Publication: Parental knowledge and practices towards speech-language milestones and delay in children at Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia (HPUSM)
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Date
2026-08
Authors
Rosli, Nurin Khairina
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Abstract
Speech-language delay in children can affect communication, learning and social development if not identified and managed early. Parents play an important role in recognising speech-language milestones and seeking early intervention for children with developmental delay. Therefore, this study aimed to assess parents’ knowledge and practices towards speech-language milestones and delay in children, as well as to determine the relationship between parental knowledge and practices. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 216 parents attending Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia (HPUSM). Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire that included sociodemographic information, knowledge and practice related to speech-language milestones and delay in children. The findings showed that the majority of parents had an acceptable level (73.1%) of knowledge regarding speech-language milestones and delay in children. Most parents had heard about speech-language milestones and delays (89.4%), knew the importance of early intervention (79.2%), and were aware that excessive screen time may contribute to language delay (75.0%). In terms of practice, most parents searched for information about children’s language milestones (89.4%), attended >9 routine paediatric visits (38.0%), and spent four to eight hours daily with their child (46.8%). The study also found a significant relationship between parental knowledge and the source of information (X²= 40.247, p= <0.001), frequency of paediatric visits (X²= 18.734, p= 0.005) and time taken to seek professional help (X²= 27.483, p= <0.001). However, no significant relationship was found between parental knowledge and personal information searching (X²= 2.954, p= 0.228). In conclusion, the findings suggest that better parental knowledge may contribute to better practices regarding speech-language milestones and delay in children. Therefore, health education and awareness programmes should be strengthened to improve parents’ understanding and encourage early detection and intervention for speechlanguage delay in children.
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