According to a new policy brief published by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research (CHPR), developmental assessments
for young children ages 1 through 5 increased from 2007 through 2018. Whether
health care providers asked parents about developmental concerns also
increased.
The study, funded by First 5 California, used
data from UCLA CHPR’s California Health Interview Survey. Findings
showed a significant increase from 2007 to 2018 — 72% of California parents
reported that their child was assessed for possible developmental delays in 2018
compared to 29.5% in 2007, and 64.3% of parents stated that a doctor or other professional
asked if they had concerns about their children’s learning, development, or
behavior in 2018 compared to 47.2% in 2007.
“The study’s findings show promising
improvements in developmental screening rates in the state over the past
several years, but more work must be done to increase access among at-risk
communities,” said Camille Maben, Executive Director of First 5 California. “Findings
from this report identify opportunities for outreach to health care and
preschool settings to boost screening rates across California. Improved
screening rates will support better health outcomes for all young children.”
The brief looked at the prevalence of
screenings across demographic characteristics, and found differences by
household income, insurance type, parental education, as well as race and
ethnicity.
- Parents were more likely to report that their
children received developmental screenings and were asked about developmental
concerns if they had higher household incomes, employment-based insurance, a
usual source of medical care, higher educational levels, spoke only English at
home, and identified race/ethnicity as non-Hispanic White.
- By contrast, low rates of screening were found for families
with Medi-Cal insurance, without a usual source of medical care, with incomes
less than 300% of federal poverty level, educational attainment of a High
School diploma or less, reported race/ethnicity of Hispanic or African American,
and dual language learner children in the home. Parents identifying as Asian
also reported less frequently being asked about developmental concerns.
The brief cites support for universal
developmental surveillance and screening as recommended by the American Academy
of Pediatrics and for future research to help identify more barriers to
assessment.
The UCLA Center for Health
Policy Research (CHPR) is one of the nation’s leading health policy
research centers and the premier source of health policy information for
California. UCLA CHPR improves the public’s health through high quality,
objective, and evidence-based research and data that informs effective
policymaking. It is the home of the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS)
and is part of the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health.
First 5 California is dedicated to
improving the lives of California’s young children and their families through a
comprehensive system of education, health services, childcare, and other
crucial programs.
The Public Health Institute generates and promotes
research, leadership and partnerships to build capacity for strong public
health policy, programs, systems and practices.
Note: This study and findings reflect
data collected prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.