[Factors associated with delay in children development, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil].

Abstract

This analytical study aims to evaluate the factors associated to developmental delay in 8-12 months aged children, indicated as at risk at birth in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul Brazil. The instruments used were the Denver Development Screening Test II, anthropometric evaluation and questionnaires. Two hundred and twenty children (both at risk and out of risk) participated. It was found a prevalence of o20.5% of potential delay in psychomotor development. Children who presented a risk of a suspicious DDST II were part of lower income families; their mothers had not been to more than six prenatal visits; and had inappropriate weight-age indicator The data suggest the need of a rethinking of policies on child health, given that other criteria could be included in the risk conditions to the child at birth.