Thesis Format
Monograph
Degree
Master of Science
Program
Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Supervisor
Brunton, Laura
Abstract
Developmental delay (DD) is identified when children are unable to successfully achieve developmental milestones compared to others the same age. Lower health literacy is a growing concern among Canadian adults and parents, which could negatively impact their child’s development. This cross-sectional survey study looked to determine if there are associations between the health literacy scores of participants and the developmental health status of their child, as well as differences between health literacy scores by classification of child developmental health status. This study additionally explored different types of developmental resources/services that are available, being used, and are perceived as useful to participants. Results of this interim analysis suggest there are minimal relationships between participant health literacy scores and the developmental health status of their child. Similarly, marginal associations were found among different developmental services/resources and child developmental status. Findings support the development of future developmental resources/services for parents and children with DD.
Summary for Lay Audience
Developmental delay (DD) is identified in children when they are unable to successfully achieve a developmental milestone compared to other children their age. DD impacts gross motor, fine motor, social/emotional, cognitive, and speech/language development; and impacts approximately 10-15% of children between the ages of three to 15 years old. Health literacy explores a person’s ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health related decisions for themselves and for others. Lower/limited health literacy has become a growing issue among Canadian adults. This causes additional concerns as limited/lower health literacy among parents may impact critical early childhood development. This survey study looked to determine if there are associations between the health literacy scores of participants and the developmental health status of their child, as well differences between health literacy scores by classification of child developmental health status. This study additionally explored different types of developmental resources/services that are available, being used, and are perceived as useful to participants. Results from interim analysis found associations between some parental health literacy scores and the developmental health status of their children, as well as marginal associations between child developmental status and available, used, and useful developmental resources/services. Considering these findings, additional future developmental resources and services can be developed for parents and children with DD to acknowledge the associations with health literacy, as well as the availability and usefulness of certain developmental resources/services.
Recommended Citation
Reynolds, Rachel C., "Developmental Resources and Parental Health Literacy Survey Study" (2024). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 10392.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/10392
Creative Commons License
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