A Prospective Observational Cross-Sectional Study on Developmental Delay and Associated Socioeconomic, Demographic and Clinical Factors among Apparently Neurologically Normal Children Aged 2 Months to 36 Months in Eastern India

INTRODUCTION: Prevalence estimates for developmental delay are scarce for eastern India. The main objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of developmental delay amongst apparently neurologically normal children admitted to the general paediatrics ward. We also aimed to ascertain associations between developmental delay and known or suspected precedents and risk factors for developmental delay.

METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional and observational study was conducted on in-patients in the general paediatrics ward. A pretested and predesigned questionnaire was administered to the attendant on the day of the discharge. Information was gathered regarding patients’ demographics, parent’s socio-economic and educational status, relevant history that is known or suspected to cause developmental delay. Achievement of developmental milestones was assessed as per the Trivandrum Development Screening Chart (TDSC) for 0-3 years. Chi-square tests were done and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULT: The prevalence of developmental delay was 23.13% amongst 134 children. Developmental delay had a significant association with child’s age (p-value:0.0007), preterm delivery (p-value:0.0012), histories of birth asphyxia (p-value:0.0066) and neonatal seizure (p-value:0.0093).

CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of apparently normal children have developmental delay. Measures to detect these cases can help to institute early intervention and prevent long-term sequelae.