Rev Esc Enferm USP. 2026 Aug 10;60:e20250594. doi: 10.1590/1980-220X-REEUSP-2025-0594en. eCollection 2026.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between the risk of developmental delay in children and mothers’ perceptions of urban infrastructure.
METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Salvador, Bahia, with mothers and children under 6 years of age registered at health units. Child development was assessed using the Survey of Well-being of Young Children, validated for the Brazilian population, and mothers’ perceptions of urban infrastructure were assessed using the Child-Friendly Neighborhood for Early Childhood scale (green/open, playful, safe, accessible, and inclusive). Descriptive statistical analyses and logistic regression models were used. All ethical aspects were respected.
RESULTS: A total of 503 mother-child dyads participated, and the risk of developmental delay was 11%. Regarding urban infrastructure, 41% of mothers considered their neighborhood green/open, 45% playful, 37% safe, 93% accessible, and 29% inclusive. Only mothers’ perception that the neighborhood was safe was associated with a lower likelihood of risk of developmental delay in children (OR = 0.33; 95%CI: 0.15-0.71; p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Maternal perception of neighborhood safety was associated with a lower likelihood of risk of developmental delay in children.
PMID:42599183 | DOI:10.1590/1980-220X-REEUSP-2025-0594en
