Developmental Delay In Children Research Articles

Prevalence of developmental delay and associated risk factors among At Risk Surveillance System (ARSS) children at United Bulawayo Hospitals, Zimbabwe

Globally, 8.4% of children under five years of age have developmental disorders, with sub-Saharan Africa having the highest prevalence. In Zimbabwe, the At Risk Surveillance System (ARSS) follows up on babies with known developmental risk factors for early detection of developmental delay. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of developmental delay in children under the ARSS at United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH). A descriptive cross-sectional study systematically sampled 160 babies enrolled in the ARSS between 2019 and 2020. The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Third Edition (BSID-III) tool was used to assess cognitive, motor, and language domains. Developmental delay risk factors were also noted from caregivers and patient files. A prevalence of 83.7% developmental delay was established in our sample, the majority of whom had mild developmental delay. The most important risk factors for developmental delay in all three domains were neonatal convulsions (Adjusted Odds Ratio, aOR, 5.6, p=0.03), Apgar scores of <5 (aOR 2.6, p=0.02), and being a boy (aOR 7.1, p<0.001). Developmental delay of 83.7% is higher than in previous findings because children included in this study had known risk factors for developmental delay. The risk factors were similar to those identified by other studies. Children with the most important risk factors need close monitoring as they have a high chance of developmental delay. Children with known risk factors should be closely monitored using the BSID-III, while the rest can be screened using cheaper and faster tools such as the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ).

False positive congenital cytomegalovirus saliva screening results with an FDA-approved assay at two institutions.

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a significant cause of childhood hearing loss and developmental delay. Congenital CMV screening was implemented at two large hospital-affiliated laboratories using the FDA-approved Alethia CMV Assay Test System. In July 2022, an increase in suspected false-positive results was noted, leading to implementation of prospective quality management strategies. The Alethia assay was performed per manufacturer-provided instructions on saliva swab specimens. After discovery of possible elevated false-positive rates, all positive results were confirmed by repeat Alethia testing on the same specimen, orthogonal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on the same specimen, and/or clinical adjudication. Additionally, root cause analyses were conducted to pinpoint the source of false-positive results. At Cleveland Clinic (CCF), 696 saliva specimens were tested after initiation of the prospective quality management strategy, of which 36 (5.2%) were positive for CMV. Five of 36 (13.9%) were confirmed CMV positive by repeat Alethia testing and orthogonal PCR. Vanderbilt Medical Center (VUMC) tested 145 specimens, of which 11 (7.6%) were positive. Two of 11 (18.2%) confirmed as positive by orthogonal PCR or clinical adjudication. The remaining specimens (31 from CCF and 9 from VUMC) were negative for CMV by repeat Alethia and/or orthogonal PCR testing. These findings suggest a false positive rate of 4.5-6.2%, higher than the 0.2% reported for this assay in FDA claims. Laboratories using Alethia CMV may consider prospective quality management to evaluate all positive results. False-positive results can lead to unnecessary follow-up care and testing, and decreased confidence in laboratory testing.

Identification and prediction model of placenta-brain axis genes associated with neurodevelopmental delay in moderate and late preterm children

BackgroundModerate and late preterm (MLPT) birth accounts for the vast majority of preterm births, which is a global public health problem. The association between MLPT and neurobehavioral developmental delays in children and the underlying biological mechanisms need to be further revealed. The “placenta-brain axis” (PBA) provides a new perspective for gene regulation and risk prediction of neurodevelopmental delays in MLPT children.MethodsThe authors performed multivariate logistic regression models between MLPT and children’s neurodevelopmental outcomes, using data from 129 MLPT infants and 3136 full-term controls from the Ma’anshan Birth Cohort (MABC). Furthermore, the authors identified the abnormally regulated PBA-related genes in MLPT placenta by bioinformatics analysis of RNA-seq data and RT-qPCR verification on independent samples. Finally, the authors established the prediction model of neurodevelopmental delay in children with MLPT using multiple machine learning models.ResultsThe authors found an increased risk of neurodevelopmental delay in children with MLPT at 6 months, 18 months, and 48 months, especially in boys. Further verification showed that APOE and CST3 genes were significantly correlated with the developmental levels of gross-motor domain, fine-motor domain, and personal social domain in 6-month-old male MLPT children.ConclusionsThese findings suggested that there was a sex-specific association between MLPT and neurodevelopmental delays. Moreover, APOE and CST3 were identified as placental biomarkers. The results provided guidance for the etiology investigation, risk prediction, and early intervention of neurodevelopmental delays in children with MLPT.

