POINT-OF-CARE DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING IN THE CHILDREN'S EMERGENCY ROOM: A PRELIMINARY REPORT.

Autor:	Mbachu CNP; Department of Paediatrics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, Nigeria. Email: chiomambachu121417@gmail.com.; Department of Paediatrics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria., Nwibo NL; Department of Paediatrics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria., Onyejiaka CL; Department of Paediatrics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria., Umeugoji CP; Department of Paediatrics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria., Ele CV; Department of Paediatrics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria., Nnorum SC; Department of Paediatrics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria., Onah SK; Department of Paediatrics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, Nigeria. Email: chiomambachu121417@gmail.com.; Department of Paediatrics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria., Obichukwu NG; Department of Paediatrics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria., Ezechukwu CC; Department of Paediatrics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria., Ebenebe JC; Department of Paediatrics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, Nigeria. Email: chiomambachu121417@gmail.com.; Department of Paediatrics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Jazyk:	angličtina
Zdroj:	West African journal of medicine [West Afr J Med] 2024 Nov 10; Vol. 41 (11 Suppl 1), pp. S18.
Abstrakt:	Background: Developmental delays in children are often missed during routine medical visits, leading to long-term consequences if undetected. The Children's Emergency Room (CHER) offers a unique opportunity for early screening, serving as a frequent contact point for families. This study aimed to assess the developmental profiles of children presenting to CHER at NAUTH, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria, emphasizing the need for early intervention. Methods: In this cross-sectional, mixed-methods study, children aged 0-5.5 years presenting to CHER over one month were screened using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3). Data analysis was conducted using STATA 16.0, and children with identified developmental delays were referred to the Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrics (DBP) clinic. Interviews with healthcare providers and caregivers explored the feasibility of implementing routine screening in CHER. Results: Out of 34 children screened, 55.9% (19/34) displayed developmental delays, with problem-solving and fine motor skills being the most affected (29.4% each). Global developmental delay was identified in 32.4% (11/34). Female children had significantly higher communication delays than males (29.4% vs. 0%, p=0.044). Sixty percent of healthcare providers believed screening would be feasible with additional training and resources. Conclusion: The high prevalence of developmental delays, particularly in girls' communication skills, highlights the need for early detection. With adequate training and resources, integrating developmental screening into CHER could significantly enhance early intervention efforts and address the unmet needs of children in resource-limited settings. Competing Interests: The Authors declare that no competing interest exists (Copyright © 2024 by West African Journal of Medicine.)
Databáze:	MEDLINE
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