Biological, social, and environmental correlates of preschool development

Baseline data from the Canadian National Longitudinal Survey of Children an d youth (NLSCY, a population-based study of child health, development and w ellbeing), were used to determine biological, social and environmental corr elates of poor development among preschool children. A total weighted sampl e of 1233 500 (n = 6982 unweighted) children aged from birth to 3 years wer e studied. Developmental attainment was measured by the motor, social and d evelopment (MSD) scale. Children scoring amongst the lowest 15% for their a ge group were categorized as having poor developmental attainment (PDA). Co rrelates of PDA were determined using logistic regression. The MSD scale may not be discriminatory enough to identify PDA in children aged <1 years. Among children aged between 1 and 3 years, biological factor s remain important correlates of PDA, whereas the timing of social and envi ronmental factors appears important to their effects on developmental attai nment. The findings suggest a complex relationship between risk factors and developmental outcomes. Correlates of PDA vary according to the age of a c hild. Social and environmental factors appear to play a larger role among o lder children.