J Med Assoc Thai 2009; 92 (7):930

Views: 1,313 | Downloads: 204 | Responses: 0

PDF XML Respond to this article Print Alert & updates Request permissions Email to a friend


Early Language Delay and Predictive Factors in Children Aged 2 Years
Prathanee B Mail, Purdy SC , Thinkhamrop B , Chaimay B , Ruangdaraganon N , Mo-suwan L , Phuphaibul R

Objective: To investigate the predictive factors for early language delay (ELD) at age 2 years based on the
Prospective Cohort Study of Thai children (PCTC).

Study design: A prospective cohort study: secondary data retrieving.

Subjects: Three thousand nine hundred five children were recruited from four communities and one hospital
in five areas of Thailand.

Material and Method: The Language Development Survey (LDS) was performed to identify children with
early language delay (ELD) at age 2 years. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association
between possible factors (both biological and environment factors) and ELD.

Main outcome measure: Number of children with ELD at age of 2 years.

Results: The incidence of ELD at age 2 years was 11.68%. Risk factors for ELD were birth weight (Odds Ratio:
OR =2.38, 95% Confidence interval: CI 1.65-3.42), male gender (OR = 2.12, 95% Confidence interval: CI
1.67-2.69), 3rd-4th and 5th child born or more (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.02-1.96; OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.08-3.27,
respectively), birth weight < 2,500 grams (OR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.65-3.42), no first word within 1 year (OR =
2.25, 95% CI = 1.79-2.84), no walking within 1 year (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.05-1.72), and maternal
occupation (laborer or none) (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.01-1.82). District living was a protective factor for ELD
(OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.32- 0.54). There was no clear evidence for a link between breastfeeding and ELD.

Conclusion: Significant factors identified here raise strong concerns that should be addressed clinically
when counseling families and planning treatment. Further study using a longer longitudinal design and more
detailed information is recommended to better determine predictive factors for ELD or specific language
impairment (SLI).

Keywords: Language development disorders, Language tests, Predictive value of tests

Download: PDF