Self-Reported Parental Interactions through Play with Young Children in Thailand

An Analysis of the 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (Mics)

Bibliographic Data

ID15501969
AuthorsThitikorn Topothai (0000-0003-0355-4386, Ministry of Public Health, corresponding author), Rapeepong Suphanchaimat (0000-0002-3664-9050, Ministry of Public Health), Chompoonut Topothai (0000-0001-7249-9523, Ministry of Public Health), Viroj Tangcharoensathien (0000-0003-3235-0091, Ministry of Public Health), Nisachol Cetthakrikul (0000-0001-9238-9583, Ministry of Public Health), Orratai Waleewong (0000-0002-6596-6901, Ministry of Public Health)
Year2022
Volume19
Issue6
Pages3418-3418
Publication date2022-03-14
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph19063418
PMID35329102
OpenAlexW4220736389
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited14

Parental interactions through play contributes significantly to child development of cognitive and executive functioning skills. In Thailand, there is little evidence of factors contributing to parental-child interactions. In response to SDG target 4.2.3 monitoring (the percentage of children under 5 years experiencing positive and stimulating home learning environments), this study aimed to assess the prevalence and profile of parental interactions with their children under the age of five. We analysed data from the 6th Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted by the National Statistical Office in 2019. Face-to-face interviews with mothers and/or legal guardians were conducted. A total of 8856 children under the age of five were enrolled in this survey. Most participants, 90.3%, had engaged in at least four out of six activities with their children. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that children raised by parents with secondary or post-secondary educations had a significantly greater chance to have parental interactions than children raised by parents who completed primary education (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.66, and AOR = 2.34 for secondary and post-secondary education). Children who possessed three or more children's books and had experience of toy play had a significantly higher chance of having parental interactions (AOR = 3.08 for book possessing, and AOR = 1.50 for the experience of toy play). Children who spent 1-3 h daily screen time had a significantly lower chance of having parental interactions than those who spent less than one hour of screen time (AOR = 0.67). In conclusion, with the emerging influence of digital technology, we recommend family and community promote parental interactions through play with young children

Cluster (spacecraft · Developmental psychology · Logistic regression · Multivariate analysis · Odds · Odds ratio · Child Development and Digital Technology · Demography · Early Childhood Education and Development · Medicine · Parental Involvement in Education · Psychology · Pediatrics