KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT IN MOTHERS OF CHILDREN UNDER TWO YEARS OF AGE

Abstract

This study focuses on evaluating knowledge and practices regarding Early Childhood Development (ECD) among mothers of children under 2 years of age at the United States Health Center in Sucre. ECD is essential for physical, socio-emotional, cognitive, and communicative development, and highlights the importance of early stimulation for the development of motor skills, social interaction, and learning. Although mothers recognize the importance of stimulation, there is a discrepancy between their knowledge and the effective application of these practices. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. A 15-item ad hoc questionnaire was administered to 215 mothers of children under 2 years of age. The total population was 215 children. It was identified that motor stimulation practices are more common than those related to cognitive and language areas. Mothers have some knowledge of ECD, but it is not applied in practice. This highlights the need to strengthen education on ECD, suggesting the implementation of training and follow-up programs, including practical workshops and resources, to improve stimulation practices and promote optimal child development.