Developmental Status of Toddlers Aged 1–3 Years Assessed Using the Denver Developmental Screening Test at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Haryana, India

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the developmental status of toddlers aged 1–3 years using the Denver
Developmental Screening Test (DDST) and examine its association with selected socio-demographic
variables.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Pediatric Outpatient Department
and Pediatric Medicine Ward of MMIMS&R Hospital, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana. Using purposive
sampling, 110 toddlers aged 1–3 years were enrolled. Data were collected through a socio-
demographic questionnaire and DDST performa. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were
applied for analysis.
Results: Most toddlers were 20–27 months old (38.2%); 52.7% were males. The majority were term-
born (81.8%) with normal birth weight (83.6%). The highest mean DDST score was in Gross Motor
(15.1 ± 1.9) and the lowest in Language (12.9 ± 2.8). Overall, 23% showed suspected developmental
delay. Significant associations were found with gestational age (p = 0.02), birth weight (p = 0.04), and
caregiver education (p = 0.01).
Conclusion: Nearly one-fourth of toddlers had suspected developmental delay, especially in language.
Routine DDST screening is recommended for early detection and intervention.