Parents’ experiences of parental groups in Swedish child health-care

Abstract

Almost all parents in Sweden are invited to parental groups organized by the child health service (CHS) during their child's first year, but only 40% chose to attend. The aim of this study was to describe parents' experiences of participating in these parental groups. A total of 143 parents from 71 different parental groups at 27 child health-care (CHC) centres in one Swedish county completed an online questionnaire. A majority of the parents found the parental groups to be meaningful and more than 60% met someone in the group who they socialized with outside the meetings. Parents wanted a greater focus on child-related community information, existential questions, relationships and parenting in general. Group leadership seems to be of significance to how parents in a group connect and whether the parental role is affected. Making CHC nurses more aware of the topics parents desire could help them meet parents' needs. Education and training in group dynamics and group leadership could be of value in further improving the high-quality service CHC nurses already offer parents. More knowledge is needed about what would attract those parents who do not participate.

Child healthcare nurses’ experiences of asking new mothers about intimate partner violence

“…In Sweden, nearly all (e.g., 97.6% in the Örebro County Region in 2015) children 6 years and younger attend the CHC programme with a parent, usually the mother (Blennow & Sundelin, ), but fathers’ attendance is increasing. The Child Health Care Nurse (CHCN) is often well known to the families in her care (CHCNs are predominantly women) and their ongoing relationships allow parents to talk with her about sensitive issues (Lefèvre, Lundqvist, Drevenhorn, & Hallström, ). Because women are not likely to disclose abuse unless directly asked (Ramsden & Bonner, ), the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen, ) recommends that all women seeking maternal health care be asked about their possible exposure to IPV.…”

Managing parental groups: personal impact of a group leadership course for child healthcare nurses

“…In accordance with earlier studies, some geographical areas were less represented in the study (Lefevre et al . , ). Most CHC nurses did not give any reason for not participating, and there was an over‐representation of nurses working solely with children in the study, when compared to our earlier studies (Lefevre et al .…”

“…, Lefevre et al . ). There are however challenges to address, such as the low participation rate, among the parents who might benefit the most from the parental groups (Fabian et al .…”

Prevention Models of Childhood Obesity in Sweden

“…The specialized school nurse could be supported by additional pedagogical staff such as special teachers focusing on teaching methods. Furthermore, the nurses give also parental education, and this has been given attention recently [10]. …”