Prevalence and Factors Associated with Developmental Delays among Preschool Children in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Developmental delays (DDs) are increasing in prevalence and necessitate routine screening of young children for early recognition and management. Objective(s): To estimate the prevalence of DDs among pre-school children and determine the risk factors associatedwith DDs in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved a total of 948 children at the ages 36, 48, and 60 months. Data were collected using a modified Arabic version of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (ASQ-3) to assess five domains of development (Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Language and Communi­cation, Problem-Solving and Adaptive Behav­ior, and Personal and Social Performance). Parents’ characteristics and risk factors related to DDs were included. The p-value was set at 0.05. Results: Overall prevalence of children with DDs was 16.4%. The most prevailing DDs were the communication, problem solving, and personal/social skills (5.6%, 5.5% & 4.6% respectively). Lower rates of DDs were identified for fine motor, and gross motor milestones (1.9%, and 1.5% respectively). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that artificial/complementary feeding before 6 months of age, narrow spacing between children (3),and lower level of maternal education were the most determining risk factors associated with DDs (OR=3.378; p=0.001, OR=2.554, p=0.018, OR=2.451; p=0.004, OR=2.074; p=0.037, and OR=1.832; p=0.016, respectively). Conclusion: The study recognized a high prevalence of DDs especially for communication, problem solving, and personal/social skills. It spotted a number of modifiable risk factors, and recommended early screening of preschool children for prompt recognition and timely intervention.