

ABSTRACT The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) affirms parental rights in education through a simple statement: “Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.” However, in subsequent international treaties, this right is framed with greater complexity. Notably, the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), the UNESCO Convention against Discrimination in Education (CADE), and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRCh) introduce the requirement that this freedom must align with “minimum educational standards” set by the State. In contemporary discussions, the State’s role in regulating and limiting parental rights is increasingly seen as central to the right to education. This raises critical questions about how far such standards can go in restricting parental choice for broader political goals, such as promoting social cohesion. This paper aims to examine the concept of “minimum educational standards” and the extent to which they can be used to curtail parental rights, analyzing key human rights mechanisms and their interpretations. It seeks to clarify the balance between parental freedom in education and State-imposed regulations within the framework of international human rights law.

7756 Gonadectomy in Individuals with Differences of Sex Development - A Prospective I-DSD Registry Study

Abstract Disclosure: M.A. O'Connell: None. A.K. Lucas-Herald: None. J. Bryce: None. M. Chen: None. J.H. Davies: None. M. Shnorhavorian: None. N. Atapattu: None. I. Bachynska: None. N. Birkebaek: None. M. Cools: None. K. Demir: None. L. de Vries: None. H. Elsedfy: None. M.A. Fahmy: None. E. Globa: None. R. Grinspon: None. G. Guaragna-Filho: None. G. Guerra-Junior: None. D. Janus: None. Z. Kolesinska: None. I. Mazen: None. S.M. O'Connell: None. S.N. Seneviratne: None. M. Stancampiano: None. G. Verkauskas: None. S.F. Ahmed: None. O. i-DSD gonadectomy surveillance consortium: None. Introduction: Gonadectomy may be indicated in people with differences of sex development (DSD), but variation in practice is reported. This study aims to determine, through prospective surveillance, the frequency of gonadectomy and associated care pathways in individuals with DSD internationally. Methods: All I-DSD centres were invited to participate; the study commenced in December 2022. Participating centres receive a monthly email asking whether a gonadectomy has been performed in an individual with DSD. Where informed consent for inclusion in the I-DSD Registry has been obtained in a reported case, a secondary survey captures additional clinical information. Results: Of 208 centres invited, 74 have responded to monthly email surveys. Over the first 12 months of surveillance, gonadectomies were reported in 71 individuals from 34 centres in 19 countries (median [range]: 1[1, 5]); 40 centres reported no gonadectomy. Secondary survey data are available for 30/65 (46%) of reported cases to date. Twenty-four (80%) individuals are female; median (range) age at gonadectomy was 9.2 (2.1,20.0) years. All had specialist multidisciplinary team involvement prior to gonadectomy: endocrinology (97%), genetics (77%) and psychology (67%) were most frequently involved. Gonads were intra-abdominal in 25/30 (83%). Differences of gonadal development (13/30 [43%]) and Turner syndrome (8/30 [27%]) were the most frequent underlying DSD. Pre-gonadectomy investigations included: hormonal testing (28/30 [93%]), imaging (23/30 [77%] - US alone n=14; US + MRI n=7; MRI alone n=2), direct visualisation at laparoscopy (7/30 [23%]) and gonadal biopsy (2/30 [7%]). Bilateral gonadectomy was undertaken in 25/30 (83%). Mitigation of future malignancy risk in the context of gonadal insufficiency was the most common primary indication for gonadectomy (19/30, [63%]); additional indications were concerning changes on biopsy/imaging (3/30 [10%]), hormone production incongruent with sex assigned (4/30 [13%]) or gender identity (2/30 [7%]) and parental choice (2/30 [7%]). Histopathology confirmed neoplastic change in 7 individuals (23%). Gonadectomy was intentionally deferred in 8/30 (27%) individuals, most commonly to allow their involvement in decision making. Twelve individuals (40%) were 12yrs or older at gonadectomy; all were involved in the pre-operative decision-making process. Conclusions: This study offers important contemporary insights into the practice of gonadectomy in individuals with DSD internationally. Multidisciplinary care provision prior to gonadectomy is standard; however, management pathways vary, likely reflecting diversity of clinical presentations and lack of consensus regarding optimal approach. The I-DSD platform shows clear utility for performing prospective surveillance of rare procedures; such studies are essential for care quality improvement. Presentation: 6/2/2024

