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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of the present study was to assess intellectual development with screening of other domains of development in preschool children in west of Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. Background Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) is one of the validated developmental screening tools recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for the early detection of developmental delay in preschool children. Patients and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 502 children from the age group 24–60 months (304 children were recruited from three city centers and 198 from three villages located in the west of Menoufia Governorate). All children were screened by using the ASQ (which is specific for each age) in the first stage of assessment. A child with a score of less than or equal to the cutoff point for one or more of the developmental areas was considered as having suspected developmental delay (SDD), and further evaluation was carried out in the second stage of assessment (detailed history taking, clinical examination, and intelligence quotient and genetic counseling). Results Our results demonstrated that the overall prevalence of SDD for the age group 24–60 months was 3.6%, and for communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem-solving, and social-personal domains it was 2.4, 0, 2.2, 3, and 1%, respectively. Significant associations were found between children with SDD and paternal and maternal education, as well as consanguinity (P = 0.014, ≤0.001, ≤0.001, respectively). Boys had a higher percentage compared with girls among SDD children (72.2, 27.8%, respectively). The most observed problems in children with SDD were learning problems (33.3%), followed by specific language disorder (27.8%). Conclusion ASQ is the most valid and reliable developmental screening test for the early detection and intervention of developmental delay in preschool children, and we recommend that it should be used in our community as a preventive method.

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