The prevalance of developmental delay among children aged 3-60 months in İzmir city center

Developmental delay is defined as delays in speech and language development, motor development, social-emotional development, and cognitive development. Worldwide, the prevalence estimations in pediatric population ranges between 5% and 15%. But in Turkey, there is no prevalence studies in primary care on developmental delay. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of developmental delay among children aged 3-60 months in Izmir. A cross-sectional, descriptive research included 1514 children aged 3-60 months, who were at the 12 family health centers (FHC) for any reason in Izmir between November 1, 2013 and January 31, 2014. The questionnaire and age-specific ASQ-TR (Ages and Stages Questionnaire Turkish version) was administered in a face to face interviews by the researcher to the mothers. The prevalence of developmental delay determined by ASQ-TR was 6.4% (95% CI 5.2- 7.7). The prevalence for age groups changed between 3.3 and 12.1%. Significant relationship was found between developmental delay and maternal age, maternal-paternal education, socioeconomic status, comorbidities of mothers, diseases during pregnancy, types of birth and birth weights of children, postnatal diseases and duration of breastfeeding. Identifying developmental delay in children earlier by administering a validated, reliable, parent-completed questionnaire as ASQ-TR and detecting risk factors for delay are crucial for primary care where their growth and development is monitored. By identifying developmental delay and referring to rehabilitation services earlier may help to improve their quality of life. Key words: Developmental delay, prevalence, ASQ, primary care