2017 Volume 6 Issue 2 Pages 178-186
Purpose: To accurately detect and provide early support to infants with developmental concerns, the present study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of the 18-month check-up for infants in need of support based on the results of their 3-year check-up. We also analyzed effective interview items for infants and their guardians.
Methods: We analyzed 55 questionnaire items associated with development in 385 infants who underwent both the 18-month check-up and 3-year check-up at city A between the fiscal years 2010 and 2013.
Results: A total of 6.8 % infants showed no problems at the 18-month check-up but required a follow-up after the 3-year check-up, whereas 17.8% infants required a follow-up after the 18-month check-up but completed the 3-year check-up without any problem. We divided the subjects into four groups according to whether they completed the interview items and whether they required a follow-up. We found that none of the items were considered to be oversights, and 7 items were thought to result in false concerns, including “moving constantly” and “concern about meals.”
Discussion: We believe that the interview items in the 18-month check-up enabled consistent assessment without any oversights. However, questions should be devised and incorporated for items thought to result in false concerns, and these items should be validated against other interview items, along with the observation of children and parent(s) during future health check-ups.
