Abstract:
Problem Statement: Early identification of developmental delays is key to improving outcomes, especially in children under three who may benefit from early intervention. As primary caregivers, mothers are well positioned to track milestones and seek timely care. However, evidence on maternal knowledge of developmental milestones in Addis Ababa is limited.
Objectives: To assess mothers’ knowledge of child development milestone and the associated factors in health centers in Yeka sub city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2025.
Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to February 2025 Yeka sub city in health centers, targeting 432 mothers selected through systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a validated, pretested tool using koboToolbox and analyzed in STATA version 14. Descriptive statistics were presented as percentages, frequency tables, and graph. Binary logistic regression assessed associations and variables with p < 0.25 in bivariable analysis were included in multivariable analysis. Statistical significance was set at p-values <0.05 with 95% confidence intervals.
Results: About 308 (71.3%; 95% CI: 67%, 75.57%) of participants had poor knowledge of developmental milestones. Mothers under 24 years were 5.7 times more likely to have poor knowledge compared to those aged 40–45 years (AOR = 5.7; 95% CI: 1.03, 31.41). Low monthly income (<5,000 ETB) was associated with higher odds of poor knowledge (AOR = 3.24; 95% CI: 1.40, 7.52). Lack of social support (AOR = 6.98; 95% CI: 3.76, 12.95), no prior information on developmental milestones (AOR = 3.8; 95% CI: 1.70, 8.46), and absence of regular child wellness clinic visits (AOR = 3.12; 95% CI: 1.18, 8.19) were also significantly associated with poor knowledge.
Conclusion and recommendation: Overall knowledge of mothers on developmental milestones was low, with three in four having poor awareness. Knowledge was positively associated with maternal age, education, income, family support, prior awareness, and regular wellness visits. Targeted awareness should be raised using standardized, easy-to-understand materials in community outreach. Healthcare providers should emphasize cognitive and communication milestones; encourage family support, regular check-ups, and group education sessions. Future studies are recommended to be community-based and include other caregivers.
Key words: Mothers knowledge, Developmental milestones, developmental delay, KIDI