Development of strategies for promoting early childhood development by elderly village health volunteers

Abstract

This mixed-methods study aimed to develop strategies for promoting early childhood development (ECD) by elderly Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) in Phetchaburi Province, Thailand. The study addressed limited evidence on how elderly VHVs can practically support ECD through intergenerational community-based work. Pender’s Health Promotion Model explained elderly VHVs’ participation in ECD promotion, while Giddens’ Structuration Theory explained structural and social conditions affecting community-based practice. Quantitative data were collected from 400 elderly VHVs and analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Qualitative data were obtained from 30 key informants through in-depth interviews and analyzed using content analysis until data saturation was reached. The quantitative findings showed that elderly VHVs had a moderate overall level of readiness for ECD promotion (mean = 3.03, SD = 0.48). Their main strengths were willingness to participate, awareness of child development, and pride in community contribution, whereas their main limitations included physical constraints, limited ECD skills, weak peer-learning mechanisms, and low digital communication access. Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated that past ECD promotion activities (r = .505), formal training (r = .468), and direct childcare experience (r = .425) were significantly associated with the ECD promotion situation (p < .01). Qualitative findings confirmed the need for practical manuals, mentoring, safe activity spaces, digital support, and social recognition. The study produced six strategies: defining common goals, disseminating positive attitudes, developing practices and intergenerational interaction, delivering empowerment and digital resources, determining standards and procedures, and dignifying social recognition and values. At the policy level, these strategies can be integrated into local quality-of-life development plans, DSPM-based child development surveillance systems, and local budget allocation. At the community level, they provide an operational model for co-creating child-development activities, referral pathways, community mentor systems, and age-friendly volunteer roles.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

HIGHLIGHTS

• Developed the 6-D Strategy to strengthen elderly VHVs’ capacity in ECD promotion.
• Identified past ECD activities, formal training, and childcare experience as key associated factors.
• Integrated digital support and intergenerational activities to address operational barriers.
• Proposed multisectoral collaboration among public health agencies, local authorities, universities, families, and community networks.