Self-Reported Parental Interactions through Play with Young Children in Thailand: An Analysis of the 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS)

Thitikorn Topothai, Rapeepong Suphanchaimat, Chompoonut Topothai, Viroj Tangcharoensathien, Nisachol Cetthakrikul and Orratai Waleewong
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Thitikorn Topothai: International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
Rapeepong Suphanchaimat: International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
Chompoonut Topothai: International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
Viroj Tangcharoensathien: International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
Nisachol Cetthakrikul: International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
Orratai Waleewong: International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 6, 1-12

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: child; parents; interaction; play; growth and development; cognitive skills; Thailand (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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