Maternal behavior as a risk factor for growth and development retardation in infant and toddlers up to 18 months

Abstract

Background: early 18 months of life characterized by the most rapid growth and development and mainly affected by mother behavior and traits Objectives: to promote child development to improve the quality of life for our children in the future through assessment of child development in the first eighteen months of life, to identify factors affecting early childhood development. Subjects and Methods: cross section study takes infant from birth to 18 month, attending Family Unit at Kafr Mohamed Ismail, Fakous, Sharkia governorate. Sample size 140 infant, using structured growth and development sheet and structured mother’s interview. Result: The study found that male children retardation were 13.2%and female children retardation were 15.3%, artificially feed children were 100% retarded , low social class children were 100% retarded, children of illiterate mother 100% were retarded , Breast feeding, rapid response to child needs when crying, stimulating activities during feeding the child and giving different types of toys are factors having good impact on child development with significant difference. Conclusion: Program for early detection of developmental delay through screening of children attending PHC and family medicine units are important to assess development risk factor and Maternal stimulation for promoting early child development through better attachment and communication with infants.