Maternal vitamin D deficiency in early pregnancy and perinatal and long-term outcomes

BackgroundVitamin D deficiency is common in pregnant women. Some studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to obstetric complications such as gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the potential impact of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy on both perinatal and long-term outcomes. MethodsIn this retrospective study, conducted between 2017 and 2021, we analyzed the data of 1079 singleton pregnant women with no medical or surgical complications prior to pregnancy. We evaluated obstetric and perinatal outcomes, as well as neurodevelopmental outcomes using Bayley-III tests, Gross Motor Function Measure, or chart review. ResultsThe maternal serum vitamin D level in the first trimester was 18.2 ± 9.0 ng/mL. Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was found in 308 (62.0%) women in the first trimester, of which 288 women (26.7%) were in the very deficient group (<10 ng/mL). There were no differences in maternal age, body mass index, and previous preterm birth between the group with vitamin D < 10 ng/mL and ≥10 ng/mL group. There were also no differences in the rates of gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth between the two groups, except for the rate of preterm birth before 37 weeks of gestation, which was significantly higher in the very deficient group (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] = 7.78, 95%CI [2.23–27.12], p = 0.001). In the very deficient group, the risk of developmental delay was also higher (aOR = 4.28, 95%CI [1.40–13.05], p = 0.011). ConclusionsThis is the first study to analyze the effects of maternal vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy on both long-term developmental outcomes and perinatal prognosis. Vitamin D deficiency, defined as a level lower than 10 ng/mL in the first trimester, may increase the risk of preterm birth and developmental delay in children.

Factors associated with cognitive and communication delay in children aged 0 to 3 years using the Battelle-Developmental Inventory, 2nd edition

Background The first years of life are crucial in cognitive and communication development. Delayed functional development impedes children’s future academic and occupational performance. Therefore, early detection is important for effective resolution in order to minimize further impairment.&#x0D; Objective To evaluate cognitive and communication developmental delay in children under 3 years of age in Jakarta using the Battelle Developmental Inventory, 2nd edition (BDI-2).&#x0D; Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jakarta in 2020, including children aged under 3 years of age without chronic medical conditions that hinder cognitive and speech function. We collected subjects’ demographic characteristics, evaluated their communication and cognitive development using the BDI-2, and analyzed for risk factors of delays.&#x0D; Results Of 121 children, 34 (28.1%) had cognitive delay and 21 (17.4%) had communication delay. Bivariate analysis revealed that male gender (P=0.048) and non-exclusive breastfeeding (P=0.003) were significantly associated with communication delay, while only male gender was associated with cognitive delay (P=0.015). Multivariate analysis revealed that significant risk factors for communication delay were male gender (P=0.043) and non-exclusive breastfeeding (P=0.023).&#x0D; Conclusion Male gender and non-exclusive breastfeeding are significant risk factors for delayed communication development, and only male gender was a significant risk factor for cognitive delay. Socioeconomic status, primary caregiver, and breastfeeding duration, were not found to be risk factors for delays.

Neurodevelopmental assessment of children with congenital heart diseases using Trivandrum developmental screening chart.

Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are one of the most important congenital anomalies in children which have high-risk for neurodevelopment delay. This study was conducted to determine the proportion of developmental delay in children with CHD and comparison of delay between acyanotic and cyanotic heart diseases in children. A cross-sectional study was conducted on children admitted in pediatric ward of rural hospital from 6 month to 6 years of age who are diagnosed with CHD by 2D ECHO and further classified into acyanotic congenital heart disease (ACHD) and cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD). Neurodevelopmental assessment was done using Trivandrum development screening chart (TDSC). Out of total 50 children in study population, 24 children had TDSC delay, distribution as 11 (22%) ACHD and 13 (26%) CCHD. Out of 24 children in the age group of 0-3 years, 13 (54.2%) were ACHD and 11 (45.8%) were CCHD. Out of 26 children in the age group of 3-6 years, 15 (57.7%) were ACHD and 11 (42.3%) were CCHD. Among different ACHD included in the study population (0-3 years) children with ventricular septal defect (VSD) were maximum (n = 5) next in the decreasing order was atrial septal defect (ASD) (n = 3). ACHD included in the study population (3-6 years) children with VSD was maximum (n = 6) next in the order was ASD (n = 4). Proportion of delay in children with ACHD was 22% as compared to 26% in children with CCHD. There is a high proportion of neurodevelopmental delay in children with CHD which can be detected using TDSC which is a simple screening tool and can be used by any health-care professional without training for the assessment of neurodevelopmental outcome in these children. Delay was more in children with CCHD than ACHD.

PEMERIKSAAN BERAT BADAN DAN TINGGI BADAN RUTIN SEBAGAI UPAYA OPTIMALISASI TUMBUH KEMBANG ANAK

In order to support the optimal growth and development of children, routine checks on a child's weight and weight are an important step in detecting potential problems or delays in a child's growth from an early age. This community service activity involved 20 participants consisting of students at TPA Al-Amiin aged 4-5 years. The objective of this activity is to conduct regular weight and height check-ups for the students at TPA Al-Amiin to monitor their growth and development.The community service method is carried out by providing routine weight and height check facilities every month at the Al-Amiin TPA. The participants were encouraged to take regular check-ups to monitor the growth of the children. In addition, an educative approach is also carried out through counseling to parents regarding the importance of examining growth and development and its benefits for children's development.The results of this community service show an increase in parental participation in routine checks on child growth and development at the Al-Amiin TPA. The number of participants in May was 20 children with the result that 18 children (90%) were in the normal growth and development category. With regular check-ups, potential problems or developmental delays in children can be detected earlier, so that appropriate interventions can be given to support optimal child development.In conclusion, routine checks on child growth and development at TPA Al-Amiin through community service can provide significant benefits in optimizing children's growth and development. With increased parental participation in examinations, children's development can be monitored regularly and interventions can be made early. These steps can serve as a model for similar institutions in increasing parental participation and optimizing the growth and development of children as a whole.

Concurrent validity of the ages and stages questionnaires with Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III at 2 years – Singapore cohort study

With increasing acceptance of universal developmental screening in primary care, it is essential to evaluate the local validity and psychometric properties of commonly used questionnaires like the parent-completed Ages and Stages Questionnaires, 3rd Edition (ASQ-3) in identifying developmental delays. The aim of this study is to assess the convergent validity of the ASQ-3 with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-3rd edition (Bayley-III) in identifying developmental delay in a low-risk term cohort in Singapore. ASQ-3 and Bayley-III data was collected prospectively with generation of ASQ-3 cut-off scores using three different criteria: 1-standard deviation (SD) (Criterion-I) or 2-SD (Criterion-II) below the mean, and using a Receiver Operator Curve (ROC) (Criterion-III). Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values were calculated. Correlations between the ASQ-3 and Bayley-III domains were evaluated using Pearson coefficients. With all three criteria across different domains ASQ-3 showed high specificity (72-99%) and NPV (69-98%), but lower sensitivity (19-74%) and PPV (11-59%). Criterion-I identified 11-21% of children as "at-risk of developmental delay," and was the most promising criterion measure, with high specificity (82-91%), NPV (69-74%) and overall agreement of 64-71%. Moderate-strong correlations were seen between ASQ-3 Communication and Bayley-III Language scales (r=0.44-0.59, p<0.01). The lowest sensitivities were seen in the motor domains. ASQ-3 is reliable in low-risk settings in identifying typically developing children not at risk of developmental delay, but it has modest sensitivity. Moderate-strong correlations seen in the communication domain are clinically important for early identification of language delay, which is one of the most prevalent areas of early childhood developmental delay.

