Risk factors of delayed developmental milestones among infants attending RCH clinics in Dodoma region. A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Delayed Developmental Milestones are defined as slow to attain typical developmental milestones in one or more developmental areas. This study aimed to assess risk factors of delayed developmental milestones among infants in the Dodoma Region.

Methods: We conducted a health facility-based cross-sectional descriptive study using the pathways developmental screening tool. A total of 262 mothers with their children were enrolled, the study population were all neonates delivered at the study sites during the study period. Three data collection methods were utilized to obtain information for this study: observation, interviewer-administered questionnaires, and documentary review. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethical Review Board of the University of Dodoma SAS version 9.4 was used for data analysis. The association between developmental status and factors was assessed with Chi-square and binomial logistic regression.

Results: Notably, infants born with birth asphyxia were more likely three times to develop delayed developmental milestones as opposed to those without birth asphyxia [adjusted risk ratio =3.22, 95%, [1.97, 5.46], probability value= <.0001]. Birth weight was significantly associated with delayed developmental milestones; infants who were born with a birth weight of ≥4000gm had more risk of developing delayed developmental milestones compared to those with a birth weight of 2500-3999gm [adjusted risk ratio 0.48, 95%, [0.26, 0.92], probability value = 0.0256]. Regarding mode of delivery, the risk of developing delayed developmental milestones was less among infants born via caesarean section compared to those who were born via spontaneous vaginal delivery [adjusted risk ratio 0.47[0.18, 0.99], probability value = 0.0461].

Conclusion: Delayed developmental milestones are a burden in developing countries. The risk factors are known, and they are based on the individual to the community level; birth asphyxia was identified as a possible risk factor that has been reported in many studies and has an impact on children's development.