Parental attitudes to health of children in child-care centres and options when children are ill.
OBJECTIVE
To determine parental attitudes regarding the health of children attending child-care centres, to explore concerns when children who normally attend child care are ill, and to investigate options in these circumstances.


METHODS
Focus groups conducted with parents whose children attended child-care centres. Ten focus groups were conducted.


RESULTS
Many parents encountered difficulty when children who normally attend child care were ill and there was a lack of options for care. Parents were concerned about the spread of infections among children but considered that there were also many health and other advantages for their children in attending child care. Child-care centres were perceived as providing a valuable support role for families.


CONCLUSIONS
Many parents lack adequate options for care when their children are ill. Parents' concerns regarding health in child care are important in policy decisions regarding the health of children in child care, and the development of alternative care services for children.
Slack-Smith
L M
LM
School of Dentistry, Department of Paediatrics, The University of Western Australia, Australia. lindas@cyllene.uwa.edu.au
Read
A W
AW
Stanley
F J
FJ
D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D002648:Child; D002656:Child Day Care Centers; D017144:Focus Groups; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D014904:Western Australia