Using the PEN-3 Model to describe factors influencing parental practices in Cross River State, Nigeria

Introduction: Parenting is a potentially modifiable factor influencing positive outcomes for children.
Objectives: This study explores cultural factors that influence positive parenting practices among mothers in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Methodology: Using a mixed methods design, the research explored the role of the three dimensions of the PEN-3 Model; cultural identity, relationships and expectations, and cultural empowerment on positive parenting.
Results: For cultural identity, the women in this study were predominantly farmers, 232(54.7%) are 25-34 years old, 237(55.9%) are married, 133(31.4%) are single mothers, and 324(76.7%) had attained secondary education. Those within the extended family system faced resistance to positive parenting interventions and education, from their mothers-in-law, mothers, husbands, and male intimate partners. Patriarchy and cultural beliefs informed the resistance. Many mothers were reluctant to seek formal assistance for emotional and psychosocial problems, with fear of stigma being the key theme. For relationships and expectations; Mothers’ Perceptions mold the situational factors that promote positive parenting. Family systems, social groups, and religious and spiritual networks could be positive agents of change yet, may also impede change. The “nurturers” (inter-personal relationships) may or may not be supportive of positive parenting practices. For cultural Empowerment, Positive behaviours by respondents included not missing antenatal care and delivery at the health center, Existential behaviors included fasting and Prayers while Negative behaviors refer to behaviours that may likely negate parenting such as low childhood immunization uptake.
Conclusion: study participants engaged in some aspects of positive parenting and interpersonal relationships rooted in patriarchy and traditional gender roles may be positive or negative factors influencing practice. Fear of stigma hindered participants' ability to seek help for psychological issues. How this fear translates to parenting practice needs further study. Community health education targeting interpersonal relationships may improve positive parenting practices.

Children, patriarchy, stigma, cultural beliefs

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