ASQ-3 scores are sensitive to small differences in age in a Peruvian infant population

Area of Science:

• Developmental Pediatrics
• Child Health Screening
• Public Health Interventions

Background:

• The Ages and Stages Questionnaires Edition 3 (ASQ-3) is a validated tool for screening developmental delays in young children.
• Previous research indicates variability in ASQ-3 scores among children within the same screening interval.
• Understanding age-related score variations is crucial for accurate developmental assessment in diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between chronological age and ASQ-3 scores within specific screening intervals.
• To determine if age subgrouping influences ASQ-3 results in a population of Peruvian infants.
• To assess the impact of age on the sensitivity of ASQ-3 in detecting developmental delays.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 5850 Peruvian infants under two years old participating in the Cuna Más program.
• Infants were administered the appropriate ASQ-3 screening interval and categorized into 2-week age subgroups within each 2-month window.
• Statistical analyses included Fisher's exact test, ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc tests, and linear regression to assess age-score relationships.

Main Results:

• Age subgroup remained a significant predictor of total ASQ-3 scores, sectional scores, and suspected developmental delays, even after adjusting for socioeconomic and nutritional factors.
• A significant association was found between age subgroups and ASQ-3 scores, with P < 0.001.
• Nearly half (49.6%) of the infants screened positive for suspected delays in one or more developmental areas.

Conclusions:

• Chronological age is a significant factor influencing ASQ-3 scores in young Peruvian children.
• The ASQ-3 may underestimate the developmental sensitivity to minor age differences in this population.
• Further research is needed to refine screening intervals or interpret scores considering precise age.