Physical Activity Promotion for Early Childhoods in Thailand: A Case Study in Five Regions

Abstract

Physical activity promotion for early childhoods is critical for brain, physical, emotional, and social development in the first 6-year of life. To date, patterns of physical activity promotion for early childhoods in various contexts in Thailand is limited. This study aimed to explore patterns of physical activity promotion for early childhoods in 5 regions by purposive sampling from physical activity promotion for early childhoods network of Division of Physical Activity and Health. The scope of samples were 25 childhood development centers and 23 households in urban and rural areas. Direct observations, in-depth interviews, and document reviews were applied. The study revealed that all childhood development centers had 4 common patterns of physical activity promotion; 1) 6 educational core activities, 2) life skill activities, 3) self-discipline skill activities, and 4) special activities, with variations of activities and environments according to contexts. Rural childhood development centers tended to hold activities in fields or outdoor. In the other hand, urban childhood development centers tended to hold activities indoor with commercial instructional medias and toys. 3 common patterns of physical activity promotion in households were identified; 1) play activities, 2) life skill activities, and 3) outdoor activities. Variety of toys and community resources were used in household physical activity promotion. All relevant agencies should develop physical activity promotion policy for early childhoods by using the patterns of physical activity promotion from the study and adapt it with contexts to promote early childhoods physical activity.