Determinants of Developmental Milestones among Children 0-23 Months at Kabale Hospital, Uganda
Loading...
Date
2022
Authors
Komutambo, Ivy-Marie
Kimiywe, Judith
Munga, Judith
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
kemri
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Approximately 200 million children globally fail to fulfil their development potential due to malnutrition, poor health, and unstimulating environments. Children in Kabale, Uganda, may be at particularly high risk as the rate of malnutrition in the region is likely to impact development. The study aimed to identify possible determinants influencing developmental milestones of breastfed and non-breastfed children aged 0-23 months.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was conducted at the young child clinic of Kabale hospital, among 250 children aged 0-23 months and their caregivers, for two months. The study adopted a comparative cross-sectional design, and systematic random sampling was used to select the respondents for the study. The socio-demographic characteristics, nutritional status, and feeding practices were assessed using structured pretested questionnaires. Developmental milestones of the children (communication, motor, fine motor, problem-solving, and social skills) were assessed using the modified ages and stages questionnaires. The data collected was tabulated, analysed statistically, and the results interpreted.
RESULTS
Developmental scores were not associated with breastfeeding and minimum meal frequency. A milestone achievement of communication skills was associated with caregiver's education, caregiver's age and length-for-age. Gross motor scores were associated with the caregiver's age, weight-for-age, and length for age. Achievement of fine motor skills was associated with caregiver's education, caregiver's age, child's age, length for age, and children who met the minimum dietary diversity score. Problem-solving scores were associated with child's age, weight for age, length for age, and children who met the minimum dietary diversity. Personal social scores were associated with lower caregiver's age and normal weight for age
CONCLUSION
Developmental scores were not associated with breastfeeding and minimum meal frequency. Development in early childhood was mainly associated with caregiver's age, caregiver's education, child's age, weight for age, length for age, and minimum dietary diversity score. Children under the care of younger caregivers and those who attained normal nutrition status had significantly more developed motor and social skills compared to children with older caregivers and undernourished children, respectively.
RECOMMENDATION
Meeting the minimum meal frequency is commendable; however, caregivers should also strive to meet the minimum dietary diversity, which ultimately contributes to a better nutritional status and hence development in children. Older caregivers should be educated on the importance of developmental milestones and their contribution to optimum development in children.
Description
article
Keywords
Child Development, Nutritional Status, Feeding Practices, Uganda
Citation
Komutambo, I. M., Kimiywe, J., & Munga, J. (2022). Determinants of Developmental Milestones among Children 0-23 Months at Kabale Hospital, Uganda. African Journal of Health Sciences, 35(2), 123-143.