The socioeconomic and biological risk factors for developmental delay in early childhood

Abstract

Socioeconomic risk factors were observed to be as important as biological risk factors in the development of children aged 3 months-5 years.

Association between family poverty and the neuropsychomotor development of children in the administrative districts of Belém

“…The results of this study are consistent with previous research using the Denver II (9,11,12,29,30,31). These studies show an association between predictors of poverty or socioeconomic status of the family and the acquisition of neurodevelopmental milestones, especially language.…”

Risk factor assessment to anticipate performance in the National Developmental Screening Test in children from a disadvantaged area

“…Both tendencies have been reported several times. 7,27,28 Maternal age was identified as a RF only in the multivariate approach due to characteristics specific to the logistic regression model and its less restrictive condition, in statistical terms, to incorporate possible explanatory outcome measures (a value of p < 0.10 was used).…”

Recommendations on screening for developmental delay

“…Although the causes of many developmental delays are unknown, factors such as low birth weight, premature birth, birth complications, congenital infections, serious maternal illness during pregnancy, certain inherited conditions, exposure to toxins and family history of developmental delay may increase the risk. 1,[3][4][5][6][7] Clinicians should perform developmental surveillance on an ongoing basis and consider the possibility of developmental delay in children with signs that may suggest a delay in a developmental domain, as well as in those whose parents, caregivers or clinicians have concerns about development and those with important risk factors. Clinicians should remain alert for any social, economic or environmental factors (such as lower maternal education level, mental illness, neglect or maltreatment, poverty and English as a second language) that might reduce the likelihood of parents to raise concerns about their child's development.…”

“…Clinicians should remain alert for any social, economic or environmental factors (such as lower maternal education level, mental illness, neglect or maltreatment, poverty and English as a second language) that might reduce the likelihood of parents to raise concerns about their child's development. 1,[3][4][5][6][7] Among children in whom developmental delay is suspected, clinicians should consider further assessment (or specialist evaluation) as clinically indicated. A recommendation against population-based screening for developmental delay should facilitate these objectives by reducing potentially unnecessary referrals to specialists and increasing access to specialized services for children who have clinically evident developmental delay.…”

“…2,3 Many factors are associated with increased risk of developmental delay, including poor maternal health during pregnancy, birth complications, infections, genetic characteristics, exposure to toxins, trauma, maltreatment and possibly low socioeconomic status. 1,[3][4][5][6][7] There is considerable interest in the possibility that early identification and intervention may improve health outcomes among children with developmental delay. 1,8,9 Population-based screening of all preschool children has been proposed to facilitate early identification and treatment.…”