Context
The Evaluation of Parenting in Crisis (EPIC) study examined evidence-based parenting resource dissemination in Pakistan and Ukraine. In collaboration with UN agencies and international partners, in 2022 the team developed and disseminated parenting resources to support families affected by the conflict in Ukraine (Ukraine Parenting Response) and the climate crisis in Pakistan (Pakistan Parenting Response). The study was carried out to examine the dissemination of the parenting in crisis resources and their adaptations, including the in-person support groups, and the resources’ impact on the lives of children and families.
Methods
The study employed the instruments of surveys (retrospective and pre-post) and qualitative interviews. Data collection and analysis were successfully completed during the first half of 2024. Participants were the staff of the implementing organisations (Ukraine, N=53; Pakistan, N=12), parents and caregivers (Ukraine, N=706; Pakistan, N=403), and the adolescents (10-17 years) of parents and caregivers (Ukraine, N=96; Pakistan, N=346).
Findings and discussion
In both study locations, the evaluation found a statistically significant relationship between the intervention and reduced instances of emotional abuse and depression amongst caregivers. It also found a statistically significant increase in participants’ ability to healthily grieve, feel hopeful about the future, positively engage with their children, and practice self-care. Interviews with the staff of implementing organisations were analysed to find enablers and barriers to resource dissemination. Findings indicate that key enablers in the implementation included the accompanying presence of basic needs, humanitarian aid programming, such as food, shelter, and other non-food items. Working with partner organisations with a long standing track record of successful project implementation in the target areas was also identified as a key facilitator to gaining the acceptance of communities, as was the use of materials that had been translated into minority languages. Major barriers included high levels of movement and migration and logistical challenges associated with the geographic isolation of impacted communities.
Dissemination
In August 2024, study findings were presented by the research team at the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) Conference. Findings were also shared in October 2024 at the Sexual Violence Research Initiative Forum (SVRI) Forum. The research team is currently preparing manuscripts for submission to relevant academic journals.