Islamic-based Child Rearing Behavior of Thai Muslim Families in Three Southern Border Provinces of Thailand

Abstract

Objective This study was conducted using quantitative research method.  It aims to study the levels of child rearing behavior based on Islamic principle of Thai Muslim families in the three southern border provinces.

Methodology It was conducted using quantitative research method.  Respondents were 400 Thai Muslim families in three southern border provinces.  Of these either father or mother was chosen to represent the respective family. Self-constructed questionnaires were used to collect the data through which 100 percent of response rate reported. Data analysis was based on descriptive statistics i.e., percentage, arithmetic means and standard deviation.

Research findings The results of the research showed that the level of child rearing behavior through Islamic principles as a whole is at a high level. When  considered one  by one,  it  was found that  using  the  social  behavior  is  at  the    highest  level ( = 4.52, S.D = .645), followed by ethics   ( = 4.52, S.D = .710) and the least was health. And intellect and language ( = 4.28, S.D = .842 and .806 respectively)

Applications Public health agencies should use these findings to develop a training course on how to promote physical, intellectual and language development of children for parents or child caretaker in collaboration with educational institutes and mosques to integrate knowledge with Islamic principles, thus constructing comprehensive knowledge consistent with Muslim way of life. Rather, following up through home visits by nurses, public health academy or a trained CMO is advisable. Local government organizations should also use these findings to formulate projects and to allocate budgets for training on child rearing according to Islamic principles to cover 8 dimensions of development with special focus given to people lacking of knowledge and understanding as well as those with low level of child rearing performance.