18月龄儿童语言发育现状及影响因素研究

Objective To know about current status and influencing factors of language development among 18-month-old children, so as to provide guidance for early intervention. Methods A total of 362 children aged 18 months who took routine physical examination in the Department of Child Health Center of Changning Maternal and Infant Health Care Hospital in Shanghai from October 2021 to March 2022 were selected into this study, including 176 boys and 186 girls. Children were screened for language development by using the Early Language Milestone Scale, with the total score^P10 as abnormal. The demographic information, family conditions, behavior habits and feeding behaviors were collected using questionnaire. Univariate analysis and multiple regression analysis were performed to analyze influencing factors of language development.Results The prevalence of language development delay among 18-month-old children was 9.9%, with 11. 9% in boys and 8.1% in girls. The score of voice and speech (11.14 + 2. 62 vs.12. 45 ± 3.20) and the total score of language development (35.19 + 3. 90 vs.36. 68 ± 4.02) in boys were significantly lower than those of girls (t~—4. 244, — 3. 591, P<0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that mother or (maternal) grandparents as the major caregiver (/?; 1.188, 0.279, 0.217, 1.735, P<0.05) and higher education level of caregivers (j3; 1.027, 0.267, 0.161, 1.485, P<0.05) had positive effects on the scores of voice and speech, auditory perception and understanding, visual related understanding and expression and total score of language development. However, longer screen time (/3; —0.452, — 0.612, P< 0.05) and delayed timing to introducing solid food (/?; —0.515, — 0.613, P < 0.05) are negatively correlated with voice and speech development and overall language development of children. Conclusion Children at 18 months of age have a higher rate of abnormal language development, especially in boys; this can be facilitated by choosing an appropriate caregiver, controlling screen time and adding solid foods to the diet at the right time.