Development of a Promotion Model for the Development of Children Aged 3-5 Years through a Family Participation Learning Process at Uthumphon Phisai Hospital, Sisaket Province

Abstract

This quasi-experimental research, employing a pretest-posttest control group design, aimed to examine the effects of a developmental promotion model for children aged 3-5 years through a family participation learning process at Uthumphon Phisai Hospital, Sisaket Province. The sample comprised parents or caregivers of children aged 3-5 years who utilized services at the Well-Child Clinic of Uthumphon Phisai Hospital and met the inclusion criteria. Participants were systematically randomized into an experimental group (n=30) and a control group (n=30). The study was conducted between May and October 2023. The research instruments consisted of two parts: (1) the developmental promotion model for children aged 3-5 years utilizing a family participation learning process, based on the 2023 edition of the Early Childhood Development Surveillance and Promotion Manual (DSPM) by the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health; and (2) data collection tools, including child development assessment records and parent or caregiver-completed developmental screening assessments, both validated by experts. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze general information, while inferential statistics were used to test differences in mean scores of age-appropriate development, as well as knowledge and skills related to monitoring and promoting child development among parents or caregivers of children aged 3-5 years within the experimental and control groups. Paired t-tests assessed within-group differences, and independent t-tests evaluated differences between groups.

            The study found that, following the implementation of the developmental promotion model for children aged 3-5 years through a family participation learning process, the experimental group exhibited a statistically significant increase in mean scores for age-appropriate development, as well as knowledge and skills related to monitoring and promoting child development among parents or caregivers. Specifically, there was a 5.80% increase (95% CI: 3.00 to 8.60; p<.001). In contrast, the control group showed no significant difference in scores before and after the program. Furthermore, post-intervention, the experimental group’s scores were 9.10% higher than those of the control group (95% CI: 5.67 to 12.53; p<.001), indicating a statistically significant improvement.

            In summary, the developmental promotion model for children aged 3-5 years through a family participation learning process positively impacts all aspects of child development. Continuously organizing activities that encourage family involvement in the learning process should be promoted to foster age-appropriate development in children.