simplified method of developmental assessment of infants and preschool children and some associated findings

ABSTRACT

This study aimed at the construction of a modified simple developmental screening test, and the determination of some risk factors for developmental delay using this test. Many developmental screening tests were revised, and the modified test was constructed containing the four areas of development gross motor, fine motor-adaptive, personal social, and language. According to this test, the child is assessed 4 times in the first year of life [every 3 months], 2 times in the second year [every 6 months], and once a year afterwards. The test was applied upon 220 children who attended the well-baby clinics in 4 MCH centers in Alexandria within 2 weeks. Out of those children, 7.7% were classified by the test as developmentally delayed in gross motor. 12.7% in fine motor. 7.7% in social and 14.5% in language development. Parents of all children were interviewed by a questionnaire including some risk factors for developmental delay. Relative risk was estimated using the odds ratio for statistical determination of risk factors. Hospitalization was a significant risk factor for delay in all areas of development. Frequent attacks of cough and diarrhea were risk factors for delay in social and language development. Close child spacing was a risk factor for delay in gross motor development, while consanguinity of parents was a risk factor for delay in social development. The use of this modified test in the assessment of children in MCH centers was recommended