Impact of home environment on motor development of infants in South India: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Early childhood development is a fundamentally important phase and is influenced by stimulus and nurturing. Environment influences, particularly the home environment, is considered the critical factor for optimal growth and development.  Objectives: To determine the impact of home environment on motor development in South Indian infants. Method: 164 infants aged 1-11 months residing in Belagavi City, India, were recruited in a community-based cross-sectional study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Structured questionnaire was used to assess the home environment followed by motor development assessment using Peabody developmental Motor Scale-2 (PDMS-2).  Results: Gestational age was positively associated, while duration of breast feeding, hospitalization and weight of the infant (-1.17, p= 0.03) had negative association with the fine and total motor quotient of PDMS-2. Father’s education, occupation and income had significant positive effect on total and fine motor quotients. Outside space to play had positive association with fine motor quotient (2.28, p= 0.0154). Non availability of play material like pop up toys and child never exposed to play with floating toys, cups and socks also showed lower total quotient scores.  Conclusions: Gestational age, father’s education, occupation and income had a positive effect on the motor development of South Indian infants participating in the study.