Sociocultural and Geographic Factors Influencing the Health and Development of Young Children in Washington, District of Columbia.

Objectives: The first 5 years of life are critical to children's health and development. Sociocultural and environmental factors play a prominent role as do variations in the quality of resources available. The objective of this study, grounded in Asset Based Community Development and the Model of Children's Health and its Influences, was to identify and understand these factors through the lens of parents living in predominantly African-American low-income communities within Washington, DC. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study employed semi-structured virtual interviews to discuss parents' priorities and challenges in raising their children. Results: Participants relayed perceptions of community assets as well as struggles with access to care, proper nutrition, and police activity within their communities. Results were presented to apprise community partners and encourage modifications in program delivery to enhance community resources. Conclusions for Practice: Lived experiences voiced by underrepresented parents can potentially inform design of community-centered programing. Policymakers must take into account community strengths and weaknesses during the development of community services. Due to inequities in childhood health outcomes, it is imperative that policymakers receive information from parents to make informed decisions. Significance: What is Already Known on this Subject? Parental input is critical to the health, development, and well-being of children, yet parents are often excluded in the design and implementation of resources and services offered to support positive health outcomes. What does this Study add? Due to the unique characteristics of communities throughout the country, programs should elicit residents' input to inform programs tailored to community strengths and weaknesses. Parents must act as primary advisors on the factors that play a role in the health and development of their children in order to identify the resources needed for children to thrive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]