THE EVALUATION OF EFFECTIVE RISK FACTORS IN INFANT DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER

Objectives: Growth and development is complex and special. Growth is increase in body size or segments but development is changing in function that can be affected by environmental Factors. Developmental evaluation is very important at infancy because of high growth and developmental rate in this period. It is well known that incidence of developmental disorder in high risk infant is higher than low risk and special follow up services need for early detection and intervention for them. The purpose of this study was to determine, risk factors for developmental delay in infancy in Iran.

Methods: In this descriptive- analytical study, we screened 6150 consecutive 4–18 months infants during 12 months period that referred from karaj health centers for vaccination or monthly follow up by perinatal evaluating questionnaire and examining by Infant Neurological International Battery Test by occupational therapists on two groups: Control (Normal Scoring) and Case (Abnormal Scoring).

Results: The results showed that CNS problems after 2 months of age such as siezure disorder, meningitis with (odds ratio=5.54), neonatal convulsion with (odds ratio=4.37), Prematurity with (odds ratio=2.52) and neonatal sepsis with 2.39 are the most important risk factors for developmental disorder in our study.

Conclusion: In aspect of results of this study and increasing survival of high risk neonates with biological and environmental risk factors and effectiveness of early intervention (rehabilitation & treatment) if there are any economic problems on Neuro-developmental Screening and Follow-up in country, we propose it only for high risk infants.