Cognitive facet and paradigm of the caregivers of children with developmental problems in Eastern India

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: The role of caregivers in grooming the neuro-developmental outcome of high-risk newborns and developmental challenges in children needs to be explored. Objectives: To find the knowledge and perception among parents regarding the neuro-developmental outcome of high-risk newborns, methods adopted to address these problems, and to identify areas on which awareness generation needs to focus. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based awareness survey was conducted to understand the knowledge, attitude, and practices of families of children with developmental challenges. Results: The study revealed that more than 70 percent of families lack information about child development, developmental challenges, and means to deal with them. They are unaware of the available health care services and other resources. One in three families has misconceptions on developmental disabilities; consider them as curse or jinx and consequently neglected. Female children with developmental problems are further ostracized due to gender inequity in families. About 10 percent of families have shown great openness toward acquiring new skills and knowledge for handling their children with developmental delays. Conclusions: This study is based on the précis research findings of our grass-root level fieldwork conducted in remote rural Bengal areas. The observation will be of interest and learning materials for general primary care practitioners, family physicians, and stakeholders to initiate appropriate intervention strategies for properly rehabilitating children with developmental delay at grass-root levels of primary health care.