Barriers to Effective Developmental Screening of Children (0-24 Months) at Well-Baby Clinics in a Low-Income Community in Kenya

Several studies have emphasized the significance of developmental screening, which is necessary for early detection of children’s developmental delays. These delays include motor, cognitive, socio-emotional, as well as speech and language delays, which need to be identified during the critical period of development. Many children with delays, especially from low-income communities in Kenya, are not identified early enough. Consequently, these children fail to receive timely intervention that will enable them to reach their full potential. However, little research concerning developmental screening of children in low-income communities in Kenya exists. This study aimed to identify the barriers to effective developmental screening of children aged 0-24 months at well-baby clinics in a low-income community in Kenya. The study used a descriptive survey research design and an accessible sample of 248 respondents comprising children (0-24 months), their caregivers, and healthcare providers. Purposive sampling was used to sample the clinics, children aged 0-24 months, and their caregivers while convenience sampling was applied for the healthcare providers. Data collection was done by administering questionnaires to caregivers and interviewing the healthcare providers in the clinics. Using descriptive statistics, quantitative data were analyzed and presented in frequencies and percentages. The qualitative data obtained in the study was analyzed and coded thematically. According to the study findings, most caregivers and healthcare providers lacked knowledge in regards to developmental screening. Financial constraints, lack of screening locations, inadequate training and resources, lack of a standardized screening tool, insufficient staff and workload, as well as time constraints hindered developmental screening in the MCH clinics. The study recommended implementation of policies to facilitate awareness programs, implementation of appropriate screening strategies and referral procedures, adoption of a standardized screening tool, employment of more healthcare providers, and enhancing accessibility to screening locations in low-income communities in Kenya.