Two new cases of brazilian boys presenting a Rett-like phenotype due to FOXG1: case report and literature review

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder usually affecting females. Most typical forms of RTT patients are hemizygous for pathogenic variants in MECP2. FOXG1 syndrome is a rare and severe neurodevelopmental disorder with a broad spectrum of clinical features which could be described as RTT-like. In this paper we describe two non related patients who presented with developmental delay, microcephaly and hyperkinetic movements. One of them had epilepsy. Diagnosis was made by exome analysis and highlights an uncommon differential diagnosis in developmental delay in children.

Associations of father absence and limited access to books and toys with early childhood development among children aged 0-6years in a rural county lifted out of poverty in China.

This study aimed to understand the early development and nurturing care environment of children aged 0-6years in rural China and to evaluate the sex- and age-specific associations of nurturing care environment with child developmental outcomes. A cross-sectional survey involving 2078 children aged 0-6years was conducted using a stratified cluster sampling strategy. We used face-to-face interviews to collect information on child, family and nurturing care. The Ages & Stages Questionnaires-Chinese version and ASQ: Social-Emotional were applied to assess children's neuro- and social-emotional development, respectively. Lower neurodevelopmental scores indicate an increased risk for neurodevelopmental delay, and higher social-emotional scores are indicative to a risk of social-emotional problems. The multiple linear regression model examined the associations of nurturing care environments with childhood development. Among the investigated children, the average age was (42.9 ± 19.8) months and 55.8% were boys; 67.9% of the children had absent fathers because of labour migration and 54.0% had limited access to books and toys. Overall, boys had a lower total neurodevelopmental score than girls; similar gender patterns were also found in the domains of communication, fine motor, problem-solving and person-social. Concurrent absent fathers and limited access to books and toys were significantly associated with reduced neurodevelopmental scores [β - 11.44, 95% CI (-18.20, -4.68)] and increased social-emotional developmental scores [β 5.88, 95%CI (1.35, 10.41)] after controlling for confounding factors. Sex-specific analysis only echoed the results in boys. Additionally, having an absent father and limited access to books and toys was associated with lower neurodevelopmental scores [β - 14.58, 95%CI (-25.41, -3.75)] in children under 3 years of age and higher social-emotional developmental scores among children aged 3-6years [β 10.66, 95%CI (5.09, 16.24)]. Children, especially boys, with absent fathers due to labour migration have poorer neuro- and social-emotional development. Limited access to books and toys and father absence are linked to the children's developmental delay, especially for those under 3 years of age. Our findings suggest that intervention programs in resource-constrained rural areas are desirable; more importantly, such programs should begin before 3 years of age to achieve a benefit-cost outcome.

Maternal social isolation in the perinatal period and early childhood development: the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study.

Studies examining the associations between maternal social relationships and early childhood development have mainly focused on social relationships after childbirth. We aimed to prospectively examine the associations between the transition of maternal social isolation from the prenatal to postnatal period and early childhood development. We analyzed data for 6692 mother-child pairs who participated in the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study. Social isolation in the prenatal and postnatal periods was assessed by the Lubben Social Network Scale-abbreviated version and categorized into four groups: none, prenatal only, postnatal only, and both. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition, which consists of five developmental areas, was used to assess developmental delays in children at 2 and 3.5years of age. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between maternal social isolation and developmental delays. The prevalence of social isolation in both the prenatal and postnatal periods was 13.1%. Social isolation in both the prenatal and postnatal periods was associated with developmental delays in children at 2 and 3.5years of age: the multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 1.68 (1.39-2.04) and 1.43 (1.17-1.76), respectively. Social isolation in the prenatal period only and social isolation in the postnatal period only were not associated with developmental delays in children at 2 and 3.5years of age. Maternal social isolation in both the prenatal and postnatal periods was associated with an increased risk of developmental delays in early childhood.

