Child rearing and parenting programs among First Nations' populations in high-income countries: a bibliometric review.

Objectives: We set out to examine the volume, scope and quality of research related to First Nations peoples' perceptions of, and experiences with, child rearing and/or parenting programs. Methods: We systematically reviewed the literature published between 2000 and 2020. Sixty-eight studies identified through electronic databases and references lists met inclusion criteria. Results: The study found an 8% increase in publications in the field each year (P -value = 0.002), mostly conducted in Australia with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (n = 29, 41%). Scope included positive and negative experiences relating to: parenting from adult (n = 19 studies) and teenager (n = 4) perspectives; and pregnancy, antenatal and postnatal care from the perspective of adults (n = 23) and teenagers (n = 2). Descriptive studies included qualitative (n = 40; 58%), quantitative (n = 8, 12%) or mixed methods (n = 7, 10%). Thirteen experimental studies reported the development, acceptability and/or effectiveness of programs (19%), of which three met the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care design criteria. Conclusions: Despite an overall increase in volume, research efforts do not demonstrate a clear scientific progression. Further methodologically rigorous studies examining child rearing and/or parenting programs developed in collaboration with First Nations populations are needed. What is known about the topic? Examining research output, effectiveness and acceptability of existing existing parenting and child rearing programs for First Nations parents can inform research priorities and service development.. What does this paper add? Rigorous research to inform the development and evaluation of parenting programs is limited. Strengths-based, community-wide approaches should integrate community identities, expertise and resources, encourage ownership and engagement, and build capacity.. What are the implications for practitioners? Continued efforts are necessary to develop programs uniquely informed by, and tailored to, First Nations parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]