Risk factors associated with delayed language development

Introduction: Identifying the risk factors associated with language disorders in Arabic speaking children is important priority to strengthen primary prevention strategies and mandatory for early identification and early intervention. Objective: The aim of this study is to identify risk factors related to delayed language development (DLD). Material and Methods: A case-control study conducted on 592 children attended Phoniatrics clinic and diagnosed as DLD (subjects group). Children with typical language development were recruited from different day cares and schools as a control group (n= 693). Both groups were matched for age, sex, geographic distribution and socio-economic factors. Full history was taken from both groups emphasizing on possible risk factors for DLD. Results: Consanguineous marriage, caesarian section, premature delivery, low birth weight, and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia were identified as risk factors for delayed language development. Conclusions: The most consistently identified risk factors among participated cases were consanguinity, cesarean mode of delivery, pre-term, low birth weight, hyperbilirubinemia, and postnatal risk factors language delay.