Cultural considerations in the assessment of sensitivity in low-income caregivers in Ethiopia

Abstract

BackgroundCaregiver sensitivity is associated with positive child outcomes, and improving sensitivity is often the aim of parenting-directed interventions. However, sensitivity was conceptualized in Western cultures, and its application in populations with different backgrounds is still limited.ObjectiveThis study aimed to foster a contextualized cultural understanding of the meaning and nature of sensitivity by assessing the possibility of evaluating sensitivity in a low-income population living in Ethiopia and describing the nature of (in)sensitive parenting. Moreover, the associations between sensitivity and discipline, the quality of the environment, and individual characteristics were explored.MethodsParental sensitivity was coded on naturalistic video-recorded observations of free interactions between 25 female primary caregivers and their children. Caregivers completed questionnaires on discipline strategies and the level of satisfaction with the environment (access to basic needs, quality of house condition, community and family support, quality of learning opportunities, and working conditions).ResultsThe assessment of sensitivity in this population was possible, with caregivers showing the full range of sensitivity levels. A description of manifestations of sensitivity in this population is provided. A K-means cluster analysis evidenced that high sensitivity was associated with high satisfaction regarding housing conditions and family environment. No association between sensitivity and discipline emerged.ConclusionThe findings show the feasibility of assessing sensitivity in this sample. The descriptions of observed behaviors contribute to understanding culturally specific aspects of sensitivity to consider when assessing sensitivity in similar populations. The study provides considerations and guidelines to inform the structure of culturally-based interventions to promote sensitive parenting in similar cultural and socioeconomic situations.

“Health Outcomes of Grandparents Caring for Double Orphans in South Africa”: What Are the Determinants?

“…We also found significant differences as their age increased, when looking at the health challenges experienced by these grandparents. This finding is consistent with another study conducted by Spinelli et al [61], a study which found grandparents derived satisfaction as caregivers to their grandchildren despite experiencing other social problems. Grandparents play an important role in family life and it is culturally acceptable to have grandparents as caregivers across Sub-Saharan African nations such as Nigeria [62], Ethiopia [63], Malawi [55], and Mozambique [54].…”

“…Furthermore, our findings support the assumption that when parents are unable or unwilling to care for their children, grandparents are the first option. To reduce the effects of children growing up without parents, grandparents should be encouraged and supported to take on caregiving duties and parental roles for the grandchildren [61]. Also, findings from this study can be generalised to a bigger population as a result of the sample scope included in this study [59,64].…”

“…Also, findings from this study can be generalised to a bigger population as a result of the sample scope included in this study [59,64]. Additionally, in-depth research is required to identify the difficulties and issues that are being faced by grandparents as caregivers, especially in this era of both noncommunicable and communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS [19,42], considering the high prevalence of young parents of children who are out of work [61,62]. Thus, several studies have documented positive responses from studies that have worked with grandparents as caregivers to their grandchildren, despite the challenges they faced during the process of caregiving.…”