title: Information and support needs among parents of young children in a region of Canada: a cross-sectional survey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the information and support needs among parents of young children in a region of Canada.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey was mailed to a stratified random sample of 1,064 parents of children aged 6 years and under. Of the 359 respondents, the majority were Caucasian, female, married, and well educated.
  
  
  METHODS
  An investigator designed questionnaire measured preferred sources of parenting information and support, sources and modes of program delivery, and perceived barriers to accessing information and programs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Breastfeeding, car seat safety, caring for a new baby, supporting their child's development, and sleep issues were considered "somewhat" or "very" important by 95.8% of respondents. Informal sources of support were rated as more important and more valuable than formal supports. The internet, drop-in programs for parents and children, books, organized play groups, classes and information sessions were identified as the most preferred modes to access parenting information. Respondents reported a lack of knowledge and awareness of programs, lack of time, lack of child care, and inconvenient scheduling as the top barriers to accessing information and programs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Parents want information to support their parenting. These results have implications for planning and implementation of future parenting information and support programs and services.
authors.affiliation: Sexual and Reproductive Health, Health Promotion, Disease and Injury Prevention, Population and Public Health, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta. Maureen.devolin@albertahealthservices.ca
authors.forename: Maureen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Devolin
authors.forename: Dawn
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Phelps
authors.forename: Tara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Duhaney
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Benzies
authors.forename: Clare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hildebrandt
authors.forename: Shivani
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rikhy
authors.forename: Jocelyn
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Churchill
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D057226:Information Seeking Behavior; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology*; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors