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Expectations of mothers with young children (aged 0–5) from Municipal services: A cross-sectional study

Ayça Balmumcu(1), Burcu Demirdöven(2), Hilal Yüceyılmaz(3),


(1) Vocational School of Health Services Home Patient Care Program Aydın Adnan Menderes University Söke, 09200 Söke/Aydın – Turkey
(2) Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Business Aydın Adnan Menderes University Söke, 09200 Söke/Aydın – Turkey
(3) Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Business Aydın Adnan Menderes University Söke, 09200 Söke/Aydın – Turkey
Corresponding Author

Abstract


This study is a cross-sectional research aiming to explore the postpartum experiences of mothers with children aged 0–5, the socio economic and psychological challenges they encounter, and their expectations of municipalities. The study was conducted with 246 mothers who had children within the age range of 0–5 years. A questionnaire, developed by the researchers based on the relevant literature, was used to collect data, including questions regarding the postpartum period, expectations from municipalities, social support systems, and psychological well-being. The findings revealed that mothers with children aged 0–5 had high expectations of municipal services and found the existing services largely inadequate. A significant proportion of participants reported feeling unsupported and psychologically strained during the postpartum period. Notably, there was a strong demand for functional services such as daycare centers, children’s playgroups, urban space arrangements, psychological support, and financial assistance. In conclusion, it is crucial for local governments to provide accessible, diversified, and needs-based services for mothers.

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