Guidelines for Enhancing the Growth Potential of Thai Children in Bangkok Metropolitan Areas

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: 1) To study the level of height potential development among Thai children in Bangkok, including family support, government policy, basic physical activities, and long-term genetic enhancement.  2) To examine the causal factors of family support, government policy, basic physical activities, and long-term genetic enhancement influencing the development of height potential among Thai children in Bangkok.  3) To propose guidelines for developing the height potential of Thai children in Bangkok. This study employed a mixed-methods research design, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative sample consisted of 400 parents or guardians aged 35–59 years who had children or grandchildren residing in Bangkok. The sample size was determined using the criterion of 20 times the number of observed variables. Stratified random sampling was applied. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). For the qualitative component, data were collected through in-depth interviews with 17 key informants, including government officials responsible for public policy, experts in nutrition and physical development, sports science specialists, and physical therapy experts. The qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The research findings revealed that:  1) The development of height potential among Thai children in Bangkok, including basic physical activities, long-term genetic enhancement, family support, and government policy, was perceived at the highest level. 2) All factors influence the development of height potential among Thai children in Bangkok, which can be ranked as long-term genetic enhancement, government policy, family support, and basic physical activities. 3) The proposed guidelines for developing height potential among Thai children in Bangkok were presented in a diagrammatic model, with long-term genetic enhancement as the foundational driving factor at the base, followed by government policy and family support at the intermediate level, and basic physical activities at the upper level. Furthermore, the development of height potential among Thai children in Bangkok should also result in graceful physical posture, an increase in the number of athletes, improved career opportunities, and enhanced physical and mental well-being. The findings of this study are beneficial to government agencies, as they can serve as guidelines for promoting and developing relevant public organizations. The results can support policy formulation, budget allocation, and concrete activity support aimed at enhancing height development among Thai children. Ultimately, this will generate positive impacts on society and contribute to the overall development of Thailand.