Unmasking the challenges of Kabuki syndrome in adulthood: A case series.

Kabuki syndrome is a recognizable Mendelian disorder characterized by the clinical constellation of childhood hypotonia, developmental delay or intellectual impairment, and characteristic dysmorphism resulting from monoallelic pathogenic variants in KMT2D or KDM6A. In the medical literature, most reported patients are children, and data is lacking on the natural history of the condition across the lifespan, with little known about adult-specific presentations and symptoms. Here, we report the results of a retrospective chart review of eight adult patients with Kabuki syndrome, seven of whom are molecularly confirmed. We use their trajectories to highlight the diagnostic challenges unique to an adult population, expand on neurodevelopmental/psychiatric phenotypes across the lifespan, and describe adult-onset medical complications, including a potential cancer risk and unusual and striking premature/accelerated aging phenotype.

The association between parental risks and childhood development: findings from a community-based survey in East China

BackgroundNurturing care is necessary for optimal early childhood development. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of parental risks in rural East China and assess their impacts on early development in children younger than three years old.MethodsThis community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 3852 caregiver-child pairs in Zhejiang Province from December 2019 to January 2020. Children aged 0 to 3 years were recruited from China’s Early Childhood Development Program (ECD). Local child health care providers conducted face-to-face interviews with the primary caregivers. Demographic information of the participants was collected by questionnaire. Each child was screened for parental risk through the Parental Risk Checklist designed by the ECD program. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) was used to identify children with potential developmental delays. Multinomial logistic regression model and linear trend test were applied to assess the association between parental risks and suspected developmental delays.ResultsAmong the 3852 children included in the analyses, 46.70% had at least one parental risk and 9.01% presented suspected developmental delays in any domain of ASQ. Parental risk was statistically associated with the overall suspected developmental delay in young children (Relative Risk Ratio (RRR): 1.36; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08, 1.72; P = 0.010) after adjusting potential confounders. Compared with children with no parental risk, children exposed to 3 or more parental risks had 2.59, 5.76, 3.95, and 2.84 times higher risk of the suspected developmental delay in overall ASQ, communication, problem-solving, and personal-social domain, respectively (P values < 0.05). The linear trend tests found that the more parental risks, the higher possibility of developmental delay (P values < 0.05).ConclusionsParental risks are prevalent among children under three years in rural East China, which may increase the risk of developmental delays in children. Meanwhile, parental risk screening can be used to recognize poor nurturing care in primary health care settings. Targeted interventions are warranted to improve nurturing care for optimal early childhood development.

Validity of the Gross Motor Function Measurement in a sample of Turkish Children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Purpose: Muscle weakness and delays in motor development are more common problems in children with neurofibromatosis type 1. Gross Motor Function Measurement-88 is widely used tool to evaluate motor functions in children with developmental disabilities. We aimed to investigate validity of the Gross Motor Function Measurement-88 in a sample of Turkish children with neurofibromatosis type 1. Methods: Aged between 5 to 17 years 40 children (20 male/20 female) with neurofibromatosis type 1 participated in this study. To asses validity of Gross Motor Function Measurement 88, Manual Muscle Test was done seven muscle groups in upper and lower limbs bilaterally by a physical therapist. Results: The mean age was 9.7±3.81 years. A positive moderate to strong correlation was found between Manual Muscle Test and Gross Motor Function Measurement-88 subdomains (r=0.317-0.668; p &amp;lt;0.05). Conclusion: Gross Motor Function Measurement-88 is a valid measurement for evaluating gross motor functions in children with neurofibromatosis type 1. Identifying motor developmental delays in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 will be a guide for establishing early intervention programs and determining symptom-specific rehabilitation goals. We recommend the use of Gross Motor Function Measurement-88 in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 for evaluating gross motor function.

