Experiences of Children with Chronic Illnesses and Their Families in Song-Based Play Activities

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the experiences of children with chronic illnesses and their families participating in song-based play and its contribution to children's social development. A mixed-methods approach was employed with three groups of participants: healthcare and cultural experts, children with chronic illnesses undergoing chemotherapy and their parents or caregivers, and healthcare personnel and activity facilitators. The study was conducted in the pediatric unit of Srinagarind Hospital during the 2021–2022 academic years. Data were collected through unstructured interviews, structured observations, focus group discussions, and documentary research and were analyzed using thematic content analysis.

            The findings revealed four major dimensions of experience: physical, emotional, social, and cognitive. Physical participation was influenced by children's health conditions and medical equipment, requiring activities to be adapted to individual abilities. Emotionally, children generally progressed from initial reluctance or anxiety toward greater relaxation, enjoyment, and engagement. Socially, song-based play provided opportunities for communication, cooperation, sharing, turn-taking, role-playing, and relationship building with family members and others in the pediatric ward. Cognitively, children demonstrated memory, communication, imagination, creativity, and problem-solving through repeated participation. Family members and activity facilitators played an important role in supporting participation and adapting activities to children's physical limitations.

The study suggests that culturally familiar song-based play can provide meaningful opportunities for children with chronic illnesses to engage in social interaction and developmentally appropriate activities during hospitalization. Flexible adaptation to children's health conditions and family participation are important components of its implementation.