Normal developmental milestones: Comparison of Urban and Rural children in Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Al-Ansari, S.S.; Bella, H.
Saudi Medical Journal 19(3): 244-248
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0379-5284 PMID: 27701535 Document Number: 488161
Objective: The age at which normal children acquire developmental milestones is affected by environmental factors, including place of residence. The objectives of this study were to demonstrate variations in child development between urban and rural settings, and to describe the effect of way of living in either setting on normal child development. Method: The Revised Denver. Pre-screening Developmental Questionnaire (R-PDQ) is the tool used in the study. The sample included 1219 normal children selected randomly from urban and rural settings of Madinah, Western Saudi Arabia. Results: Results ascertained the ages at which children achieved 104 developmental R-PDQ items. Comparison has shown clear differences between child development in rural and urban children. Differences were more apparent in fine motor and language abilities. Positive and negative effects of urbanization were also demonstrated in children in both settings of Madinah. Conclusion: Stimulation and encouragement preschool children, and better preparation for school en were also recommended especially for rural children Madinah. The authors also recommended "adjustment" of developmental screening tools before applying them children in different cultures and settings. Appropriate developmental screening and intervention programs should be sought, not only to identify delayed children, but also promote sound development.