Sensation Translation: Feasibility Pilot of a Knowledge Translation Program for Community-Center Affiliated Mothers

The purpose of this research was to explore the impact of a three-week occupational therapy Knowledge Translation (KT) intervention on parenting self-efficacy of community-center affiliated mothers. This feasibility pilot took place at a community center in central New Jersey, serving culturally and linguistically diverse families. This study utilized qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data was analyzed via reflexive thematic analysis, and consisted of transcripts from a ninety-minute virtual focus group, as well as three, ninety-minute in-person KT intervention sessions (Campbell et al., 2021; Juckett et al., 2022). Quasi-experimental design components included pre- and post-quantitative survey data measuring impact of KT upon self-perceived parenting self-efficacy (Matalon & Turliuc, 2022). Parenting Skills Ladder (PSL) a 21-item survey tool measuring parenting self-efficacy was utilized pre- and post- study (Pratt et al., 2014). Recordings of the semi-structured focus group and KT intervention sessions were transcribed and coded by a team of researchers. Community health workers (CHWs) participated in the pre-program focus group and completed a post-program evaluation survey. Quantitative analysis revealed descriptive increase in PSL scores, though statistical significance was not found. Qualitative analysis revealed perceptions of increased parent knowledge of children's developmental, sensory, and behavioral needs. Feedback from CHWs was positive regarding the university partnership and program content. Utilizing a community-engaged research approach can support delivery of high-fidelity KT interventions for culturally and linguistically diverse mothers, while building sustainable community-university relationships.

References

Campbell, K. A., Orr, E., Durepos, P., Nguyen, L., Li, L., Whitmore, C., Gehrke, P., Graham, L., & Jack, S. M. (2021). Reflexive thematic analysis for applied qualitative health research. The Qualitative Report, 26(6), 2011–2028. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2021.5010

Juckett, L. A., Schmidt, E. K., Tanner, K. J., Sagester, G., Wengerd, L. R., Hunter, E. G., Lieberman, D., & Richardson, H. (2022). Development and refinement of the American Occupational Therapy Association's Knowledge Translation Toolkit. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76, 7603205110. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2022.047076

Matalon, C. & Turliuc, M. N. (2022). Parental self-efficacy and satisfaction with parenting as mediators of the association between children’s noncompliance and marital satisfaction. Current Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-02770-3

Pratt, C., Katzev, A., Peters, C., Bowman. S., Rennekamp, D., & Sektnan, A. (2014). Parenting Skills Ladder, Revised, Second Edition. Oregon State University: Extension Family and Community Health.