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Examining Delivery Preferences and Cultural Relevance of an Evidence-Based Parenting Program in a Low-Resource Setting of Central America: Approaching Parents as Consumers

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Abstract

A culturally sensitive approach needs to be adopted in disseminating evidence-based preventive programs internationally, and very little is known about effective dissemination into low-resource settings such as low and middle income countries. Following guidelines on optimizing the fit of evidence-based parenting programs worldwide, a cultural relevance study was conducted in Panama, Central America. Parents (N = 120) from low-resource communities were surveyed to explore cultural relevance of material from the Triple P-Positive Parenting Program. Intention to participate and views on delivery formats and program features were also examined. Descriptive statistics and regressions were carried out to analyze the results. Parents found program materials highly relevant and reported that they would be willing to participate in a program if one was offered. A large proportion of the sample expressed a preference for self-directed formats such as books, articles and brochures (77.6 %). Regression analyses suggested that most parents considered material as relevant, interesting and useful, regardless of other factors such as socio-economic status, gender, the level of child behavioral difficulties, parental stress, parental confidence and expectations of future behavioral problems. The study provides a potential approach for dissemination of research and offers an insight into the needs and preferences of a particular segment of the world’s population—parents in low-resource settings. Strategies for meeting the needs and preferences of these parents in terms of service delivery are discussed.

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Conflict of interests

Professor Sanders is the founder and co-author of the variant of Triple P tested in this study. Triple P is owned by the University of Queensland and licensed by Uniquest, the University’s technology transfer company assigned to Triple P International to disseminate worldwide. Royalties paid to the University are distributed by Uniquest in accordance with the University of Queensland’s intellectual property policy to the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, School of Psychology, Parenting and Family Support Centre and contributory authors, including Professor Sanders.

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  1. School of Psychological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK

    Anilena Mejia & Rachel Calam

  2. University of Queensland, Brisbane, QL, Australia

    Matthew R. Sanders

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  1. Anilena Mejia
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  2. Rachel Calam
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Correspondence to Anilena Mejia.

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Mejia, A., Calam, R. & Sanders, M.R. Examining Delivery Preferences and Cultural Relevance of an Evidence-Based Parenting Program in a Low-Resource Setting of Central America: Approaching Parents as Consumers. J Child Fam Stud 24, 1004–1015 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-014-9911-x

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