Introduction. Asking parents about their disciplinary practices treads on potentially sensitive ground. Evaluators engaged potential respondents in the survey design process as one strategy to increase the likelihood of obtaining participation and accurate responses. Background. An upstate New York county, based on an earlier formative research project on child abuse, developed a media/informational campaign to teach parents to recognize the symptoms and triggers for losing control in a parent-child conflict and teach positive and effective responses for escalating situations with children. A survey (for baseline and ongoing campaign impact) included: types of care givers used, responses to potential discipline scenarios, parental actions when out of control and opinions about spanking. Three focus groups of parents of young children (n=32) reviewed the proposed survey questions. Each question was discussed to determine if participants understood the question and thought it was answerable. Results: The focus groups provided critical feedback on the scales used, rewording on key questions (e.g. stressed out instead of out of control), raised concerns about respondent truthfulness and provided insight into potential mis-perceptions about the purpose of the survey. Questions were modified, deleted and re-written during the group discussions. To date the survey was conducted with over 700 respondents with few refusals to participate or answer specific questions. Public Health Implications: Increasingly public health concerns require information that may be perceived as sensitive. Engaging the target population in survey design can increase the likelihood of participation and valid answers.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1 - Discuss the issues inherent in asking about discipline methods 2 - Idenify three ways in which laypersons can assist in survey design
Keywords: Child Care, Survey
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