Social inequalities in maternal opinion of child development in southern Brazil

Concurrent validity of maternal opinion of child development was estimated in a cross-sectional, population-based survey of 6-59-mo children (n=3025), using a standard measure devised from the Denver Developmental Screening Test. Sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value increased with maternal education and family income. Positive predictive value was higher in low-income families and children with impairments, low birthweight and long hospital stays. Children at social and clinical risk should be assessed more carefully, even if maternal report is normal or advanced.