Effects of an Information-motivation-behavioral Skills Program on Grandparents' Behaviors to Promote Child Development among Young Children

Abstract

Background: Grandparents aiming to efficiently promote child development must first acquire the necessary knowledge, motivation, and skills. This study sought to examine the effects of an information-motivation-behavioral skills program on grandparents' promotion of child development among young children. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study includes a sample of grandparents who serve as the primary caregivers of children aged 2-4 years at the child development center in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand, which was conducted in 2023. Six child development centers were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (three centers each), with 37 participants per group. The experimental group participated in a four-week program, while the control group received routine care from their centers. Data were collected using a questionnaire on child development promotion behaviors. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to analyze the data. Results: The mean (SD) of grandparents' behaviors to promote child development after the experiment in the experimental group, 58.49 (3.81), was higher than those of the control group, 47.73 (7.31), with statistical significance (t 54 = -7.94, p < 0.001). Additionally, the experimental group's scores in child development promotion behaviors after participating in the program were statistically significantly higher than before they underwent the program (z = -5.12, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study effectively encouraged grandparents to adopt appropriate behaviors that promote child development. Future studies should investigate the sustainability of grandparents' behaviors in promoting child development after program completion to inform reminder strategies and maintain behavioral efficiency.