Factors Influencing Behavior in Upbringing of Infants (from 0 to 1 Year 6 Months of Age) in Caregivers at Well Baby Clinic, Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital

Abstract

          Nowadays, few studies of the infant upbringing behavior of caregivers were published. Aim: To study the factors influencing behavior in upbringing of infants in caregivers at Well baby clinic, Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital which will be the new data or guideline for promoting the child health. Participants & Methods: This survey research was conducted in the infants (newborn to 1 year 6 months) caregivers at Well Baby Clinic, Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital in Fiscal year 2009. The simple random sampling was used to collect the participants to respond to the questionnaires including the attitudes, the beliefs and the behavior of infant-caring. The data were analyzed. Results: Two hundred and ninety-seven persons were enrolled in 7 month-duration. Most of caregivers were mother 78.5%, their age 25-35 years was 45.8%, infants age 1-6 months were 73.7%, residence in Nakhon Ratchasima province and out of municipality 72.7%, marriage 95.3%, under graduate education 66.3%, jobless 38.7%, average family income <10,000 baht per month 60.7%, only one child 52.2%. Average overall correct attitudes, beliefs, obtained knowledge of infant caring and infant upbringing behavior of caregivers were 3.2+1.1 (moderate), 2.5+0.8 (low), 3.0+0.6 (moderate) and 3.2+0.7 (moderate), respectively. Relationship between caregiver and infants, their age, education, occupation, monthly family income, number of sibling had effect to the attitude, beliefs and the obtained knowledge in infant caring. The characteristics of caregivers had not affected to the overall infant upbringing behaviors of caregivers and no factors that influenced the overall infant upbringing behavior of caregivers (r0.048, p.405). Conclusion: No associated factors that influenced the overall infant upbringing behaviors of caregivers at well baby clinic, Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital.