Development of a 4D-Based Health Preparedness Model for Pre-school Child Development Centers under the National Early Childhood Development Center Standard: A Case Study of Romklao Community, Lat Krabang District, Bangkok

Abstract

   This action research aimed to develop and evaluate a 4D-Based Health Preparedness Model for Pre-school Child Development Centers under the National Early Childhood Development Center Standard: A Case Study of Romklao Community, Lat Krabang District, Bangkok. The study was conducted through two action research cycles. The first cycle involved 30 participants, including preschool childcare teachers, community leaders, public health personnel, village health volunteers, and parents. The second cycle involved 30 preschool childcare teachers. Each comprising four phases: (1) planning, (2) implementation, (3) observation and evaluation, and (4) reflection. The research was carried out from September 2023 to February 2024. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.The effectiveness of the developed model was evaluated by comparing the mean knowledge scores of caregivers before implementation, one week after implementation, and at a 12-week follow-up using a paired t-test. The results indicated that the first cycle generated a preliminary model, which was further refined during the second cycle. The final 4D-Based Health Preparedness Model comprised five key steps: (1) situational and contextual analysis, (2) operational assessment, (3) capacity building for caregivers in 4D-based health preparedness, (4) caregiver knowledge assessment, and (5) monitoring and evaluation. The findings showed that the mean knowledge scores one week after implementation were significantly higher than those prior to implementation (p < .001). No statistically significant difference was found between the scores at one-week post-implementation and those at the 12-week follow-up, indicating sustained knowledge retention. Furthermore, the model was successfully integrated into routine center activities and demonstrated a positive trend in strengthening health preparedness practices. In conclusion, the 4D-Based Health Preparedness Model effectively enhanced caregivers’ knowledge and demonstrated practical applicability in promoting health preparedness in pre-school child development centers in accordance with the National Early Childhood Development Center Standard.