Reducing child neglect in Linn County Iowa utilizing the public health model

The issues that arise from child neglect cause a myriad of negative health outcomes. The objective of this thesis is to examine the use of the public health model as a preventive method in decreasing the incidence of child neglect. This study was conducted utilizing a survey that obtained information from 333 parents in Linn County, Iowa. The survey was created to gather social norms related to parenting. The survey gathered data on personal parenting practices and opinions of parenting practices of others within the community. Univariate and bivariate analysis were conducted to report demographics, frequencies in responses and the difference between how respondents felt they parented compared to how they viewed others parent. Results from the survey concluded that respondents viewed their own parenting practices more positively than how others parent. The data gathered from this thesis will be used to create and implement a culturally sensitive social norms marketing campaign that promotes positive parenting practices. Further research is needed related to child neglect and social norms marketing campaigns