PRESENTATION

BY

STUDENT NURSES

ON

COMMON CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS

TO BE SUBMITTED TO

MRS MERCY ONAKPOYA

GROUP MEMBERS

ASORO EDEGHENE FAITH

DANIEL EWOMA BLESSING
BIANCA BROWN
EGBABONURE A. BECKY
IMODJE EMMANUEL
OSSAI REUBEN
USUEMERAI JESSICA

COMMON CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS.

WHAT IS CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
Childhood development refers to the process by which children grow, mature, and develop
physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally from birth to adolescence.
Therefore, childhood development problems refer to difficulties or delays that children may
experience during their developmental journey.
NOTE: Childhood is divided into three stages of life which includes;
– Early childhood which ranges from infancy to the age of 6 years.
– Middle childhood which ranges from age 7 to 12.
– Late childhood (Adolescence) ranging from age 13 to 18.
Common Childhood Development Problems
The common childhood development problems are further classified based on the stages of
childhood and they are as follows;
EARLY CHILDHOOD (BIRTH TO AGE 6)
1. Speech and Language difficulties -
- Stuttering
- Articulation difficulties
- Language delay or disorder.
2. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
3. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
4. Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD).
5. Intellectual disability.
6. Down syndrome
7. Sensory processing disorder (SPD).

MIDDLE CHILDHOOD (AGE 7 - 12)

1. Learning disabilities (e.g dyslexia- is a learning disorder characterized by difficulties in
reading, writing and spelling. Dyscalculia- is a learning disorder that affects an individual’s
ability to understand and work with numbers, mathematics. It is often referred to as “math
dyslexia” or “number blindness”).
2. Oppositional Defiant Disorder ( ODD).
3. Conduct Disorder.
4. Anxiety Disorder.
5. Social Anxiety Disorder.
6. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
7. Tourette’s syndrome.

LATE CHILDHOOD (AGE 13 - 12)

1. Eating disorders (e.g anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa).
2. Mood disorders (e.g depression, bipolar disorder).
3. Anxiety disorders.
4. Substance abuse and addiction.
5. Suicidal ideation and behavior.
6. Self-harm and self-injury.
7. Personality disorders.
8. Psychotic disorders (e.g schizophrenia).

Causes of Common Childhood Development Problems

1. Genetic predisposition.
2. Prenatal and perinatal factors.
 . Environmental influences.
. Neuro developmental disorders.
. Infections and illnesses.
. Trauma and stress.
. Nutritional deficiencies.
. Parenting styles and family dynamics.
. Socioeconomic factors.
. Cultural and societal influences.

The Effect of Genetics in Childhood Development

. Inherited disorders: Genetic mutations can cause inherited disorders such as sickle cell
anemia, cystic fibrosis which can impact childhood development.
. Developmental Delays: Genetic factors can contribute to developmental delays such as
delayed speech, language or cognitive development.
. Learning disabilities.
. Behavioral challenges.
. Increased risk of diseases like diabetes, asthma or heart conditions.
. Sensory processing difficulties.
. Motor skills challenges.
. Language difficulties.
. Cognitive impairment.
. Mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder etc.

NUTRITIONAL PROBLEMS

Nutritional problems refer to conditions or disorders that result from an inadequate or excessive
intake of nutrients. One of the main nutritional problems include ;
PROTEIN-ENERGY MALNUTRITION (PEM)
Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a broad term that encompasses several conditions resulting
from inadequate intake of protein and/or energy (calories). Here are some key details about PEM
and related nutritional problems:

1. Kwashiorkor: This severe form of PEM occurs primarily due to insufficient protein intake
despite adequate calorie intake. It often manifests with symptoms such as edema (swelling), skin
lesions, liver enlargement, and impaired growth in children.

2. Marasmus: This condition results from severe deficiency in both calories and protein. It leads
to extreme wasting of muscle and fat tissue, causing individuals to appear severely emaciated.
Marasmus is characterized by significant weight loss, loss of muscle mass, and overall growth
failure.
3. Micronutrient deficiencies: While PEM primarily involves inadequate intake of macronutrients
(protein and energy), deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals (micronutrients) can also
contribute to nutritional problems. For example, vitamin A deficiency can lead to vision problems
and immune system impairment, while iron deficiency can cause anemia.

4. Global impact: PEM is a significant global health issue, particularly affecting developing
countries where access to nutritious food is limited. Factors contributing to PEM include poverty,
food insecurity, inadequate access to healthcare, and poor sanitation.

5. Treatment and prevention: Addressing PEM requires a multifaceted approach including

improving access to nutritious food, promoting breastfeeding and adequate infant nutrition,
fortifying foods with essential nutrients, and providing medical treatment for severe cases.
Nutritional rehabilitation involves gradually reintroducing nutritious foods to restore health.

6. Long-term effects: Chronic PEM can lead to irreversible damage to physical and cognitive
development, particularly in children. It also increases susceptibility to infections and other
health complications.

CONGENITAL DISORDERS
Congenital disorders are malformation of the fetus and are present at birth. Why certain fetal
tissues develop abnormally is not always known but the following factors are thought to be
responsible.
. Deficient oxygen supply to the developing ovum .
. Abnormal implantation of the ovum.
. Abnormality of the placenta which tends to lead to abnormality of th fetus.
. Maternal infections e.g Rubella or German measles in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
. Maternal diseases other than infection e.g hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes
and kidney diseases.
. Poor maternal nutritional state, especially deficiency in protein and vitamins.
. Physical and chemical agent such as high dosage of x-ray in early pregnancy or drugs e.g
thalidomide.
. Age and parity of the mother.
NOTE: Malformed babies are commonly born by elderly primigravida or by women who are over
40 years old. Also, fetal malformation often lead to abortion, premature birth, still birth and
neonatal death.

Prevention of Congenital Disorders

The midwife or the nurse play an important role in the attempt to prevent congenital
abnormalities. She should advise her patient to take only those drugs prescribed by the doctor in
early pregnancy and to report ill health, especially German measles. The patient is also advised
to eat food rich in protein and vitamins in order to prevent malnutrition during pregnancy.
However this congenital disorders further leads to abnormalities in most of the systems of the
body. They are as follows;
Central Nervous System :
– Hydrocephalus: This is a condition in which there’s an excessive and abnormal
accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the cerebral ventricles which becomes enlarged. As
a result of this the baby’s head is abnormally big and the cranial sutures and fontanelles
are widely separated.
– Spinal bifida: This is the protrusion of the meninges and sometimes the spinal cord
through a gap in the vertebral arches which failed to fuse. Spinal bifida is recognized by
the presence of a reddish soft mass in the lumbo-sacral region. Paralysis of the lower limb
is usually present. Others include ; Ancephaly, Microcephaly, Encephalocele and
meningocele.

Gastrointestinal Tract Abnormalities

– Exomphalos.
– Congenital absence of the abdominal muscles: This condition is recognized by the easy
palpation of the abdominal organs which protrude readily when the baby cries.
– Harelip (cleft lip) and cleft palate.
– Hiatus hernia.

Cardiovascular system Abnormalities

Some congenital abnormalities of the heart may be associated with cyanosis at birth. In some
cases no cyanosis (acyanotic congenital heart defects). A midwife should suspect congenital
heart defect in a baby who tires easily during feeding or had respiratory embarrassment.

Genito-urinary Tract Abnormalities

Difficulty in determining the sex of an infant may arise from abnormalities of the external
genitalia.
– Phimosis : Phimosis is the narrowing of the prepuce in a male child and may cause
straining at micturition. Circumcision will remedy this condition.
– Hypospadias : Is the term for the condition in which the urethral orifice opens at the level
of the glans penis, or at the body of the penis and scrotum. Plastic operations are
recommended for these conditions.
– Persistent Urachus: This is a condition which consists of a fistula extending from the
fundus of the bladder to the umbilicus. This condition results from failure of the fetal
allantois to close.

Skeletal and Locomotor system Abnormalities

– Amelia: Is the total absence of the limbs. But partial absence, ectromelia is more common.
– Polydactylism.
– Birthmarks.
 – Birthmarks.

BIRTH INJURY
Birth injury refers to any harm or trauma that a baby suffers during the birth process, whether
during labor , delivery or immediately after birth . Some common examples of birth injuries
includes;
. Cerebral palsy.
. Erb’s palsy (brachial plexus injury).
. Shoulder dystocia.
. Fractures (broken bones).
. Head trauma (including skull fractures and bleeding).
. Spinal cord injuries.
. Brain injuries.
. Nerve damage.
. Infections (such as meningitis or sepsis).
Birth injuries can result from various factors including:
. Medical negligence or malpractice.
. Prolonged or difficult labor .
. Use of forceps or vacuum extractions
. Fetal distress.
. Umbilical cord complications.
. Placenta previa or abruption.
. Maternal infections or medical conditions.

ACUTE INFECTIOUS DISEASE:

Acute infectious diseases are illnesses that are caused by the presence of a pathogen, such as a
bacterium, virus, fungus, or parasite, and the body's response to that pathogen. Some examples
of acute infectious diseases include :
. MENINGITIS: This is the inflammation of the meninges (a membrane covering the Brain
and spinal cord. This is present in child development due to improper child care which
result in invasion of micro- bacterium into the body which result in this disease process.
There are various significant consequences/effects of meningitis, which are;
-Brain damage
-Hearing loss
-Learning disability
-Seizure
-Cognitive impairment
. HIV/AIDS :
Significant effects/experience on the child :
– Neurological problems (e.g., seizures, tremors)
– Increased risk of chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) -- Reduced life
 –
expectancy.
. Encephalitis
. Polio
. Measles
. Tuberculosis
. Congenital syphilis
. Diarrhea diseases (e.g cholera , E.coli).
. Pneumonia.

SYMPTOMS OF ACUTE INFECTIOUS DISEASES/EFFECTS

Some possible effects and symptoms on child development include:
. Fever :
– Irritability
– Loss of appetite.
. Gastroenteritis (diarrhea, vomiting).
– Dehydration
– Malnutrition
– Weight loss.
. Respiratory infection (pneumonia, bronchitis).
– Shortness of breath
– Coughing
– Delayed lung development.
. Fatigue.
. Rash & itching.

FACTORS THAT CAUSES ACUTE INFECTIOUS DISEASES

. Biological factor:
– Pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasite).
– Bacteria toxin production.
. Environmental factors:
– Contaminated food and water.
– Poor sanitation and hygiene.
– Vector borne transmission.
. Human factor:
– Poor vaccination rates.
– Inadequate healthcare.
– Human behavior (sharing needles).
. Social factor:
– Poor living conditions.
– Inadequate access to healthcare.
VARIOUS EFFECTS OF ACUTE INFECTIOUS DISEASES ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT
This effects depend on the disease and it's severity . This includes:
. Cognitive Impairment: Certain infections such as meningitis or Encephalitis can affect
brain development and lead to cognitive Impairment, learning difficulties or even
intellectual disabilities.
. Motor skills delay: Infections like polio or muscular dystrophy can weaken muscles and
affect motor skills development.
. Growth and Nutrition issues: Certain infections like gastroenteritis or tuberculosis can lead
to malnutrition, stunted growth or other nutritional deficiency.
. Psychosocial impact: Extended periods of illness or hospitalization can disrupt social
interaction and educational opportunities potentially affecting emotional and social
development.
. Vision and hearing problems: infections like conjunctivitis or otitis media can cause vision
or hearing Impairment if left untreated.

PREVENTION OF ACUTE INFECTIOUS DISEASES

. Vaccination: Timely vaccination are essential for preventing many infectious diseases.
. Clean Environment: Keep the child's environment clean, including toy, surfaces and
clothing.
. Avoid close contact: Avoid close contact with people who are sick with infectious
diseases.
. Practice safe water habit: Ensure access to safe drinking water and proper disposal of
waste-water.
. Proper food handling: Store, prepare and cook food safely to prevent food borne illnesses
(typhoid, fever , E.coli infections).
. Breastfeeding: Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months can help protect against
infections.
. Adequate Nutrition: Ensure adequate nutrition to support immune system development
and function.

THE EFFECT OF SOCIAL AND FAMILY STRUCTURE ON CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

Social and family structure can significantly impact childhood development, and any challenges
in this area can pose problems for a child's development.
. Insecure attachment: Inconsistent or unreliable caregiving can lead to attachment issues,
affecting emotional regulation and relationships.
. Parental conflict: Exposure to frequent arguing or violence can impact emotional well-
being and social skills.
. Divorce or separation: Family breakdown can lead to emotional distress, behavioral
problems, and decreased academic performance.
. Single parenting: Lack of support and resources can impact a child's emotional and
psychological well-being.
 . Parental substance abuse: Exposure to substance abuse can increase the risk of
developmental delays, behavioral problems, and mental health issues.
. Parental mental health issues: Unaddressed mental health concerns in parents can impact
their ability to provide a stable and supportive environment.
. Socioeconomic disadvantage: Limited access to resources, poverty, and financial stress
can impact cognitive development, academic achievement, and mental health.
. Family violence: Exposure to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse can lead to severe
developmental and psychological consequences.
. Parental neglect: Neglecting a child's basic needs, such as nutrition, healthcare, or
education, can impact physical, cognitive, and emotional development.
. Social isolation: Limited social interaction and support can impact social skills, emotional
well-being, and cognitive development.

These challenges can impact various aspects of childhood development, including:

- Emotional regulation
- Social skills
- Cognitive development
- Academic achievement
- Mental health
- Physical health
- Behavioral regulation.

WARS, POLITICAL INSTABILITY AND INTENTIONAL DEBTS

Childhood development is crucial for future health and abilities. Wars, political instability, and
intentional debts severely disrupt this process.

Effects of Wars on Childhood Development

PHYSICAL HEALTH:
Example: In Syria, millions of children face malnutrition and disease due to ongoing conflict.
Injuries and death from violence; poor living conditions leading to disease.

PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT:
Example: Children in Afghanistan show high rates of PTSD and anxiety.
Trauma and stress from exposure to violence and displacement.

EDUCATIONAL DISRUPTIONS:
Example: In Yemen, many schools have been destroyed, interrupting education for thousands.
School closures and disrupted learning due to unsafe environments.
Effects of Political Instability on Childhood Development

ECONOMIC HARDSHIPS:
Example: In Venezuela, economic collapse has forced children into labor.
Increased poverty and child labor, depriving children of education.

ACCESS TO SERVICES:
Example: In South Sudan, political unrest has led to inadequate healthcare and education.
Disrupted access to healthcare and educational services.

SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT:
Example: In Myanmar, political violence has led to family separations and unsafe conditions.
Family separation and exposure to violence, causing emotional distress.

Effects of Intentional Debts on Childhood Development

ECONOMIC CONSTRAINTS:
Example: In Greece, austerity measures due to debt have reduced public spending on healthcare
and education.
Reduced public spending, increasing poverty rates.

HEALTHCARE ACCESS:
Example: In Argentina, economic constraints have led to shortages in medical supplies.
Diverted funds from healthcare, leading to shortages and food insecurity.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:
Example: In Zambia, debt has led to budget cuts, limiting access to quality education.
Budget cuts limiting educational resources and access.

Long-term Consequences
INTERGENERATIONAL POVERTY: Continuing cycle of poverty, as seen in Haiti.
REDUCED HUMAN CAPITAL: Hindered development affecting economic productivity, as
observed in war-torn regions like Somalia.
SOCIAL INSTABILITY: Ongoing instability from a disadvantaged generation, evident in countries
like Iraq.

Conclusion
Wars, political instability, and intentional debts profoundly impact childhood development,
leading to long-term consequences. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive policies
and international cooperation to support vulnerable children.