How Saudi parents rationalize the choice of school for their children

In societies where education holds high significance and parental ambitions for their children’s academic achievements are profound, understanding the rationale behind parental school choice becomes crucial. This study aims to explore the question: Are Saudi parents rational in selecting their children’s schools? Through an in-depth analysis of preferences and decision-making factors, this research endeavors to shed light on the intricate dynamics influencing parental school choice within the Saudi Arabian context. To achieve this objective, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Saudi parents whose children were enrolled in private schools (K-12). The findings indicate that cultural or religious identity emerged as a predominant factor, encompassing elements such as gender segregation in schools, parental preference for English over Arabic language learning, and the emphasis on Islamic religious education. Additionally, accessibility factors such as the physical location of the school and school fees emerged as significant determinants of parental preferences for their children’s schools. Wellbeing emerged as a crucial factor in parental decision-making. Furthermore, certain academic considerations emerged as a primary influencing factor in Saudi parents’ school selection. These considerations included skills development, school pedagogy, school staff quality, and learning outcomes.

Penerapan Manajemen Balance Scorecard (BSC): Studi Kasus di MIS Miftahul Ulum Kec. Serpong Utara Kota Tangerang Selatan

The implementation of Balanced Scorecard (BSC) management at MIS Miftahul Ulum, Serpong Utara District, South Tangerang City is still facing some obstacles. The lack of understanding and accurate data, structured systems, resources, and accountability culture are the main barriers. This has resulted in the suboptimal achievement of strategic goals, such as learning, internal process, customer, and financial indicators that are not yet maximized. The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which the implementation of Balanced Scorecard (BSC) management at MIS Miftahul Ulum, reviewed from four perspectives, namely: financial, customer, internal process, and learning and growth. This research is qualitative, with data collection methods including interviews, observations, and documentation. Data validity is ensured through triangulation, and data analysis techniques include data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The research shows that the quality of education at MIS Miftahul Ulum, Serpong Utara District, South Tangerang City has improved compared to previously. However, some adjustments need to be made in the implementation of Balanced Scorecard (BSC). Conclusion: MIS Miftahul Ulum focuses on diversifying funding sources, increasing the efficiency of fund management, and increasing income from voluntary donations. Customer satisfaction and making MIS Miftahul Ulum the main school of choice for students and parents. Progress in its internal processes by implementing a quality curriculum, an effective teaching and learning process, and timely completion of teaching and learning tasks, and a quality curriculum provides a strong foundation for students to learn and grow. Effectiveness of the teaching and learning process: An effective teaching and learning process allows students to reach their full learning potential. Timely completion of teaching and learning tasks: Timely completion of teaching and learning tasks ensures that students have enough time to learn and understand the subject matter.

Consistency of the Non-Invasive Monitoring Preemie Car Seat (PreeCASE) Device in Assessing Heart Rate, SpO2 Level, and Body Temperature of the Infants

Advancements in technology have made pulse oximeter devices the preferred choice for parents monitoring their baby's health. However, existing devices present challenges for infants, especially preemies, who need continuous monitoring after being discharged from the hospital. Using conventional baby car seats with wired connections and unstable external vital sign monitors may lead to inaccurate data readings. To resolve this issue, the non-invasive monitoring preemie car seat (PreeCASE) device is well-developed. In this study, we focus on investigating the consistency of the PreeCASE device in assessing the heart rate, SpO2 level, and body temperature of healthy infants. For the methods, ten healthy infants are selected to use the PreeCASE device, and the data is collected and analyzed using standard procedure. The PreeCASE device provides consistent data readings for the three main physiological parameters, heart rate SpO2 level, and body temperature that are displayed on an LCD screen based on the user’s respective levels. The PreeCASE device is precisely designed to facilitate easy and rapid monitoring of infants, especially preemie infants. This innovative device holds significant potential to improve and support pediatricians in effectively caring for infants in Malaysia.

79 - Parent and child choice of sugary drinks under four labelling conditions

79 - Parent and child choice of sugary drinks under four labelling conditions

Analysis of Parental Investment Mode of Multi-child Families in China——The Influence of Sex and Age on Parents' Investment Choice

With the progress of society and economic development, the quality and quantity of parental investment have an important impact on the future achievements of children. This study will use questionnaires and interviews to explore the specific effects of child gender and age on parental investment choice in multi-child families, and analyze the history of parental investment, problems, challenges, and impacts in multi-child families. The research shows that the parental investment mode of parents in their children tends to be diversified and personalized; the possible problems include economic pressure, educational pressure, family relationship pressure and emotional investment imbalance; the gender and difference may challenge the shaping of mate selection and parenting concept; and the influence aspects include economic pressure, educational resources and change of family relationship.