Android Application for Determining Growth and Development of Children Aged 0-5 Years using The Denver II Test

Health services in the form of information technology are needed to advance health services. Applications for child development are very necessary during the pandemic because of the limitations of direct visits by health workers to residents' homes, so an android application is needed as a screening method to determine child growth and development so that it can detect developmental delays in children from an early age. This study uses the Denver II test to design an android application to determine the growth and development of children aged 0-5 years. The design of the application system starts with observations and interviews, after which the process of designing and making an offline-based android application programming system is carried out. This application has been tested pretest and posttest on 30 mothers who have children aged 0-5 years. The Wilcoxon test carried out these results with a 0.000 &lt;0.005, so there is a difference between the pretest and posttest knowledge results. The conclusion is that parents can use this application to monitor the growth and development of children aged 0-5 years

The association of gestational age at birth with trajectories of early childhood developmental delay among late preterm and early term born children: A longitudinal analysis of All Our Families pregnancy cohort.

Like infants born very preterm (<32 weeks), late preterm (≥34 and <37 weeks) and early term (≥37 and <39 weeks) births have been associated with increased risk of developmental delay (DD); yet, the evidence remains heterogeneous across the continuum of gestational ages, hindering early identification and intervention. To estimate the association of gestational age at birth with early childhood trajectories of DD in early childhood for infants born ≥34 and <41 weeks, and determine how various maternal, pregnancy and infant characteristics relate to these trajectory groups. Analysis of mother-child dyad data with infants born ≥34 and <41 weeks gestational age within an observational pregnancy cohort in Alberta, Canada, from 2008 to 2011 (n=2644). The association between gestational age and trajectories of the total number of Ages and Stages Questionnaire domains indicating risk of DD from 1 through 5 years of age were estimated using group-based trajectory modelling along with other perinatal risk factors. Three distinct trajectory groups were identified: low-risk, moderate-risk (transiently at risk of DD in one domain over time) and high-risk (consistently at risk of delay in ≥2 domains over time). Per week of decreasing gestational age, the risk ratio of membership in the high-risk group increases by 1.77 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43, 2.20) or 1.84 (95% CI 1.49, 2.27) relative to the moderate-risk and low-risk respectively. Increasing maternal age, identifying as Black, indigenous or a person of colour, elevated maternal depressive symptoms in pregnancy, and male infant sex were associated with high- and moderate-risk trajectories compared to the low-risk trajectory. In combination with decreasing gestational age, poor maternal mental health and social determinants of health increase the probability of membership in trajectories with increased risk of DD, suggesting that additional monitoring of children born late preterm and early term is warranted.

Identification of Preventable Risk Factors for Developmental Delay in Children: A Pilot Study

Purpose: Developmental delay (DD) is reported to be frequent in developing countries, such as India. Hence, this study was carried out to evaluate preventable risk factors that can predispose children to DD, through observations of pediatric neurology outpatients. Methods: This was a prospective, observational, and descriptive cross-sectional single-center hospital-based study for a period of 30 days, split into two separate time periods due to the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Children who newly presented to the pediatric neurology outpatient department were considered. There were a total of 151 boys and girls, from 6 months to 14 years of age. Detailed demographic information on prenatal, natal and postnatal risk factors relevant to the neurological diagnosis was collected. Antenatal education for mothers about breastfeeding and newborn care, place of delivery, the availability of round-the-clock pediatric care during the delivery, gestational age, maternal fever, encephalitis, seizures, meningitis, blood pressure, gestational diabetes mellitus, infections, history of consanguinity, and genetic disorders were all considered. The data were analyzed with odds ratios and multivariable logistic regression. Results: Forty-three of the 151 enrolled children had DD. Significant associations were found between consanguinity and DD (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 6.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.96 to 21.51; P&lt;0.002) and between prematurity and DD (AOR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.07 to 5.13; P&lt;0.033). Conclusion: This study shows that consanguineous marriages and prematurity predisposed children to DD when prenatal, natal, and postnatal risk factors were comprehensively considered.

