Association of Possible Developmental Delays with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, and Risk Factors in Children Under Six in Karachi, Pakistan: A Cross-sectional Study: Association of Developmental Delays with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

Shumaila Shabbir; Kauser Mahmood; Neelum Jamal; Gati Ara; Bina Fawad; Shabina Salahuddin

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v6i2.2738

Authors

Shumaila Shabbir Department of Community Health Sciences, Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College, Ziauddin Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
Kauser Mahmood Department of Neurology, Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
Neelum Jamal Department of Community Health Sciences, Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
Gati Ara Department of Community Health Sciences, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
Bina Fawad Department of Community Health Sciences, Ziauddin Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
Shabina Salahuddin Department of Community Health Sciences, Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v6i2.2738

Keywords:

Developmental Delays, Primary Health Care, Determinants, Behavioural Disorders

Abstract

Developmental delays refer to a child not reaching expected milestones. They are linked to various factors and, if unaddressed in early childhood, can lead to long-term consequences in adulthood. Objectives: To determine the association of developmental delays with emotional and behavioural disorders and other risk factors in children less than six years of age. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a primary healthcare center in a Karachi slum from October 2020 to July 2021. Using non-probability consecutive sampling, 425 participants (parents of children aged 1-5½ years) were selected. Data were collected using the validated Survey of Well-being of Young Children tool and analyzed in SPSS version 23.0. Logistic regression assessed associations between outcomes and risk factors. Results: Of 425 participants, 161 (37.9%) had possible developmental delays. No association was found with emotional/behavioural disorders (p=0.30). Binary logistic regression linked delays to male gender, uneducated parents, unemployed mothers, low income, domestic violence, and tobacco/drug exposure at home (p<0.05). After adjustment, significant associations remained with the mother’s education (aOR=1.785, CI: 1.040-3.065, p=0.036), income (aOR=3.361, CI: 1.197-9.434, p=0.021), and domestic violence (aOR=2.603, CI: 1.055-6.423, p=0.027). Conclusions: It was concluded that the prevalence of developmental delays in slum-dwelling children is high. No association was found with emotional/behavioural disorders. Socioeconomic factors, such as the mother’s education.

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