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Low Birth Weight Prevalence in Children Diagnosed with Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Dubai

Faisal A Nawaz1, Meshal A Sultan1,2

  • 1College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE.

Global Pediatric Health
|July 22, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Low birth weight is more common in children with mental disorders, affecting 16% of cases compared to 6% in the general population. Perinatal factors like high birth weight and preterm birth are linked to neurodevelopmental disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Perinatal Health
  • Pediatric Mental Health

Background:

  • Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) encompass a range of conditions affecting cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development.
  • Perinatal risk factors, including birth weight and gestational age, are increasingly recognized for their potential impact on child development.
  • Limited research exists on these factors within the Arabian Gulf region, particularly concerning common NDDs like ADHD and ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) and other perinatal risk factors in children diagnosed with NDDs.
  • To investigate the association between perinatal factors and specific NDDs, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  • To provide regional data from Dubai, UAE, contributing to a better understanding of NDD etiology in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive study utilizing qualitative data analysis.
  • Retrospective review of electronic medical records for 692 pediatric patients in Dubai, UAE.
  • Analysis focused on identifying NDD diagnoses and associated perinatal characteristics.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of LBW was significantly higher in children with mental disorders (16%) compared to the general population (6%).
  • High birth weight and preterm birth were also found to be significantly associated with the presence of NDDs.
  • These findings highlight the critical role of perinatal health in the development of neurodevelopmental conditions.

Conclusions:

  • LBW and other adverse perinatal factors are significant risk factors for NDDs in the studied population.
  • The findings underscore the need for increased awareness and monitoring of perinatal health in the Arabian Gulf region.
  • Further research into the impact of these factors can inform the development of enhanced early intervention strategies for NDDs.

Keywords:
adolescentsbirth weightchildrenneurodevelopmentalrisk factors

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