Developmental Screening for Enhancing Early Language Intervention for Children (0-24 Months) At Well-Baby Clinics in Kibera, Nairobi City County, Kenya
| dc.contributor.author | Moraa, Shanice Kemunto | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-02-06T07:47:18Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-02-06T07:47:18Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-10 | |
| dc.description | A Research Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Masters in Speech and Language Pathology in the School Of Education of Kenyatta University, October, 2025 Supervisor: 1.Mathew Kinyua Karia | |
| dc.description.abstract | This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the mHealth developmental screening tool in enhancing early language intervention for children aged 0-24 months at well-baby clinics in Kibera, Kenya. The objectives aimed to identify the barriers to effective developmental screening of children aged 0-24 months, assess the effectiveness of the mHealth developmental screening tool in identifying language delays in children aged 0-24 months, and determine the factors limiting early language intervention for children aged 0-24 months in Kibera, Kenya. The maturational theory of child development by Arnold Gesell guided the study. The study used a descriptive survey research design, and an accessible sample of 248 respondents comprising children aged 0-24 months, their caregivers, and healthcare providers. To sample the clinics and children aged 0-24 months, the study applied purposive sampling, while convenience sampling was applied for the caregivers and healthcare providers. The instruments’ validity and reliability were tested and verified in a health clinic in Kibera with similar characteristics to the clinics under study. Data was collected by interviewing caregivers using the mHealth developmental screening tool, administering questionnaires to caregivers, and interviewing the healthcare providers in the clinics. Using descriptive statistics, quantitative data were analyzed and presented in frequencies and percentages. The qualitative data obtained in the study were analyzed and coded thematically. According to the study findings, most caregivers and healthcare providers lacked knowledge in regards to developmental screening and early language intervention. Financial constraints, lack of screening locations, inadequate training and resources, lack of a standardized screening tool, insufficient staff and workload, as well as time constraints, hindered developmental screening in the MCH clinics. Additionally, the scarcity of facilities and professionals offering early language intervention in Kibera, negative attitudes and beliefs concerning developmental delays, and inappropriate screening strategies and referral procedures were factors limiting early intervention for children with language delays in Kibera. The study also established that the mHealth Developmental Screening tool effectively identifies language delays in children, especially those aged between 7 and 24 months. The study concluded that the mHealth developmental screening tool has the potential to enhance early language intervention through timely identification of children with language delays and referral to speech-language pathologists. The study further recommended that policies should be implemented to facilitate awareness programs in Kibera, implementation of appropriate screening strategies and referral procedures, adoption of a standardized screening tool, employment of more healthcare providers, and enhancing accessibility to screening locations and early intervention programs for young children who have developmental delays in Kibera | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/32301 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.title | Developmental Screening for Enhancing Early Language Intervention for Children (0-24 Months) At Well-Baby Clinics in Kibera, Nairobi City County, Kenya | |
| dc.type | Article |