Evaluation of infants’ development using “a guide for monitoring child development”

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the main domains of child development in healthy infants of Novobavarsky district of Kharkiv (Ukraine) with the use of A GUIDE FOR MONITORING CHILD DEVELOPMENT (GMCD). The development of 100 children aged 0-42 months was evaluated. Developmental delay was assessed in standard deviations in comparison with the indices of the corresponding age. Developmental delay in 1 domain by -2σ was detected in 19 infants, in 2 domains – in 6, in 3 domains – in 1 and in 4 domains – in 1 infant. Developmental delay in 1 domain by -3σ was detected in 3 children. Besides, 2 infants had a considerably delayed development. Children born prematurely were shown to have statistically significant higher incidence rate of developmental delays in impressive language and play. In authors’ opinion, the use of the GMCD allows to give medical recommendations on supporting communication skills and emotions development to parents, as well as to refer the families to early intervention service.