Beyond the pandemic, remote modality to reach primary caregivers

• In Event: Intersection between technology and parenting: The COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

Abstract

Background. The pandemic took us by surprise, the existing modalities in 2020 for early childhood care in Guatemala were completely face-to-face. That same year in Guatemala, we were able to implement a remote model to reach mothers, fathers, and caregivers, through radio drama spots, SMS messages, and storytelling. This project obtained positive and encouraging results on new ways to reinforce the playful practices of families with children under 4 years1. With these learnings, we designed a completely remote modality, that complements face-to-face modalities, with the advantage that it can continue to function in the face of new emergencies.

In Guatemala, due to unequal access to technology and media illiteracy rates, the radio is the medium with the greatest reach in indigenous communities. For this reason, this remote model of playful parenting includes the design of 24 radio programs with a maximum duration of 20 minutes each, transmitted in Spanish and four Mayan languages through community radio stations and small commercial radio stations; it also includes sending text messages and calls for monitoring.

Methods. The purpose of this presentation is to share program design considerations and methods for creating a culturally relevant project with the objectives:

a) Strengthen practices for improved playful interactions for primary caregivers.

b) Monitor remote modalities in countries with a low level of technology.

c) Evaluation of the remote modality through KAP (knowledge, attitudes, and practices) surveys.



Results/Conclusions. A scientifically proven remote modality that allows maintaining contact with primary caregivers of children in early childhood, which is also continuously improved and adapted in contexts with limited access to technology. The radio modality, in addition, allows reaching more people due to its broad spectrum of diffusion and opens the door to create institutional alliances that can transmit to the entire country and that are sustained in the face of emergencies. This remote modality in a context like Guatemala also brings challenges such as reducing the technological gap and empowering women in the use of technology.

Author

• Linda Garcia Arenas, ChildFund
  Presenting Author