Perceptions of Caregivers about Preschool Children’s Nutritional Care and Physical Activity through Tai Lue Traditions: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Authors

  • Natnaree Anukunwathaka School of Nursing, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand.
  • Nakan Anukunwathaka Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, Thailand.
  • Supalak Yooyod School of Nursing, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand.
  • Kesinee Imman School of Nursing, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60099/prijnr.2023.260338

Keywords:

Health care, Malnutrition, Nutritional care, Physical activities, Preschool children, Qualitative descriptive study, Tai Lue

Abstract

The problem of malnutrition among preschool children in northern Thailand is on the upsurge, while engagement in physical activities among these children has decreased. The Tai Lue community has long been recognized for its traditional wisdom and unique culture, which has an effect on the dietary intake and exercise behavior of these children. This study focused on the perceptions among caregivers of preschool children’s nutritional care and the physical activity through Tai Lue traditions. This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews during four focus group discussions and five in-depth interviews. Participants were 30 people, including family caregivers of children aged 2-6 years and Tai Lue community leaders. Sample groups were selected by purposive sampling and data were analyzed using a content analysis method.
Findings were classified into four themes: 1) accessing healthcare services; 2) caring under Tai Lue traditions; 3) thinking of problems and obstacles; and 4) providing community support. Our findings provide a better understanding of how nutritional care is administered to preschool children living in the Tai Lue community along with the promotion of their physical activities, and provide valuable insights for healthcare providers. Nurses can apply these insights when giving advice about nutrition screening and when designing guidelines for how they care for patients and promote nutrition care and physical activity in preschool children through the culture of the Tai Lue community.

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Published

2022-12-14

How to Cite

1.
Natnaree Anukunwathaka, Nakan Anukunwathaka, Supalak Yooyod, Kesinee Imman. Perceptions of Caregivers about Preschool Children’s Nutritional Care and Physical Activity through Tai Lue Traditions: A Qualitative Descriptive Study. PRIJNR [Internet]. 2022 Dec. 14 [cited 2024 Oct. 6];27(1):138-53. Available from: https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/PRIJNR/article/view/260338

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