Improving parenting knowledge through caregiver education in China.

Background: Caregivers' parenting knowledge is of importance to child development and to achieve positive child outcomes. Even though some caregiver education programs have demonstrated positive effects, most of them are carried out in developed countries and among western samples. As a developing country with the second‐largest child population worldwide, China has initiated caregiver education programs to promote parenting knowledge among caregivers since 2016. This study examines the effect of an innovative caregiver education program on caregivers' perceived increase of parenting knowledge. Methods: A total of 310 caregivers with a child aged between 0 and 3 from Z city, China, were randomly selected to complete a survey. Caregivers' perceived increase of parenting knowledge was assessed by five specified knowledge dimensions, namely, child growth, feeding behaviours, daily care, disease prevention and safety. The independent variable was program participation, measured by respondents' use of program services. OLS regression was employed to assess the association between caregivers' program participation and their perceived increase of knowledge, controlling basic demographic and socio‐economic factors. Results: In general, program participation had statistically significant associations with caregivers' perceived increase of parenting knowledge. The associations varied by service type. Particularly, online development evaluations and in‐home sessions showed relatively consistent and positive effects on caregivers' perceived increase of parenting knowledge. Conclusions: This caregiver education program had a positive effect on caregivers' perceived increase of parenting knowledge, particularly through the use of the online development evaluations and in‐home sessions. As one of the earliest initiatives of this kind in China, the findings reveal the promise of an innovative program to advance caregivers and children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]