Stéphane Darbeda1, Bruno Falissard1, Massimiliano Orri1, Caroline Barry1, Maria Melchior1, Pierre Chauvin1, Stéphanie Vandentorren1. 1. Stéphane Darbeda, Bruno Falissard, Massimiliano Orri, and Caroline Barry are with Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM), unit 1178, Centre de recherche en épidémiologie et santé des populations, University Paris Sud, Paris, France. Maria Melchior and Stéphanie Vandentorren are with INSERM, unit 136, Institut Pierre Louis d'épidémiologie et de santé publique, Department of Social Epidemiology, Sorbonne Universités, Pierre and Marie Curie University, Paris. Pierre Chauvin is with INSERM, Research Team on Social Determinants of Health and Use of Care, unit 707, Pierre and Marie Curie University, Paris.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To describe the adaptive behaviors in a large sample of homeless children and identify factors associated with developmental delay. METHODS: Data were from a cross-sectional survey of 557 children younger than 6 years randomly sampled among homeless sheltered families in the Paris region, France (January-May 2013). An interviewer and a psychologist conducted face-to-face interviews to collect information on sociodemographic and health characteristics. We assessed adaptive behaviors using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, second edition (VABS-II). RESULTS: The mean VABS-II composite score (SD) was 75.4 (12.0), and most participating children (80.9%) were considered developmentally delayed. Characteristics negatively associated with children's developmental score were age, birth in a country other than France, low birth weight, and past-year hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of developmental delays among children growing up homeless. Public Health Implications. Long-term integrated programs improving parenting and children's opportunities for stimulation and socialization should be developed in daycare centers, schools, shelters, and medical practices to minimize negative effects of early living conditions on children's development.
OBJECTIVES: To describe the adaptive behaviors in a large sample of homeless children and identify factors associated with developmental delay. METHODS: Data were from a cross-sectional survey of 557 children younger than 6 years randomly sampled among homeless sheltered families in the Paris region, France (January-May 2013). An interviewer and a psychologist conducted face-to-face interviews to collect information on sociodemographic and health characteristics. We assessed adaptive behaviors using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, second edition (VABS-II). RESULTS: The mean VABS-II composite score (SD) was 75.4 (12.0), and most participating children (80.9%) were considered developmentally delayed. Characteristics negatively associated with children's developmental score were age, birth in a country other than France, low birth weight, and past-year hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of developmental delays among children growing up homeless. Public Health Implications. Long-term integrated programs improving parenting and children's opportunities for stimulation and socialization should be developed in daycare centers, schools, shelters, and medical practices to minimize negative effects of early living conditions on children's development.