Factors affecting delayed walking skill in malnourished children

This research examined children between 13 and 23 months of age with developmental delays in walking. Children in the experimental group received intensive infant stimulation and, subsequently approximately 71% were able to walk by themselves. In contrast, 32% of those children receiving only verbal instruction were able to achieve this important milestone. There was a significant difference ( p < 0.05) between the control and experimental group in acquiring walking skills. Mothers' lack of awareness about infant stimulation and lack of supervision on the part of health workers are the major contributing factors to delayed walking skill in these children. The study highlights the importance of taking health care to the home of clients, the most neglected aspect of primary health in this part of the world. Les enfants mal nourris, stimulés au maximum ont pu, malgré leur handicap, apprendre à marcher entre 13 et 23 mois, dans la proportion de 71%. Ce chiffre est élevé, si on le compare aux 32% des enfants mal nourris capables d'apprendre à marcher dans la même période de temps, parce que l'on ne leur donnait que des encouragements verbaux. Cela est une question et de démonstration auprès des mères à domicile. Les mr̀es ne sont pas conscientes de ce besoin de stimulation maximale et l'étude souligne l'importance qu'il y a à apporter les soins primaires infantiles à domicile, dans ce pays.