Assessment of Play Therapy Services Available to Children Under Five Years in Hospitals in Plateau State

This study investigated the availability play therapy services in promoting nurturing care of early child development of under-five children visiting hospitals in Plateau state. The population for the study included all secondary and tertiary hospitals available in Plateau state. Stratified sampling was used to select hospitals each from the three geo political zones in Plateau State. Two local governments were selected from the three zones in the state. The descriptive survey design was used for the study. The instrument Childhood Hospital Play Services Assessment Scale was used. Reliability coefficient was determined to be 0.89. Data was collected over a period of six weeks. Two research assistants were used for the study. Data collected was analysed and results of the findings showed that few hospitals have play therapy service for children under age five in Plateau. Also, hospitals were found to face challenges lack of funds spaces and personnel to handle play therapy for children. It was also discovered that rural hospitals had fewer play therapy services compared to urban hospitals. It was recommended amongst others that Plateau State hospitals should prioritize awareness campaigns to educate healthcare professionals, parents, and the community about the importance and benefits of play therapy for children’s development, for children under five years.