Views and experiences of health visitors on an early literacy promotion intervention

Background: The advantages of early literacy activities in promoting infant and child development have been well documented in the literature as well as the effectiveness of relevant interventions implemented by health professionals. Yet, data on the perceptions and attitudes of primary health care providers about the implementation process of such interventions remain scarce.
Objective: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences and views of health visitors (n=13) in applying an early literacy promotion intervention during their practice in primary health settings.
Methods: Data were collected through questionnaires with open ended questions and analyzed through thematic analysis.
Results: Findings showed that parents welcomed the advice and were willing to introduce literacy-oriented activities with their children in their daily family routine. Parents’ and children’s receptiveness as well as health visitors’ own belief in the significance of the intervention were considered factors largely facilitating its implementation and success, despite time constrains and system level shortcomings. Continuing education was recommended both to provide constant support to health visitors, and also sensitize other members of the primary care team for program sustainability and expansion.
Conclusions: The results of this study highlighted the importance of recording health professionals’ views, concerns and experiences on applying early literacy promotion so as to receive feedback on ameliorating relevant programs and maximizing their valuable impacts on infant and child development.