Early Detection of Developmental Delays in Hospitalized Children Aged 2 to 24 Months.

Abstract

The first 2 years of life are a critical period for a child's development. Early developmental surveillance in motor, language, social-emotional, and emerging cognitive domains plays an essential role in timely intervention and long-term outcomes. Children living in disadvantaged conditions or with acute illness are at higher risk for developmental delays, yet early detection in Vietnam remains limited. A national plan for comprehensive early childhood development has recently emphasized the role of primary healthcare and early interaction guidance. To determine the prevalence and characteristics of developmental delays among hospitalized children aged 2 to 24 months at a tertiary pediatric hospital in Southern Vietnam using the standardized developmental surveillance checklist issued by the Ministry of Health in 2023. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in which clinically stable inpatients were evaluated prior to discharge. Developmental surveillance was performed using the Ministry of Health 2023 developmental surveillance checklist, which covers 4 domains (gross motor, fine motor, language-communication, and social-emotional development) at ages 2-4-6 months, 9 to 12 months, and 15 to 24 months. Children who did not achieve one or more age-appropriate milestones were classified as having suspected developmental abnormalities. A total of 939 children aged 2 to 24 months were evaluated. The prevalence and pattern of suspected developmental abnormalities varied by age group. Gross motor and language-communication delays were the most frequent findings. Age-specific inspection revealed that developmental vulnerability was most pronounced at 6 months of age, particularly in gross motor, language-communication, and social-emotional domains, coinciding with a critical period of nutritional and biological transition; at 12 months, 76% could say at least 3 words, and by 18 months, 80.1% could say ≥20 single words. Some 24‑month‑old children had not yet achieved expected motor skills. Anemia and stunting were common, particularly in the 9- to 12‑month group. Integrating standardized developmental surveillance into inpatient pediatric care is both feasible and essential. Hospital-based developmental surveillance provides an important opportunity for early detection and referral, and highlights the need to expand screening and follow-up to primary care and community settings in Vietnam.