The Effect of a Developmental Support Program for Parents of Children Aged 1-3 Years in a Family Health Center: An Interventional Study

Study Design This study is a randomized controlled, parallel-group experimental trial with pre-test and post-test measurements.

Study Setting The study will be conducted at Şeyh Şamil Family Health Center, one of the Family Health Centers affiliated with the Sivas Provincial Health Directorate. The center was selected because it serves the highest number of children aged 12-36 months among the eligible centers. Child development is monitored according to the Infant, Child, and Adolescent Follow-up Protocol of the General Directorate of Public Health. Nurses provide developmental screening, immunization, anthropometric measurements, risk assessment, early intervention activities, and parental counseling services.

Population and Sample The study population consists of 310 parents with children aged 12-36 months. The sample size was calculated using G*Power version 3.1.9.4 software. Based on Cohen's criteria, a medium effect size (Cohen's d = 0.5), a 95% confidence level (α = 0.05), and 80% statistical power (1 - β = 0.80) were used. Accordingly, a minimum of 30 participants per group (total sample size = 60) was required for an independent samples t-test design. Considering a potential attrition rate of 20%, the final sample size was determined as 60 participants. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 30) or the control group (n = 30).

Eligibility Criteria Inclusion Criteria

• Being the parent of a child aged 12-36 months
• Child's growth percentile being between the 3rd and 97th percentiles
• Ability to speak and understand Turkish
• No prior participation in a similar developmental support program
• Having internet access and the ability to use a computer, tablet, or smartphone
• Completion of at least primary school education
• Ability to read and understand written materials
• Willingness to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria
• Missing at least one session of the intervention program
• Living in an extended family household
• Experiencing a major psychosocial event within the last six months (e.g., relocation, death of a first-degree relative, or divorce)
• Adolescent parenthood
• Having a child with a history of congenital anomalies, chronic illness, or prematurity
• Having a diagnosed mental health disorder Blinding Due to the nature of the intervention, participants and researchers cannot be blinded. However, statistical and reporting blinding will be implemented. Data will be coded without indicating group allocation, and statistical analyses will be conducted by an independent statistician.