Risk factors of developmental delay among infants aged 6-18 months

Identifying children at the risk of developmental delay can improve their long-term prognosis. In this case-control study, mothers and infants aged 6-18 months referred to healthcare centres affiliated with Qazvin University of Medical Sciences were recruited from August to December 2017. The sample size consisted of 197 individuals in developmental delay group (n = 90) and normal development group (n = 107). Developmental status was measured using the Ages and Stage Questionnaire. The results of multivariate analysis indicated that the chances of a significant delay in development were increased 19 times in mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus, 5 times in pregnancy anaemia, 5 times in preeclampsia, 9 times in case of maternal medical disorders. It is suggested that children born from high-risk pregnancies are given more attention in terms of developmental delay at an earlier age.