PREVALENCE AND DETERMINANTS OF DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY AMONG CHILDREN AGED 6 MONTHS TO 5 YEARS USING STANDARDIZED SCREENING TOOLS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTH INDIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Developmental delay in early childhood is a major public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Early identification through screening tools is essential for timely intervention and improved outcomes.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of developmental delay among children aged 6 months to 5 years using standardized screening tools and to identify associated risk factors.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2019 to October 2019 in a tertiary care hospital in North India. A total of 60 children aged 6 months to 5 years were included using consecutive sampling. Data on socio-demographic and perinatal factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Developmental screening was performed using age-appropriate standardized tools (TDSC and DDST-II). Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 21.0, and associations were tested using Chi-square/Fisher’s exact test with p<0.05 considered significant.

Results: The prevalence of developmental delay was 18.3%. Language delay was the most commonly affected domain (54.5%), followed by gross motor delay (36.4%). Significant associations were found between developmental delay and low birth weight (p=0.03), prematurity (p=0.04), birth asphyxia (p=0.02), and undernutrition (p=0.05). Socio-demographic factors such as rural residence and lower socioeconomic status showed higher proportions but were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Developmental delay is relatively common among children attending tertiary care settings. Early screening using simple tools is effective in identifying at-risk children. Integration of developmental screening into routine pediatric care and targeted interventions for high-risk groups are recommended.