2018 Volume 7 Issue 2 Pages 72-79
Objective: This study aimed to promote the early detection of developmental disorders, support activities related to such conditions, and identify the associated difficulties faced by public health nurses (PHNs) in treating foreign children with developmental disorders in Japan based on the parents’ nationalities.
Methods: Self-administered questionnaires were sent to 241 public health centers located in different cities that were included in the top 100 cities with foreign residents.
Results: Overall, 48 responses were obtained. Only 60% utilized the foreign-language questionnaires and public interpreters during health check-ups even in cities with numerous foreign residents. PHNs had difficulties in supporting foreign residents during the initial step, which included data collection and assessment, because of differences in culture and language.
Discussion: To promote the early detection and seamless support activities for foreign children with developmental delays and disorders, the language support system, mutual understanding between PHNs and foreign residents, and systematization of information that is useful for them must be enhanced.
