Background: With the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, toddlers had significantly reduced environmental stimulus, leading to missed opportunities for learning and play, evidenced by declining developmental assessment scores. Objectives: This was the first study in the Philippines to describe the prevalence of toddlers at risk for developmental delay during the COVID- 19 pandemic. Using the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Checklist, factors correlated with increased risk of developmental delay were identified. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was done among toddlers aged 12 to 36 months. The ECCD Checklist was administered to determine the children's risk of developmental delay. Chi-square and Multiple Logistic Regression were used to identify factors correlated with risk of developmental delay. Results: 145 toddlers (u=25.28±7.078 months) were included in the study, and among which, 25.5% (n=145) were noted to be at risk for delays in one or more developmental domains, with prevalence odds increased by two-fold among those with daily screen time of an hour or longer (p=0.033, OR=3.055). It was also found that 73.1% (n=145) of toddlers had daily screen time of an hour or longer, contrary to AAP recommendations. Conclusion During the COVID-19 pandemic, more toddlers were found to be at risk for developmental delay, with prevalence odds increased with longer screen time. Findings may guide educational sectors in formulating interventions to prevent developmental delays as the country moves through the new normal.
Schools ; COVID-19