Development of a promotion model for suspected delayed development in children aged 0–5 years through participation in Samakee Primary Care Unit, Talad Sub-district, Mueang District, Mahasarakham Province

Abstract

Objective : This study aimed to develop and evaluate a development promotion model for children aged 0–5 years with suspected developmental delays through stakeholder participation at the Samakee Primary Care Unit, Talad Sub-district, Mueang District, Mahasarakham Province.

Methods : This action research was based on the conceptual framework of Kemmis and McTaggart (1988) and the empowerment concept of Miller. The study involved 47 children aged 0–5 years with suspected developmental delays, their 47 parents, 10 public health officers, and 32 village health volunteers. The research was conducted from September 2024 to April 2025. Research instruments included: (1) a child development assessment form, (2) group discussion guidelines, and (3) questionnaires for parents, public health officers, and village health volunteers. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests.

Results : 1) The situation analysis revealed that developmental promotion and screening for children aged 0–5 years lacked quality and comprehensive coverage. Parents lacked the skills to promote child development, and stakeholder participation was limited. 2) The developed model consisted of seven components: (1) problem and contextual analysis, (2) roles and responsibilities of participants, (3) target child database, (4) knowledge building and skill development, (5) empowerment and developmental assessment, (6) data linkage and referral system, and (7) evaluation and knowledge exchange. This process led to the creation of the “SAMAKEE MODEL.” 3) Implementation of the model resulted in significant improvements in parents’ attitudes, behaviors, and satisfaction regarding child development promotion (P-value<0.001). Public health officers and village health volunteers demonstrated significantly increased knowledge, awareness, and participation (P-value<0.001). All children with suspected developmental delays received stimulation interventions, and 95.7% achieved age-appropriate development. The proportion of children with age-appropriate development increased from 85.2% before the intervention to 95.7% after the intervention.

Conclusion : The participatory “SAMAKEE MODEL” developed in this study enhanced the capacity of stakeholders to promote development in children aged 0–5 years with suspected delays and significantly improved developmental outcomes. This model is recommended for adaptation and implementation in other community settings.