ปัจจัยที่เกี่ยวข้องกับภาวะโภชนาการของเด็กวัยก่อนเรียน ใน 3 จังหวัดชายแดนใต้

Abstract

The nutritional status of preschool children is an indicator of overall health and is a crucial foundation for their development and growth to their full potential. This research aims to: 1) examine the nutritional status of preschool children in the three southern border provinces of Thailand, and 2) investigate the relationship between child-related and caregiver-related factors and the nutritional status of preschool children in these provinces. The sample consisted of 96 caregivers of preschool children, with data collection conducted between January and May 2024. The instruments used for data collection included: 1) a questionnaire on the personal information of the preschool children and their caregivers, 2) a record form of the preschool children's nutritional status, 3) a questionnaire on the dietary behaviors of preschool children, 4) a knowledge assessment for caregivers regarding the nutritional status of preschool children, 5) a questionnaire on caregivers' food preparation behaviors for preschool children in the three southern border provinces, and 6) a questionnaire on caregivers' attitudes towards food consumption for preschool children in the three southern border provinces. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and point biserial correlation coefficients. The study revealed that: 1. Regarding the nutritional status of preschool children in the three southern border provinces, 64.6% of the sample had normal nutritional status. 2. There was a statistically significant positive relationship between the dietary behaviors of preschool children and their nutritional status in the three southern border provinces (rpb = .378, p < .01). 3. Caregivers’ knowledge of preschool children's nutrition was positively associated with the nutritional status of preschool children in the three southern border provinces, with statistical significance (rpb = .226, p < .05). 4. The food preparation behaviors of caregivers for preschool children were positively associated with the nutritional status of preschool children in the three southern border provinces, with statistical significance (rpb = .203, p < .05). 5. The attitudes of caregivers towards food consumption were negatively associated with the nutritional status of preschool children in the three southern border provinces, with statistical significance (rpb = -.207, p < .05). Therefore, preschool children should be encouraged to adopt healthy eating behaviors through guidance from their caregivers. Caregivers should be equipped with knowledge about the nutritional needs of preschool children, supported in practicing proper food preparation behaviors, and encouraged to develop positive attitudes toward food consumption to help ensure that preschool children maintain a normal nutritional status.