Determinants of Speech and Language Delay in Paediatric Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Tertiary Care Centre in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Intelligible speech and language indicate a child's overall development and cognitive abilities. Identifying factors linked to speech and language delay is essential for awareness and early intervention. However, data from Bangladesh on this subject is limited. This study aims to identify risk factors for speech and language delay in children aged 2-5 years at a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a teaching hospital's Paediatric outpatient department.

Materials and methods: Ninety children (45 with delayed speech, 45 controls) aged 2-5 years were included. Guardians answered a questionnaire about morbidity, risk factors and developmental milestones. Data were analysed using SPSS v 19, with c² test and descriptive analysis. p<0.05 was significant.

Results: Speech/Language delay occurred in 45 of 1785 children. Risk factors were seizures (p=<0.001) perinatal asphyxia (p=0.011) oro-pharyngeal deformity (P=0.007) multiple language environment (p=<0.001) family history (p=0.013) low maternal education (p=<0.001) consanguinity (p=<0.001) screen time >3 hours daily and inadequate stimulation (p=<0.001).

Conclusion: Prevalence was 2.52%. Medical risk factors included male gender, perinatal asphyxia, seizure disorder and oro-pharyngeal deformity. Familial and environmental causes were low maternal education, consanguinity, family history, multiple language exposure, screen time >3 hours daily and inadequate stimulation.

JBRMC, Volume 08   Issue 02  July 2026 ; 20-23