Cultural perspectives of stunting prevention: A systematic review

Introduction: Developmental delays in children are signs of chronic malnutrition brought on by unfavorable circumstances since birth. Throughout the first 1000 days of life, stunting might increase mortality and disrupt bodily processes. Toddler malnutrition can also result from their culture, traditions, and social food. This study sought to synthesize earlier research that offered an overview of the cultural perspective on stunting prevention.Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Guidelines were employed in the research design, and four databases were used for the literature search method (Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, and Google Scholar) To find relevant articles, use the Boolean operator “stunting” OR “stunted” AND “culture” OR “cultural” AND “prevention” OR “prevent” by limiting 2017–2022 in English, full-text articles, and open access.Results: There are 12 papers addressing the cultural perspectives in the prevention of stunting, including parenting cultures on the role of fathers, parenting cultures on the role of grandmothers, and cultures of family empowerment. These studies are cross-sectional and quasi-experimental.Conclusions: Values emerge from interpersonal interaction and become part of the culture. A slightly different approach is required for communicating behavior change, especially in regions where ancestors’ customs and beliefs are still practiced. Stunting can be avoided by using the cultural perspective as a preventative measure.Keywords: culture; health care; prevention; stunting

Maternal postnatal bonding disorder and developmental delays in children: the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study.

Although there is some evidence regarding an association between maternal bonding disorder and child development, studies have mainly focused on development during the period of infancy. We aimed to examine the associations between maternal postnatal bonding disorder and developmental delays in children beyond 2 years of age. We analyzed data from 8380 mother-child pairs who participated in the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study. Maternal bonding disorder was defined as Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale score of ≥5 at 1 month after delivery. The Ages & Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition, which consists of five developmental areas, was used to assess developmental delays in children at 2 and 3.5 years of age. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between postnatal bonding disorder and developmental delays after adjustment for age, education, income, parity, feelings toward pregnancy, postnatal depressive symptoms, child's sex, preterm birth, and birth defects. Bonding disorder was associated with developmental delays in children at 2 and 3.5 years of age: the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 1.55 (1.32-1.83) and 1.60 (1.34-1.90), respectively. Bonding disorder was associated with delay in communication only at 3.5 years of age. Bonding disorder was associated with delay in gross motor, fine motor, and problem solving, but not delay in the personal-social domain, at 2 and 3.5 years of age. In conclusion,maternal bonding disorder 1 month after delivery was associated with an increased risk of developmental delays in children beyond 2 years of age.

Association between maternal psychological distress and children's neurodevelopment in offspring aged 4 years in Japan: The Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study.

An association between maternal psychological distress and children's development has been reported, but reports from Japan are limited. This study aimed to examine the association of maternal psychological distress with children's neurodevelopment in Japan. The study assessed data of 7646 mother-infant pairs in the Japanese population. We used Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, a screening tool for psychological distress, to assess maternal psychological distress in early pregnancy and 2 years postpartum and divided it into four categories: none in both the pre-natal and post-natal periods, only the pre-natal period, only the post-natal period and both the pre-natal and post-natal periods. Children's neurodevelopment was assessed using the Ages & Stages Questionnaires Third Edition (ASQ-3) at 4 years of age. ASQ-3 comprises five domains (communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving and personal-social), and the score of less than -2 standard deviation relative to the mean in reference was defined as having developmental delay. We conducted multivariate logistic regression analysis to examine the association between maternal psychological distress and children's neurodevelopment. The prevalence of developmental delay of communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving and personal-social were 4.0%, 4.3%, 4.9%, 3.8% and 4.6%, respectively. Maternal psychological distress in only the postpartum period and both pre-natal and postpartum periods were associated with risks of developmental delay in all domains. Maternal psychological distress in only the pre-natal period was associated with developmental delay in communication. Maternal psychological distress is associated with risks of children's developmental delay.