FACTORS RELATED TO NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN MAE LONG SUBDISTRICT OMKOI DISTRICT CHIANG MAI PROVINCE

Abstract

This study is a descriptive correlational research aimed at investigating the nutritional status of preschool children and identifying factors associated with their nutrition in Mae Long Sub-district, Omkoi District, Chiang Mai Province. Data were collected using questionnaires from a sample of 114 participants. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while the relationships between variables were examined using inferential statistics, specifically the Chi-square test.

The findings revealed that the majority of preschool children had a normal nutritional status 56.10%, followed by those exceeding the nutritional criteria 27.20%. Regarding personal factors, parental age was significantly associated with the children's nutritional status at a statistical significance level of P < 0.01.

Regarding parental factors, the overall levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice concerning nutritional care were rated as "very good" (mean =  12.72, S.D. = 1.33), "good" (mean = 3.10, S.D. = 0.22), and "good" (mean = 2.92, S.D. = 0.22), respectively. However, these three factors did not show a statistically significant correlation with the nutritional status of the children P < 0.01. The research further indicated that parents aged 30 and above managed their children's nutrition more effectively than those under 30. Therefore, the study suggests that correct childcare practices should be promoted, and pregnancy awareness should be raised among adolescent parents in the area. Furthermore, continuous nutritional education should be provided to the local community. These findings should serve as a guideline for relevant agencies and organizations to plan future health promotion strategies for preschool children in the region.