Assessment and management capacities for the child health screening and intervention initiative in Visakhapatnam, India

Abstract

Background: Early detection and early intervention of diseases can significantly improve child quality of life. The most often a diagnosis of Developmental Delay (DDs) made by a doctor based on strict guidelines. The aim of present survey is to decide the commonness of the conditions screened and institutional facilities through the RBSK activity among the children going to the DEIC focus at Visakhapatnam, India. Methods: This observational study was conducted in Visakhapatnam, District Early Intervention Centre (DEIC) one of the north coastal district of India for one year period and 6572 children aged 2 months-18 years were taken in the study. Norms were developed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India to DEIC, according to the norms the pediatrician will examine the children who came to the center. Existing manpower analysis in the center was also done. Present study was done the multivariate logistic regression analysis were done to identify the predictors for DDs.Results: The examination of the 30 conditions screened under 4D's methodology, defects during childbirth were there in 255(3.88%), followed by deficiencies in 239 (3.63%) children, diseases during childhood were seen in 1277 (19.43%) children and disabilities and DDs were seen in 4801 (73.05%) children. From the diseases, dental caries were found in most elevated number of youngsters with 1219 (18.54%) cases. The mostly occurring DDs are language delay 941(14.31%) children had imperfections of these were observed. On analysis of deficiencies, most extreme number of 236 (3.59%) children was found with serious intense unhealthiness of severe acute malnutrition. Among the defects at birth, congenital deafness was the most frequently screened stipulation found in 84 (1.27%) children. The post of medical officer, Psychologist and DEIC manager stayed empty all through the examination time frame. Conclusion: In the present study we have undiagnosed that many curable diseases in children are not identified at all in a timely manner. Early intervention services on children's health are very useful and in future these services are extent for every individual child.