The importance of early detection of child neurodevelopment in primary care in Colombia

Abstract

IntroductionThe systematic assessment of child development for the first 30 months of age is essential in the monitoring of health outcomes; this requires to have a structured protocol to systematically observe the milestones that have to be achieved at each stage of child development, and prevent deficiencies related to risk factors, reduce and prevent special needs arising from a deficit of the neurodevelopment.ObjectiveDescribe the results of the evaluation of early detection of neurodevelopment problems in subjects from 0–30 months of age who assist to child developmental centers in municipalities located in the Colombian Caribbean region; the main need for intervention was characterized with different neurodevelopment problems.MethodsA cross-sectional study was developed. Childs from 0–30 months of age who attended to the child development centers were tested. Exclusion criteria were not stipulated. The ASQ-3 and a demographic survey (Graffar's survey) were administrated, in order to correlate the social level and the overall results.ResultsThe study included 750 boy/girl. The maturational development for each age group was determined, an analysis of each neurodevelopment area was conducted and the results were correlated with the demographic survey.ConclusionsHigh levels of suspicion of possible neurodevelopment problems and the referral to diagnostic evaluation were observed for access to appropriate treatments. Early detection is highlighted as a tool in primary care that optimizes health sector resources and act in the appropriate periods of plasticity of child development.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.