Developmental risks in vulnerable children from a low-income South African community

Abstract

OBJECTIVE : To describe the developmental risks, and its influence, in young children from a low-income South African community. METHOD : An exploratory, cross-sectional research study design was employed. Developmental screening was conducted during home visits with 126 caregivers and children between 0 and 42 months of age from a low-income South African community. Children who failed the rescreen were referred for diagnostic assessment. A binomial logistic regression was used to determine the effect of developmental risks on developmental outcomes. RESULTS : Seventy-three percent of children screened were identified with a possible developmental delay (n = 59) according to caregiver-report using the PEDS tools. The regression model was statistically significant (χ2 (3) = 34.902, p < 0.001) with exposure to multiple languages (p < 0.05; odds ratio 3.810, CI 1.2–12.4) most indicative of potential developmental delay. Older children (19–42 months) were also more at risk of developmental delay (p < 0.001) than younger children (0–18 months). CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE : Healthcare professionals serving these vulnerable populations should create awareness amongst caregivers about the effect of developmental risks, in particularly multiple language exposure, on development.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT : Children in low- and middle-income countries are exposed to risks, which have a cumulative effect on their development. Developmental risks in children from low-income South African communities and its effect on development is, however, unclear. This study aims to describe the developmental risks, and its effect on child development, in young children from a low-income South African community. Developmental screening using the PEDS tools identified a high prevalence of possible developmental delays. Multiple language exposure and child age are predictive risks of developmental delays.