Early Childhood Growth and Development in Thailand, 2007

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the prevalence of growth and development of children under five years old at a national level. The national study sample included 1,548 children selected by stratified three-stage sampling in eight provinces. Tools for assessment of development was Denver II screening test which was modified into Thai language to evaluate gross motor behavior, fine motor and adaptive behavior, language behavior and personal behavior. Weight and height of the children was measured by trained health staffs. The study findings showed that the prevalence of normal development was 67.7% while the suspected delay was 32.3%. For the growth of children, it was found that 73.1 % had a normal weight for their age, 71.1 % a normal height for their age and 70.4 % a normal weight for their height. The maternal average age was 30.3 years, paternal average age 33.3 years, children birth average weight 3,048 grams and first birth order  of 49.9%. Factors significantly related to normal development were paternal age, maternal education, birth weight and delivery order of children.  In conclusion, in 2007, the prevalence of children under age five for normal development was 67.7% while the suspected delay was 32.3%. For growth of children under five, it was found that 73.1% had a normal weight for their age, 71.1% a normal height for age, and 70.4% a normal weight for their height.