Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 16, 2026

Breakfast Habits among Schoolchildren in the City of Uruguaiana, Brazil
Published on: July 29, 2020
Development and behavior screening of 4-year-old Brazilian children: prevalence and associated factors
Rafaela Cristina Vieira E Souza1, Luana Caroline Dos Santos1
1Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Brazil.
Insights
Early identification of developmental delays in 4-year-olds is crucial. This study found high prevalence of developmental delay (28.0%) and behavior problems (39.5%), highlighting key associated factors for intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Child Development
- Public Health
Background:
- Early identification of developmental and behavioral delays is essential for long-term child health.
- Screening tools are vital for detecting potential issues in young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of developmental and behavioral delays in 4-year-old Brazilian children.
- To explore factors associated with child development and behavior.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 4-year-old Brazilian children and their caregivers.
- Assessment using the Brazilian screening tool version of the Survey of Well-being of Young Children.
- Analysis of associations using generalized linear models.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of suspected developmental delay was 28.0%.
- Prevalence of behavior problems was 39.5%.
- Associated factors included child's sex, school period, daily reading, sleeping time, food insecurity, and ultra-processed food consumption.
Conclusions:
- High prevalence of developmental and behavioral issues necessitates improved screening practices.
- Multisectoral integration and professional specialization are recommended for enhanced child health outcomes.
- Encouraging the use of screening instruments in primary healthcare is vital.
Abstract:
Early identification of developmental and behavioral delays could improve child's health in the long term. The aim was to determine the prevalence and explore the associated factors with child development and behavior. A cross-sectional study was carried out with Brazilian children aged 4 years old and their respective caregivers. Child's development and behavior were assessed using the Brazilian screening tool version of the Survey of Well-being of Young Children. Generalized linear models were used to analyze the associations between explicative variables and outcomes. Prevalence of suspected development delay was 28.0% and behavior problems was 39.5%. Children sex, school period, daily reading, and behavior domain were associated with development domain, while sleeping time, development domain, food insecurity, and ultraprocessed food score were associated with behavior domain. It is necessary to encourage the expansion of screening instruments in daily primary health-care practice, expand professional's specialization, and improve multisectoral integration.
More Related Videos
19:15Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
14:05Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses
Published on: January 23, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
Conduct Disorder
Introduction to Developmental Psychology
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Prevalence and Incidence
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health...
Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types