Identifying gaps in screening, coordination and management of developmental delays and disorders among Ghanian children

 What is the project about?

This project aims to identify the knowledge gaps and the problems associated with the identification, referral, and provision of care in the home, school, and hospital settings for children with developmental disabilities. 

Why is the project important? 

An overwhelming number of children in Ghana have developmental delays. Approximately 1 in 4 children aged 36-59 months is estimated to have a delay in their cognitive, learning, socio-emotional, or physical development. About 16 per 1,000 children aged 15 years or less have significant developmental disabilities. Children with developmental delays and disabilities are more likely to have poor health and educational outcomes, which may persist into adulthood. Their conditions need to be identified early and addressed with available services in order to mitigate long-term impacts. These actions require child-related care professionals and caregivers to have adequate knowledge of these conditions and services. In addition, the challenges these primary caregivers  face in identifying, referring, or managing services for such children must be delineated and improved. Currently, there are limited studies in Ghana that have taken a broader look across professional cadres and developmental domains to identify knowledge gaps and systematic challenges in how children with developmental  disorders are identified, referred, and managed. Once the knowledge gaps are identified, it will be easier to implement an intervention to strengthen care for children with developmental  disorders.

How is the project going to solve the problem? 

This study intends to address the problem through identifying an intervention to strengthen the screening, diagnosis, and management of children with developmental disabilities. The information gathered is intended to be used to design a training program that identifies and addresses gaps in health workers’ knowledge about developmental disabilities.  

How will the study be conducted?

This study takes place in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, due to the twenty percent of children under five that are not developmentally on track in this region. Both quantitative and qualitative methods will be used. Quantitative method includes a structured survey, matching, and structured free listing with health workers to elicit knowledge of developmental areas, normal developmental trajectories, and developmental disabilities. The qualitative methods will focus on in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with child developmental specialists, caregivers, and community health workers. The information gathered will be analyzed to determine appropriate interventions to be put into place in order to improve development in children. 

Is the project already done?