Balancing act: Parental choice vs children’s health rights

Balancing act: Parental choice vs children’s health rights

Examining the Stability and Durability of Child Care Arrangements during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Canada

La pandémie de COVID-19 a provoqué d'importantes perturbations dans tous les secteurs du travail et de la vie familiale, y compris les services de garde éducatifs à l'enfance (SGÉE). Les recherches démontrent que l'instabilité (soit les interruptions aux services de garde) et l'absence de durabilité des SGÉE (soit le maintien des mêmes services de garde au fil du temps) peuvent exacerber le stress des parents et nuire au développement de l'enfant. S'inspirant des données d'un sondage original réalisé en décembre 2020 auprès de 882 parents de jeunes enfants de quatre provinces canadiennes, les autrices ont examiné les choix des parents au sujet de la garde d'enfants avant la pandémie et les répercussions de la COVID-19 sur ces dispositions, dans l'immédiat et à long terme. Dans leur échantillon, elles ont trouvé que a) les services hors du domicile étaient plus instables et plutôt moins durables que ceux à domicile; b) la perte d'accès pendant la pandémie à cause de la fermeture des centres de la petite enfance était moins marquée en Colombie-Britannique, ce qui était toutefois contrebalancé par un taux relativement élevé de retraits volontaires; c) l'Ontario a présenté un taux relativement élevé de pertes d'accès en raison des fermetures et des retraits volontaires; d) dans l'ensemble, 64 % des dispositions en matière de garde se sont révélées durables, mais e) la durabilité était plus faible dans les familles à plus faible revenu et en Ontario. En revanche, la durabilité était beaucoup plus élevée au Québec, ce qui fait ressortir le rôle possible des investissements dans les politiques des SGÉE pour protéger les parents et les enfants en cas d’événements déstabilisants.

Limits of Viability: Perspectives of Portuguese Neonatologists and Obstetricians.

Advances in neonatal care have improved the prognosis in extremely preterm infants. The gestational age considered for active treatment has decreased globally. Despite implemented guidelines, several studies show variability in practice. The aim of this study was to understand theperspectives of Portuguese neonatologists and obstetricians regarding the management of extremely preterm infants. An online survey was sent through the Portuguese Neonatology Society and the Portuguese Society of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine from August to September 2023. We obtained 117 responses: 53% neonatologists, 18% pediatricians, and 29% obstetricians, with 62% having more than 10 years of experience. The majority (80%) were familiar with the Portuguese Neonatology Society consensus on the limits of viability and 46% used it in practice; 62% were unaware of Portuguese morbidity-mortality statistics associated with extremely preterm infants. Most (91%) informed parents about morbiditymortality concerning the gestational age more frequently upon admission (64%) and considered their opinion in the limit of viability situations (95%). At 22 weeks gestational age, 71% proposed only comfort care, while at 25 and 26 weeks, the majority suggested active care (80% and 96%, respectively). Less consensus was observed at 23 and 24 weeks. At 24 weeks, most obstetricians offered active care with the option of comfort care by parental choice (59%), while the neonatology group provided active care (65%), p < 0.001. Regarding the lower limit of gestational age for in utero transfer, corticosteroid administration, cesarean section for fetal indication, neonatologist presence during delivery, and endotracheal intubation; neonatologists considered a lower gestational age than obstetricians (23 vs 24 weeks; p = 0.036; p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p = 0.021; p < 0.001, respectively). Differences in perspectives between obstetricians and neonatologists in limits of viability situations were identified. Neonatologists considered a lower gestational age in various scenarios and proposed active care earlier. Standardized counseling for extremely preterm infants is crucial to avoid ambiguity, parental confusion, and conflicts in perinatal care.

Updates in the Management of HIV During Pregnancy.

Human immunodeficiency virus in pregnant people remains a significant public health issue worldwide. The rate of perinatal transmission is 15% to 40% but can be decreased to less than 1% with appropriate antenatal management. Previous recommendations included a protease inhibitor-based antiretroviral therapy, infant prophylaxis, performance of cesarean section for uncontrolled viremia, and the use of formula for infant feeding. However, recent updates include first line of integrase inhibitor-based regimens and supporting parental choices for safe lactation. In this review, we summarize and provide updated recommendations for the care of people living with human immunodeficiency virus during pregnancy.

Feasibility of a new ‘balanced binocular viewing’ treatment for unilateral amblyopia in children aged 3–8 years (BALANCE): results of a phase 2a randomised controlled feasibility trial

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the safety of dichoptic balanced binocular viewing (BBV) for amblyopia in children, plus feasibility, adherence, acceptability, trial methodology and clinical measures of visual function.DesignWe carried...