Impact of a Clinic Based Literacy Intervention Reach Out and Read (ROR) Modelled Program on Preschool Children in India

Access: FREE/Open Access

Publication year

2014

study description

Prospective randomized case control study.

core topic(s)

Reach Out and Read (ROR)

Population Characteristics

International , Toddler/Preschool

Exposures, Outcomes, Other

Child Behaviors and Skills , Creating Connections , Parent Behaviors and Skills , School Readiness and Educational Outcomes , Validity, Reliability, Feasibility, and Acceptability

objectives

The aim of the study was to establish the feasibility and applicability of “Reach out and Read (ROR) - a clinic based literacy programs” in Indian scenario.

exposure

Reach Out and Read (ROR).

outcomes evaluated

Reading behavior of parent child duos.

setting

Well baby clinic visits at an India-based out-patient tertiary care hospital.

methods

Prospective randomized case control study in the well-baby clinic of a tertiary care hospital. Parent-child duos (9 months to 5 years) were exposed to literacy interventions at the time of their routine visit to the pediatrician. The change in reading behavior of the parent child duo was compared to age matched controls over a period of 18 months. Parent-child duos (9 months to 5 years) were exposed to literacy interventions at the time of their routine visit to the pediatrician. The change in reading behavior of the parent child duo was compared to age matched controls over a period of 18 months.

sample size

n=125 (parent-child duos)

measures

Measure of Change in Parent-Child Reading Behavior: questionnaire about

• • Presence or absence of reading as one of child’s and caregiver’s amongst top three favourite activity.
  • Number of days per week the caregiver reads out to his/her child.
  • Number of days per week reading was incorporated in child’s bed time activity.
  • Number of children books at home apart from those distributed by us.

results

There was significant improvement in the reading behaviour of the parents and children exposed to literacy intervention as compared to the control group (p<0.05).

conclusions

ROR modelled programs if incorporated in the routine health visits would promote literacy and school readiness in our children.

limitations

Not discussed.