Improving parenting skill through the strong families program in Thailand

Area of Science:

• Family Studies
• Child Development
• Public Health Interventions

Background:

• The Strong Families program has a proven track record in low- and middle-income countries.
• Thailand is initiating exploration of the Strong Families program's potential.
• This study assesses the program's initial implementation in Thailand.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of the Strong Families program in Thailand.
• To determine the indicative effects of the program on families and children.
• To assess the adaptability of the program to the Thai context.

Main Methods:

• A pilot project was conducted in three Thai provinces (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son).
• Qualitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews with trainers and caregivers.
• Quantitative data included pre- and post-training assessments using SDQ, PAFAS, and PMK-CYRM-R tools.

Main Results:

• Preliminary assessments showed significant improvements in family dynamics and child resilience.
• Trainers found the program easy to implement, enhancing family relationships.
• Challenges included language barriers and adapting activities for different age groups and cultural norms.

Conclusions:

• The pilot project confirmed the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the Strong Families program in Thailand.
• The program demonstrates significant potential for scalability and future expansion.
• Adaptations were successfully made to align with local cultural practices.