Neurodevelopmental Status of Children Born During COVID-19 Pandemic in Belagavi City: A Cross-Sectional Study

Pratiksha  Kalgutkar; Vinuta Deshpande

doi:10.55489/njcm.160520254860

Authors

Pratiksha Kalgutkar Department of Paediatric Physiotherapy, KLE Institute of Physiotherapy, Belagavi City, India
Vinuta Deshpande Department of Paediatric Physiotherapy, KLE Institute of Physiotherapy, Belagavi City, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55489/njcm.160520254860

Keywords:

Child Development, COVID 19, Social Isolation, Pre Schoolars, Motor Skills, Cognitive Development

Abstract

Background: The implementation of containment measures during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced outdoor activities for children. Previous research has suggested that these restrictions negatively affected children’s psychological well-being and heightened the risk of developmental delays. The study aims to assess the neurodevelopmental status of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic in Belagavi city, using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID IV).

Method: This cross-sectional study enrolled 48 participants from pre-schools in Belagavi city between August 2023 and January 2024. BSID IV was used to assess neurodevelopment across various domains. Central tendency measures were calculated for demographic data. Independent sample t-tests and one-way ANOVA were employed to compare categorical and continuous demographic characteristics of the study participants, mothers, fathers, and families with BSID IV scores.

Result: The neurodevelopmental status of the participants revealed the following mean scores: Cognitive domain (115.1±10.7), Language domain (101.9±10.5), Fine motor domain (102.9±10.3), Communication domain (93.1±8.6), Socio-emotional domain (103.0±11.6), Socialization (100.2±8.1), Daily living skills (97.08±6.98), and Adaptive behavior (95.6±7.6).

Conclusion: The neurodevelopmental status of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic in Belagavi city shows variations across domains. Cognitive development is within the average range, but language development is somewhat lower, with communication skills particularly affected.

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