Effectiveness of a primary care intervention to support reading aloud: a multicenter evaluation.
OBJECTIVE
Failure to read at grade level predicts life-long economic and social disability. Early exposure to reading aloud may prevent reading problems. This study seeks to determine whether institution of Reach Out and Read (ROR) programs is associated with increased reading aloud in a national sample.


METHODS
Before-after intervention study: separate convenience samples were studied before and after institution of ROR programs at multiple sites.


METHODS
A convenience sample of parents of children age 6-72 months seeking routine health care at 19 clinical sites in 10 states.


METHODS
The ROR model incorporates anticipatory guidance about reading aloud and distribution of free picture books at health supervision visits from 6 months through 5 years as well as reading aloud in the waiting room.


METHODS
Parents were interviewed about their attitudes and practices related to reading aloud, using questions drawn from validated instruments.


RESULTS
The sample included 1647 subjects (730 intervention, 917 comparison). After controlling for multiple potential confounding factors, significant associations were found between exposure to ROR and reading aloud as a favorite parenting activity (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 1.6, P < .001); reading aloud at bedtime (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR*rsqb; 1.5, P < .001); reading aloud 3 or more days per week (AOR 1.8, P < .001); and ownership of > or = 10 picture books (AOR 1.6, P < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
In a national sample, implementation of ROR programs was associated with increased parental support for reading aloud. This study provides evidence of the effectiveness of a primary care intervention strategy to promote reading aloud to young children.
Needlman
Robert
R
Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. rdn2@po.cwru.edu
Toker
Karen H
KH
Dreyer
Benard P
BP
Klass
Perri
P
Mendelsohn
Alan L
AL
D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018479:Early Intervention, Educational / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D004522:Educational Status; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011932:Reading; D014481:United States; D014831:Voice