Usefulness of Child Development Assessments for Low-Resource Settings in Francophone Africa

• DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0b013e31829d211c
• Publication Date: 2013-07-30T13:16:55Z
• Authors: Kobto G. Koura; Michael J. Boivin; Leslie L. Davidson; Smaïla Ouédraogo; Roméo Zoumenou; Maroufou J. Alao; André Garcia; Achille Massougbodji; Michel Cot; Florence Bodeau-L...
• Keywords: Gross motor skill; Child Development

Few tools are available to screen or assess infant's cognitive development, especially in French-speaking Africa. This study evaluated the use of French translation Mullen Scales Early Learning (MSEL), and "Ten Questions" questionnaire (TQ) 1-year-old children Benin, a francophone country.A cross-sectional was conducted 3 health centers serving semirural area Benin. Three hundred fifty-seven aged 12 months their mothers were enrolled 2011. Infant development assessed at local followed by home visit collect information on socioeconomic status, maternal Raven score, depressive symptoms, mother-child interactions (Home Observation for Measurement Environment [HOME] Inventory), administer TQ.The gender (female), HOME, education associated with higher Composite score multivariate analyses (p = .02, p .004, .007, respectively). The HOME family wealth also Gross Motor Scale .03 .03, Mothers more likely report difficulties TQ when child presented lower MSEL. When considering as gold standard define moderate delays, 2 combined motor-related questions showed good sensitivity specificity (76.5 75.7).In low-resource rural setting Africa, effectively identified quarters infants delayed development. After this screening, MSEL may be useful further assessment it feasibility known risk factors poor