Evaluating the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Saudi Arabian Parents Regarding Red Flags in Developmental Milestones

Abstract

Background

Parents serve a fundamental role in monitoring developmental milestones and identifying potential delays during early childhood, enabling timely interventions. However, previous studies in Saudi Arabia have shown limited awareness among parents regarding age-specific norms and red flags across developmental domains. This knowledge gap can severely impact the detection and management of abnormalities. Hence, a comprehensive understanding of Saudi parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning childhood developmental trajectories is imperative. 

Methodology

This cross-sectional study assessed developmental milestone awareness, beliefs, and behaviors among Saudi parents. A sample of 1,052 parents completed a validated 38-item questionnaire covering knowledge, attitudes, practices, and demographics. Knowledge was assessed across developmental domains using 22 multiple-choice questions, with scores categorized as excellent (≥75%), good (50%-75%), fair (40%-50%), or poor (≤39%). Attitudes and practices were captured on five-point Likert scales. Descriptive and chi-square analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 28.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). 

Results

The majority of participants were females (844, 80.2%), with a mean age of 38.8 years. Serious knowledge inadequacies existed regarding developmental timelines across domains, especially motor milestones like crawling (93, 29.4% correct), sitting unsupported (45, 27.6%), pointing at objects (278, 26.4%), and responding to names (440, 41.8%). Overall, 2 (0.2%) participants showed excellent and 281 (26.7%) showed good understanding, while 490 (46.6%) had poor knowledge. Significant sociodemographic variations were observed, with women and experienced parents demonstrating greater awareness ( P < 0.001). Despite knowledge gaps, 542 (51.5%) actively sought developmental information themselves, and over 50% trusted pediatric guidance. Most participants expressed a willingness to undergo screenings if risk factors existed and reported spending a considerable amount of daily interaction time with their children, focusing on developmental needs.

Conclusions

Critical developmental milestone knowledge shortfalls and selective attitudes persist among Saudi parents, warranting public education and physician-parent communication that enhance interventions to enable impactful developmental monitoring and prompt responses to abnormalities in a timely manner.