This study aimed to compare both beliefs and care practices of mothers living in capital cities and small towns. Three hundred seven mothers living in capital cities and 299 in small towns answered a scale that assesses primary care and stimulation. A sociodemographic questionnaire has also been used. The results indicated that mothers from small towns reported developing significantly more practices of primary care than the ones who live in the capitals. Mothers from the capitals value and practice more stimulation than primary care. The age of the child and the educational level of the mother explained significantly the stimulation results. Therefore, it seems there is some similarity in the practices and beliefs of mothers which are independent of the context where they live. There are also different emphases on health care practices, but these are influenced by sociodemographic variables depending on each context.
Maternal Beliefs; Child Rearing Practices; Sociodemographic Variables; Geographic Context
