Quality time in family of junior high school students in Bangkok Metropolitan’s schools.

Abstract

Background : Quality family time (QT), the productive time spent among family members, is important for family relationship. However, there have been no quantitative studies about quality family time in Thailand.

Objective : To study QT and identify related factors with QT in adolescent students.

Methods : This study was conducted from Novembers to December 2014. Data from 348 junior high school students were collected. The participants completed two questionnaires regarding their socio-demographic characteristics and Quality Family Time Assessment. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate demographic characteristics. Chi-square test and Crude Odd Ratio (95%CI) were used with an alpha level of 0.05 to examine the association from each variable to QT. Then, the multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze how each variable predict the occurrence of low QT.

Results : Of the total 348 students, 59 (16.9%),170 (48.9%), and 119 (34.2%) had poorer, moderate and higher QT respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the statistically significant factors that predict the occurrence of low QT were of low grade point average (GPA) and having divorced or separated parents.

Conclusion : Most students in junior high school of Bangkok Metropolitan have moderate and high QT scores. Since students with divorced or separated parents had lower QT than those with parents who were living together. We, therefore, should encourage single parents to provide more quality moments in their families. Also, social supports are needed to help single parents to allocate quality time for their children.