Investigating the Factors Related to the Development of Children in Southern Iran

Background: Given that the evolution of various mental aspects includes physical, mental, emotional and social changes. Screening for the developmental status of children can prevent significant complications and disorders. Therefore, the developmental status of children in Hormozgan province was examined based on the ages and stages of questionnaire age and stages questionnaire (ASQ). Methods: This was an analytical study performed by a cross-sectional method in December ۱۹۹۷ in health units of Hormozgan province. Based on the cluster random sampling, the names of ۲۲۶۰ children aged ۶۰ months (۳ to ۵) were extracted through the integrated health system. Data collection tool was age and stages questionnaire (ASQ) used to assess the development of children in five areas of communication, large movements, fine movements, problem solving and socio-personal skills. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version ۲۲ and statistical tests, ANOVA, Chi-square, mean   standard deviation and frequency percentage (P<۰.۰۵). Results: The mean age of the children in the study was ۳.۱۴ ± ۲.۳. From ۲۲۶۰ children, ۱۰۳۶ (۴۵.۸%) were girls and ۱۲۲۴ (۵۴.۲%) were boys. In terms of communication, ۱.۵% cases, fine movements ۲%, ۴.۵% large movements, ۳% problem solving and socio-personal skills, ۴% children were abnormal. Conclusion: The results showed that despite the normal development in most children, a number of children had developmental disorders in at least one area. Therefore, the need for programs to deal with related risk factors and continuous follow-up in terms of the development of these areas is essential to prevent future complications.