Factors Associated with Development of Preschool Children Aged 3-5 Years During the COVID 19 Pandemic in Thoen District, Lampang Province

Abstract

This research aims to determine the prevalence of developmental delays and to explore the relationships between various factors related to the child characteristic, the mother, the primary caregiver, as well as environmental and social factors, and the development of preschool children during the COVID-19 pandemic in the area of Thoen District, Lampang Province. Data were collected between August to December 2023. The sample consisted of 275 children aged 3-5 years and their caregivers who attended a developmental screening clinic. The research instrument was a questionnaire, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binomial logistic regression at a significance level of 5%. The findings revealed that 33.82% of the children showed suspected developmental delays. The analysis of factors related to child development indicated that male children (AOR=2.11, 95%CI=1.08-4.10), underweight (AOR=0.67, 95%CI=0.67-2.72) and overweight or obese (AOR=0.30, 95%CI=0.86-1.05), not iron supplement syrup (AOR=0.17, 95%CI=0.07-0.41), born at term (AOR=2.51, 95%CI=1.21-5.24), use electronic media (AOR=0.18, 95%CI=0.05-0.73), primary caregivers aged 36-49 years (AOR=0.66, 95%CI=0.14-2.51) and aged 50 years and above (AOR=2.72, 95%CI=0.05-14.67) and primary caregivers received low to moderate levels of environmental and social (AOR=2.00, 95%CI=1.04-3.87). Based on these findings, primary caregivers should promote the development of preschool children. It is essential to ensure that children receive nutritious food. Regular consumption of iron supplement syrup should be encouraged, along with educating primary caregivers on the appropriate use of electronic media. Relevant local agencies should actively and promote child development and support quality prenatal care to prevent premature births.