Early language delay and predictive factors in children aged 2 years.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the predictive factors for early language delay (ELD) at age 2 years based on the Prospective Cohort Study of Thai children (PCTC).


METHODS
A prospective cohort study: secondary data retrieving.


METHODS
Three thousand nine hundred five children were recruited from four communities and one hospital in five areas of Thailand.


METHODS
The Language Development Survey (LDS) was performed to identify children with early language delay (ELD) at age 2 years. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between possible factors (both biological and environment factors) and ELD.


METHODS
Number of children with ELD at age of 2 years.


RESULTS
The incidence of ELD at age 2 years was 11.68%. Risk factors for ELD were birth weight (Odds Ratio: OR = 2.38, 95% Confidence interval: CI 1.65-3.42), male gender (OR = 2.12, 95% Confidence interval: CI 1.67-2.69), 3rd-4th and 5th child born or more (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.02-1.96; OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.08-3.27, respectively), birth weight <2500 grams (OR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.65-3.42), no first word within 1 year (OR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.79-2.84), no walking within 1 year (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.05-1.72), and maternal occupation (laborer or none) (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.01-1.82). District living was a protective factor for ELD (OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.32- 0.54). There was no clear evidence for a link between breastfeeding and ELD.


CONCLUSIONS
Significant factors identified here raise strong concerns that should be addressed clinically when counseling families and planning treatment. Further study using a longer longitudinal design and more detailed information is recommended to better determine predictive factors for ELD or specific language impairment (SLI).
Prathanee
Benjamas
B
Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand. benjamas@kku.ac.th
Purdy
Suzanne C
SC
Thinkhamrop
Bandit
B
Chaimay
Bhunyabhadh
B
Ruangdaraganon
Nitchara
N
Mo-suwan
Ladda
L
Phuphaibul
Rutja
R
D001942:Breast Feeding; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007805:Language Development Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors