Cross-Sectional Study of Developmental Coordination Disorder with Behavior Problems in Children from Bucaramanga City, Colombia

Abstract

Introduction: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) in childhood is a major public health issue due to its consequences for child development from the motor, cognitive, psychosocial and emotional perspectives, and its comorbidities are common with other developmental disorders in children as well. This study characterizes the association of DCD features with behavior problems in children from Bucaramanga city, Colombia. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a random sample of 140 children aged 6 to 12 years old that belonged to educational institutions. A structured interview and questionnaires were applied in order to determine the presence of DCD features and behavior problems. A univariate descriptive analysis led to a socio-demographic characterization and a Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Results: Results showed a prevalence of 3.6% of DCD features in the population, and a negative association of Rho = -0.263 with p value = 0.002 among DCD features and behavior problems reported by parents. Discussion: The prevalence of DCD features in Bucaramanga was lower concerning the prevalence reported internationally. The association among dcd features and behavior problems in this city is low but statistically significant.

Keywords

• Motor skills disorders
• conduct disorder
• child
• diagnosis
• comorbidity.