• Maureen Devolin, Dawn Phelps, Tara Duhaney, Karen Benzies, Clare Hildebrandt, Shivani Rikhy, and Jocelyn Churchill.
• Sexual and Reproductive Health, Health Promotion, Disease and Injury Prevention, Population and Public Health, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta. Maureen.devolin@albertahealthservices.ca
• Public Health Nurs. 2013 May 1;30(3):193-201.

ObjectiveTo determine the information and support needs among parents of young children in a region of Canada.Design And SampleA cross-sectional survey was mailed to a stratified random sample of 1,064 parents of children aged 6 years and under. Of the 359 respondents, the majority were Caucasian, female, married, and well educated.MeasuresAn investigator designed questionnaire measured preferred sources of parenting information and support, sources and modes of program delivery, and perceived barriers to accessing information and programs.ResultsBreastfeeding, car seat safety, caring for a new baby, supporting their child's development, and sleep issues were considered "somewhat" or "very" important by 95.8% of respondents. Informal sources of support were rated as more important and more valuable than formal supports. The internet, drop-in programs for parents and children, books, organized play groups, classes and information sessions were identified as the most preferred modes to access parenting information. Respondents reported a lack of knowledge and awareness of programs, lack of time, lack of child care, and inconvenient scheduling as the top barriers to accessing information and programs.ConclusionsParents want information to support their parenting. These results have implications for planning and implementation of future parenting information and support programs and services.© 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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