Socio-cultural factors influencing preschool enrolment in a rural cohort exposed to early parenting interventions in Pakistan: A qualitative study

Early parenting interventions have shown to be effective for changing parenting behaviours to provide stimulation at home. However, evidence about the effect on decision to timely enrol the child in preschool and the related pathways is scarce. A follow-up study of a rural cohort exposed to early parenting interventions in the first 2 years of life in Pakistan though indicated benefits for children’s cognitive skills and learning environment at home but did not improve preschool enrolment rates. The aim of this study was to explore stakeholder knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about preschool education that may influence parent’s decision of enrolment. A qualitative study using a phenomenological approach was conducted. Data collection methods included focus group discussion and in-depth interviews with the parents and the teachers and observations of selected preschools. An emergent thematic analysis was followed. Findings showed that community attitudes related to their role in children’s preschool education (e.g. lack of parental involvement), and their perceptions of stakeholders’ responsibilities and accountability (child being responsible for own motivation and interest to learn) were barriers to preschool enrolment. Facilitators included quality of preschools and older siblings enrolled in the school. Early parenting interventions may be insufficient to change community perceptions of preschool education in disadvantaged contexts with dysfunctional education systems. Targeted strategies addressing socio-cultural barriers for early learning are needed.