Factors associated with the risk of developmental delay in children under five years of age hospitalized for primary care-sensitive conditions

Abstract Objectives: to analyze the factors associated with the risk of developmental delay in children under five years of age hospitalized for primary care-sensitive conditions. Methods: a quantitative, cross-sectional study conducted with 90 children under five years old and their family caregivers. The risk of developmental delay was assessed using the Survey of Well-Being of Young Children (SWYC). Associations between variables were analyzed using Poisson regression with robust variance, supported by SPSS software, version 21.0. Results: the risk of developmental delay was identified in 22.2% of the children and was associated with low birth weight (PR = 1.17), behavioral problems (PR = 1.14), mothers with two children (PR = 1.18), and living in areas without basic sanitation (PR = 1.19). Conclusion: the risk of developmental delay was positively associated with child-related factors (low birth weight), caregiver characteristics (mother with two children), and environmental conditions (lack of basic sanitation). Monitoring of child development should be integrated into all levels of child and family healthcare, aiming at comprehensive development, especially in vulnerable contexts. Public policies and actions must address the social determinants of health that influence care in both primary healthcare and hospital services.