Mothersʹ attitudes to and experience of pre-school child health services: a comparative study in two districts in the West Midlands

A postal questionnaire survey was undertaken amongst a ten percent random sample of mothers in Walsall and South Warwickshire in order to determine their views concerning health services available for their three year old children. A response rate of 59% and 75% respectively was obtained. Despite differences in demographic profile between the two districts, the overall views of mothers were remarkably similar. The majority of mothers were happy with services provided but mothers whose first language was other than English were less likely to be satisfied. Criticisms included dissatisfaction with waiting times, inappropriate timing of clinics, insufficient advice given as well as inconsistencies in advice offered. Health visitors in particular were perceived to be helpful and requests for further input from them were made. Specific health needs of children from ethnic minority backgrounds were discovered which should form the basis of further, more detailed local research. The survey also highlighted the high prevalence of accidents and asthma among pre-school children.