Journal of Pediatric Neurology and Medicine

Child health is a vital aspect of human development and the foundation for a prosperous and sustainable future. The well-being and proper development of children not only contribute to their immediate happiness but also shape their overall growth, cognitive abilities, and future potential. Therefore, ensuring optimal child health is crucial for societies worldwide. This article explores the significance of child health, highlighting its impact on physical, mental, and social well-being. Additionally, it discusses key factors that influence child health, identifies prevalent health issues, and offers strategies to promote and safeguard children's health.

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the peripheral nervous system, which includes the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. It is estimated that over 20 million people in the United States alone suffer from some form of peripheral neuropathy. This condition can cause a wide range of symptoms and can be caused by various factors. In this article, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for peripheral neuropathy.

Neonatology is a medical specialty that focuses on the care and treatment of newborn infants, particularly those who are premature, critically ill, or born with complex medical conditions. The field has made remarkable progress over the years, improving the survival rates and long-term outcomes for newborns. In this article, we will explore the advancements and challenges in neonatology, highlighting the various aspects of care and the impact it has on children's lives. Advances in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) have revolutionized the care of premature infants. The development of specialized equipment, such as ventilators, incubators, and monitors, has enhanced the ability to support the respiratory, thermoregulatory, and cardiovascular systems of these vulnerable infants. Surfactant therapy has also proven to be a game-changer in treating respiratory distress syndrome, a common condition among preterm infants.

Background: Speech is a combination of sounds produced for expressing language, while language is a measure of comprehension that allows reasoning, conceptualization, and understanding. Speech and language delay are the most common impairments in early childhood with prevalence ranging from 2.3 -19 percent. This study aims to determine the prevalence and associated factors of isolated speech and language delay in patients seen at the pediatric neurology clinic of SPMMHC.

Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional prospective study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health of SPHMMC using a structured and standardized questionnaire. The calculated sample size was 269 subjects, and cases of patients with neurologic disorders who came to the hospital during the study period were included consecutively until the calculated sample size was attained. Data was analyzed using version 26.0.

Results: The prevalence of language and speech delays was found to be 66.5%. Having bilingual family members (COR=4.2,95% CI: 2.22-7.943), male sex(COR=4.13,95% CI:2.15-7.94), history of seizure (COR=4.13,95% CI.1.07-3.78), history of hearing impairment (COR=2.76,95% CI:1.44- 5.29), maternal history of preeclampsia(COR=2.03,95% CI:1.04 -3.98), history of postnatal asphyxia(COR=2.81,95% CI:1.35-5.86)andaverage screen time of more than one hour(COR=2.36,95% CI:1.24-4.47) were factors significantly associated with language and speech delay.

Conclusion: The prevalence of isolated speech and language delay was higher in this study. From this study, we concluded that further studies should be done and that health institutions should focus on guidelines that allow screening of every patient visiting the pediatric unit