Quality of time mothers spend with their pre-school aged children and associated factors in Wennappuwa Medical Officer of Health area

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Mothers or responsive adults spending quality time with children improve children’s developmental potential. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the quality of time spent by mothers of Wennappuwa MOH area with their preschoolers and the associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 397 mothers of preschoolers attending five preschools selected from the Wennappuwa MOH area. A high –quality child care time was defined as time spent in development or achievement oriented activities. Ten criteria appropriate for the Sri Lankan context were identified to assess the quality time. The time mothers spend with their children and associated factors were assessed using an activity chart and a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS. RESULTS: All mothers were Sinhalese. The majority (n = 339; 91.6%) had secondary education or higher; 22% (n=81) were employed. Forty five percent (n = 166) had extended family support. Sixty five percent (n = 243) of mothers spent quality time with children based on our definition. Spending quality time was significantly associated with spending 6 hours or more per day with the child (p = 0.003), having a good knowledge about quality time (p=0.001), fathers’ age more than 31 years (p=0.011) and fathers’ salary higher than LKR 10,000 (p=0.02). There was no association with mothers’ age (p=0.819), educational level (p=0.051), number of children (p= 0.226) and extended family support (p=0.16) CONCLUSION: In Wennappuwa MOH area, most mothers spend quality time with their preschool aged children. Improving mothers’ knowledge on quality time will help to improve the situation.