Outcome of early intervention in infants at risk of developmental delay: a pilot study.

ABSTRACT

Objectives To assess the outcome of a home based psychosocial intervention programme on facilitating development in infants at risk of developmental delay. Method Three groups of infants were involved. Group I comprised infants who suffered from adverse pregnancy and perinatal events and received psychosocial intervention. Group II comprised infants born during the same period with no similar risks and no intervention. Group III comprised infants who had adverse pregnancy and perinatal experiences but did not receive any intervention. Group 1 mothers were trained to carry out structured activities at home with the infant, adapted from the Portage Model. Outcome was measured at 12 months of age. The scores in 12 different skills in 5 developmental domains in the three sample groups were compared at the end of 12 months. Results Mean developmental scores in Groups (Gps) I (n=36), II (n=32) and III (n=9) were 10.00, 10.75 and 3.11 respectively. Independent sample t test showed no statistically significant difference in developmental scores at 12 months between Gps I and II (p=0.242, mean difference 0.750, 95% CI 2.019 to 0.519). Difference in developmental scores between Gps I & III was highly significant (p=0.000, mean difference 6.889, 95% CI 4.588 to 9.189). Conclusion Early intervention is effective and feasible in preventing developmental delay.