Factores perinatales asociados al neurodesarrollo en preescolares de Ambato, Ecuador

Child neurodevelopment depends, among other factors, on the conditions of gestation. The study therefore aimed to analyse the association of gestational age, prenatal visits and type of delivery with neurodevelopment in preschool children at Health Centre No. 1 in Ambato. An analytical cross-sectional observational design with the Denver II test was used, with a census population of 200 children under 4 years of age. Overall, 41% had a suspect or abnormal result; prematurity (χ² = 18.3; p = 0.001) and fewer prenatal visits (χ² = 32.9; p < 0.001) were associated with neurodevelopmental alterations; and type of delivery showed no association (χ² = 2.2; p = 0.33). It was concluded that adequate prenatal care is a protective factor.