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Developmental monitoring using caregiver reports in a resource-limited setting: the case of Kilifi, Kenya
A Abubakar1, P Holding, F Van de Vijver
1Centre for Geographic Medicine Research - Coast, KEMRI/ Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya, and Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands. a.abubakarali@uvt.nl
Aim:
The main aim of the current study was to evaluate the reliability, validity and acceptability of developmental monitoring using caregiver reports among mothers in a rural African setting.
Methods:
A structured interview for parents of children aged 24 months and less was developed through both participant consultation and a review of literature. The reliability and validity of the schedule was evaluated through a 10-month monitoring programme of 95 children, aged 2-10 months. The acceptability of the process was evaluated by studying retention rates and by organizing focus group discussions with participating mothers.
Results:
The structured interview 'Developmental Milestones Checklist' consisted of 66 items covering three broad domains of child functioning: motor, language and personal-social development. The interview yielded scores of developmental achievements that showed high internal consistency and excellent test-retest reliability. The results were sensitive to maturational changes and nutritional deficiencies. In addition, acceptable retention rates of approximately 80% were found. Participating mothers reported that they found the procedures both acceptable and beneficial.
Conclusion:
Developmental monitoring using caregiver report is a viable method to identify and monitor at-risk children in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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