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. 2025 Jan 17:15:1426870.
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1426870. eCollection 2024.

Mapping neuro-disabilities and their dimensions among under 5 years of age children in the southern agricultural corridor of Tanzania: a preliminary baseline survey

Peter M Chilipweli  1 , Namanya Basinda  1 , Paul Alikado Sabuni  2 , Fredy Hyera  3 , Upendojackline Liana  4 , Titus Robert Leeyio  2 , Elias C Nyanza  5 , Awerasia Vera Ngowi  6
Affiliations

Mapping neuro-disabilities and their dimensions among under 5 years of age children in the southern agricultural corridor of Tanzania: a preliminary baseline survey

Peter M Chilipweli et al. Front Psychol. .

Abstract

Background: Neuro-disabilities involve impairments of the nervous system, affecting brain development and functioning. Due to limited scientific data on neuro-disabilities in Tanzania, this study examines maternal characteristics in high-risk areas, such as the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor (SAGCOT).

Methods: This cross-sectional study sampled 286 children aged 0-5 years and their mothers in the SAGCOT region. Each mother selected the youngest child within the specified age range. Multi-stage sampling was used to choose clusters and areas for the study. The Malawi Developmental Assessment Tool (M-DAT) was used to assess the children's developmental levels. Descriptive analysis determined distribution patterns, while multivariate analyses were performed to identify significant factors. Modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results: The study included 286 mother-child pairs from four clusters: Ihemi, Kilombero, Ludewa, and Mbarali. The children's median age was 24 months, with the majority aged between 13 and 48 months. Boys constituted a slight majority (59.4%). The majority of mothers were married (72.4%), had primary education (56.6%), and were engaged in non-farming occupations (56.3%). Neurodevelopmental assessments revealed that 11.2% of children were fully developed, while 88.8% exhibited development delays. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals identified significant associations between developmental domains and demographic variables such as age, gender, marital status, and maternal occupation.

Conclusion: The study highlights a high prevalence of neuro-disability among children in Tanzania's southern corridor, revealing disparities across regions and the impact of factors such as gender and marital status. Targeted interventions are essential to address these developmental challenges effectively and promote optimal child development and wellbeing.

Keywords: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; autism spectrum disorder; neuro-disability; prevalence; targeted interventions.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Tools for child development screening, M-DAT package.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Cluster distribution of neuro-disabilities.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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