The Effects of Life Skills Development Program Using Peer Coaching on Nutritional Status Among School-age Children (6-12 years) in Phon Mueang Noi Subdistrict, Hua Taphan District, Amnat Charoen Province

Abstract

          The two-group quasi-experimental research aimed to study the effect of a life skills development program using peer coaching on nutritional status among school-age children (6–12 years old) with nutritional problems.The sample size was calculated by the two-independent mean comparison formula as 27 people per group using cluster random sampling. The experimental group was provided with the programme of knowledge, advice, and activities to solve malnutrition problems with support from family, friends, and teachers. The comparison group received regular services. Data were collected using questionnaires for children, parents, and a checklist from the diary, with reliability values of 0.72, 0.81, and 0.90, respectively. The data were analysed by descriptive statistics and inferential statistics by an Independent-Samples T-Test. Test the normal distribution by using the Kolmogorov – Smirnov Test, Unnormal distribution, use statistics. Mann-Whitney U test.

          The results showed that the sample groups had a 100 percent retention rate with an average age of 9 years, and the amount of money they received from parents ranged from 30 to 60 baht per day. Most of the parents were farmers, and they had an average income of 7,000–14,000 baht per month. Most children are undernourished. After the experiment, both children’s and parents’ attitudes towards malnutrition were significantly more positive in the experimental group than in the comparison group (p.001). Dietary intake and physical activity were the same (p<.001). Meanwhile, body proportions including weight and waistline (chest, arm, and leg) were significantly lower in the experimental group than the comparison group (p=0.040, p=0.015, p.<001, and p<.001), respectively. Therefore, solving nutritional issues in school-aged children through life skills-based activities based on social capital and social support, resulting in an improved nutritional status, should be studied on a larger scale.