Establishment of Egyptian developmental screening chart for infants from birth up to 30 months

Abstract

Background: Detecting developmental delay in infants is an ongoing world commitment, especially for those below three years old. Early detection prevents the adverse outcomes in this critical period of age. To accurately assess the development of children; a culturally appropriate screening tool must be used. Egypt lacks such tool and multiple studies have shown that western tools are not suitable in other cultures.Objectives: To establish sufficient easy, rapid, culturally appropriate and applicable screening chart for early detection of developmental delay among Egyptian infants from birth up to 30 months.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out on 1503 Egyptian infants of both genders aged from birth up to 30 months assumed to have normal development according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were selected from vaccination centers and well-baby clinics. Developmental milestones from Baroda development screening test (BDST) were applied on them. Egyptian infants' developmental millstones scores were analyzed and carefully prepared in tables and charts. 97% pass levels of developmental achievements of infants represent the threshold below which infants are considered delayed. A z-score chart for motor and mental development follow up was designed by calculating each age group achievement.Results: The designed Egyptian Developmental Screening Chart (EDSC) is represented in a chart format with two curves 50% and 97% pass level. Infants considered delayed when infant's score below 97% pass level. Results revealed a statistically significant difference between Egyptian and Baroda chart at 50% and 97%pass levels.Conclusions: Extensive revision of the BDST was needed in order to create a more culturally appropriate Egyptian screening chart. This is the first study to create an Egyptian-specific screening tool, to be rapid and easy to use in Egypt for early detection of developmental delay and enabling early intervention practices. A z-score curve is reliable for follow up motor and mental development by calculating each age group achievement.