Developmental performances and nutritional status of SOS children under 6 years of age in Jimma, Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: SOS Villages are homes for children who have come from difficult life circumstances. However, the developmental status of such children have never been studied in Ethiopia. The main objective of the study was to examine the developmental profile of these children, comparing them with healthy age-matched family-reared children. Methods: Sixty-two children living in SOS Village were tested for their performances in personal-social, language and motor skills using the Denver II-Jimma, a culturally adapted and standardized developmental tool, and social-emotional competences with Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional (ASQ: SE). The developmental outcomes were then compared to 62 healthy age-matched family-reared children. The developmental performances of the two groups of children were compared using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Nutritional statuses were estimated from weight-for-age, height-for-age, weight-for-height and Body Mass Index (BMI)-for-age. Results: SOS children performed significantly less in language and gross motor skills compared to the age-matched family-reared children. These problems were particularly observed within the younger children (below 18 months). Twenty-two SOS children were malnourished; 17 (77%) of these were stunted. Conclusion: The problems in developmental and nutritional status within the SOS children signal the need for early intervention, especially for the younger ones.