prevalence of speech and language delay in children (0-3 years) and its associated risk factors in a tertiary care teaching hospital of Eastern India

Introduction: Speech and language development is an important indicator of a child's overall intellectual functioning. There large amount data on the prevalence risk factors speech delay from West, but relatively scanty India. Language Evaluation Scale Trivandrum (LEST) screening tool for use in outpatient clinics communities identifying toddlers. Materials Methods: A descriptive study cross-sectional design was done 350 children between 0 36 months attending immunization clinics. proforma with demographic details parents, antenatal, perinatal were completed. All caregivers asked home questionnaire to assess environment. identified using LEST scale. The association factors, socioeconomic status, environment analyzed. Results: 7%. No found type family, place residence, antenatal complications, gestational age, birth weight, status. negative second order significantly associated delay.