Development of the Competencies of Village Health Volunteers for Surveillance and Promotion of Early Childhood Development

Abstract

This research aimed to develop the competencies of village health volunteers in the surveillance and promotion of early childhood development. An action research approach was employed, utilizing the following data collection tools: a general information interview form for village health volunteers, a knowledge assessment questionnaire on surveillance and promotion of child development, and an observation checklist on surveillance and promotion of child development. The sample group was purposively selected, consisting of 100 village health volunteers residing in the research community. All participants were able to communicate in and understand Thai and voluntarily agreed to participate in the study. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation.

The findings revealed that before the training, the participants’ knowledge was at a

moderate level (97%) (𝑥̄ = 10.03, S.D. = 1.48, Min = 6, Max = 16). Howerver, after the training, their knowledge significantly improved to a high level (99%) (𝑥̄ = 15.41, S.D. = 1.71, Min = 12, Max = 20). Similarly, their skills in assessing child development increased. Before the training, most of them demonstrated the lowest level of skills in assessing and promoting child development (92%). After the training, these skills improved to a high level (99%). Therefore, developing the knowledge and skills of village health volunteers through the training, integrating both theoretical and practical instruction along with hands-on experience in assessing child development within the community can help build their confidence in applying this knowledge in real-world situations