The Impact of Mothers’ Health Attitudes on Child Healthcare

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the individual effect of each component of mothers′ attitudes on child healthcare. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used to achieve the research objectives. Interviews with 15 mothers from 2 provinces helped to determine mothers′ attitudes. In addition, a questionnaire was distributed following convenience sampling in Shandong and Yunnan to 1500 mothers resulting in 384 responses. Results: All 3 predictors were supported by findings as significant in determining child healthcare. Mothers′ health knowledge was the strongest predictor of child healthcare followed by health-seeking behavior. Conclusion: This study helps the policymakers and government to enhance the mothers′ attitude to carry healthy children. For Chinese healthcare professionals and politicians, these findings have significant implications.