Factors for poor follow-up in early intervention programme for children with developmental delay: A comparative study

Abstract

Background: Estimates of services used by children with developmental delay and disability are quite limited. Research studies indicate that factors such as specific race, gender, poverty and nonavailability of health services and insurance are associated with lower rates of participation in early intervention services. Therefore, assessment of risk factors is considered nodal for nonparticipation in early intervention programmes. The aim of the present study was to compare the factors for poor follow-up in early intervention programme for children with developmental delay. Methods: Nine children aged 0-3 years with developmental delay attending early intervention programme and nine age-matched children irregular in this programme were included using purposive sampling technique. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were compared. Identifiable factors for poor follow-up were assessed and compared between both groups. Results: We found significantly higher rates of poor follow-up in children who belonged to lower socioeconomic classes. Moreover, misconception about delay in development and medical morbidity of child were other reasons for poor follow-ups. Interestingly, we also found delay in the use of hand by the child to be a reason for poor follow-up. Conclusion: We conclude that some factors responsible for poor follow-ups must be addressed at the beginning of enrollment in early intervention programmes in order to sustain them for long, thereby getting benefits out of it.