What factors are associated with poor developmental attainment in young Canadian children?

BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to determine the association between poor developmental attainment (PDA) and biological, home environment and socio-demographic factors in a population-based sample of Canadian children. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from two cycles (1994/95 and 1996/97) of the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth were used. Children aged 1-5 years were included. PDA was defined as < or = 15th percentile for motor and social developmental skills (1-3 year olds) or Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (4-5 year olds). Multiple logistic regression was used. RESULTS: The proportion of children with PDA varies across Canada, between males and females, and by age. Among 1 year olds in Cycle I, having a low birthweight (OR=3.3; 95% CI: 2.1-5.2), being male (OR=1.6; 95% CI: 1.2-2.2) and having a mother who is an immigrant (OR=1.6; 95% CI: 1.1-2.2) increased the odds of PDA. Similar results were observed in Cycle II. Among children aged 4-5 years in Cycle II, having a mother who is an immigrant (OR=5.3; 95% CI: 4.1-6.9) and a mother with low educational attainment (OR=2.8; 95% CI: 2.1-3.9) increased the odds of PDA. Low income was a significant predictor of PDA across all age groups. INTERPRETATION: The strong and consistent associations with living in a low-income household, having a mother with low educational attainment or a mother who is an immigrant highlight the need for targeting developmental assessments and services to this population.

Risk markers for poor developmental attainment in young children: results from a longitudinal national survey.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate social and environmental determinants of poor developmental attainment among preschool children by means of longitudinal data from a population-based sample of Canadian children. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of data from cycles 1 (1994-1995) and 2 (1996-1997) of the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth using a cohort design with 2-year follow-up. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 4987 children aged 1 to 5 years at baseline, whose biological mother completed risk factor information and who were included in both cycles. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Poor developmental attainment (developing unusually slowly) was defined as scores more than 1 SD below the age-standardized mean for the Motor and Social Development Scale, revised Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, or Canadian Achievement Tests in mathematics and reading/comprehension, depending on the child's age. RESULTS: The prevalence of sustained poor developmental attainment after 2 years of follow-up was 4.6%. Factors found to be associated with poor developmental attainment included male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-1.70), maternal depression (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.25-2.15), low maternal education (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.19-2.08), maternal immigrant status (OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.38-2.71), and household low income adequacy (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.11-1.83). CONCLUSIONS: Having a mother who has symptoms of depression, has low education, or is an immigrant, and living in a household with low income adequacy increase the risk of poor developmental attainment in children aged 1 to 5 years. The notable risks associated with these factors indicate them as possible targets for screening and interventions to prevent poor developmental attainment.

Is obesity associated with asthma in young children?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between obesity and asthma in a population-based sample of Canadian children. STUDY DESIGN: Baseline data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth were used in this cross-sectional study. We included 11199 children age 4 to 11 years whose biological mother reported data on asthma, height, and weight. Body mass index was categorized, and obesity was defined as body mass index >or=85th percentile. Children with asthma had parents who reported the diagnosis, and they took prescribed inhalants, had wheezing or an attack in the previous year, or had their activities limited by asthma. Multiple logistic regression was used. RESULTS: The prevalence of asthma was 9.9%. Maternal history of asthma was a risk factor for asthma among all children. Single child status and maternal depression were risk factors for girls. The odds ratio for asthma, comparing highest and lowest body mass index categories, was 1.02 (99% confidence interval, 0.70-1.46) for boys and 1.06 (99% confidence interval, 0.67-1.69) for girls. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that there is no statistical association between obesity and asthma among Canadian children age 4 to 11 years.