Opinions of Parents, Teachers and School Board Members Regarding Healthy Eating: A Qualitative Investigation of Lay Thai People’s Perspectives
Kanyarat Korwanich DDS, MSc*, Aubrey Sheiham BDS, PhD, DHC**, Wichit Srisuphan RN, MPH, DrPH***, Patcharawan Srisilapanan DDS, MS, PhD*
Affiliation : * Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand ** Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom *** Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Background : The prevalence of overweight, obesity, and dental caries is increasing in Thai preschool children.
Parents and teachers influence the diet of young children.
Objective : To inform on, and be aware of what foods and drinks the children have consumed.
Materials and Methods : The present qualitative study investigated attitudes and practices among parents,
school board members and teachers regarding preschool children’s eating behaviors and regarding factors
influencing children to purchase snacks and beverages. One hundred and fifty five persons took part in 14
focus group discussions.
Results : Regarding healthy eating in school, the participants were concerned only with the nutritional
aspects of healthy eating and the specific foods eaten by the children. Factors influencing children’s food
choices included children’s classmates, social factors, socioeconomic status, advertising, packaging, and
marketing techniques.
Conclusion : These results made parents, teachers, and school board members realize that their children faced
problems regarding their diet and health, and need to seek out their own strategies about how to promote
healthy eating among preschool children.
Keywords : Healthy eating, Preschool children, Qualitative, Thailand
