Risk markers for poor developmental attainment in young children: results from a longitudinal national survey.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate social and environmental determinants of poor developmental attainment among preschool children by means of longitudinal data from a population-based sample of Canadian children.


METHODS
Secondary analysis of data from cycles 1 (1994-1995) and 2 (1996-1997) of the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth using a cohort design with 2-year follow-up.


METHODS
A total of 4987 children aged 1 to 5 years at baseline, whose biological mother completed risk factor information and who were included in both cycles.


METHODS
Poor developmental attainment (developing unusually slowly) was defined as scores more than 1 SD below the age-standardized mean for the Motor and Social Development Scale, revised Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, or Canadian Achievement Tests in mathematics and reading/comprehension, depending on the child's age.


RESULTS
The prevalence of sustained poor developmental attainment after 2 years of follow-up was 4.6%. Factors found to be associated with poor developmental attainment included male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-1.70), maternal depression (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.25-2.15), low maternal education (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.19-2.08), maternal immigrant status (OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.38-2.71), and household low income adequacy (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.11-1.83).


CONCLUSIONS
Having a mother who has symptoms of depression, has low education, or is an immigrant, and living in a household with low income adequacy increase the risk of poor developmental attainment in children aged 1 to 5 years. The notable risks associated with these factors indicate them as possible targets for screening and interventions to prevent poor developmental attainment.
To
Teresa
T
Population Health Sciences Program, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. teresa.to@sickkids@ca
Guttmann
Astrid
A
Dick
Paul T
PT
Rosenfield
Jay D
JD
Parkin
Patricia C
PC
Tassoudji
Marjan
M
Vydykhan
Tatiana N
TN
Cao
Hongmei
H
Harris
Jennifer K
JK
D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003863:Depression; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004522:Educational Status; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007807:Language Tests; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008433:Mathematics; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011203:Poverty; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012917:Social Adjustment