Developmental outcomes of children from an urban middle-income South African setting

Abstract

Introduction: A population especially overlooked in early childhood development research is the ‘missing-middle’, predominantly represented by middle-income, urban populations. Research typically focuses on populations that are either from lower- or upper socioeconomic classes. Insight into the risks, protective factors, and developmental outcomes of children from middle-income populations is needed to guide the implementation and customisation of early intervention policies and services. Aim: The study aimed to describe the developmental outcomes of young children aged six to 24 months from an urban, middle-income setting in South Africa using a descriptive correlational research design. Method: The Vineland-3 was used to describe the developmental outcomes of 55 children between six to 24 months, from an urban, middle-income setting in South Africa. The mHealth PEDS was used to identify caregivers’ concerns regarding their children’s development. Results: Caregivers’ concerns were positively associated (φ = 0.355; p = .024) with their children’s overall developmental outcomes, emphasising their valuable contribution in early identification of developmental delays. Fifteen percent (n = 8) of participants’ children presented with developmental delays, with low birth weight identified as a significant developmental risk (p = .011). Within this sample population, higher maternal education was identified as a significant protective factor (p = 0.16). Conclusion: Developmental delays, risks, strengths and protective factors exist within an urban, middle-income South African setting. Early childhood development can be promoted in all income settings by using baby wellness clinics as a point of access to identify children at risk for developmental delays through caregiver-led developmental screening. Prioritising early childhood development across different socioeconomic classes will help ensure that all children reach their full developmental potential.