Parental Awareness of Growth and Developmental Delay in Children Under Five in Tobruk, Libya: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Early detection of childhood developmental delays (DD) relies heavily on parental vigilance and health literacy. This study assessed baseline awareness of developmental milestones and clinical red flags among parents of children under five in Tobruk, Libya, evaluating the impact of socio-demographic determinants on developmental screening outcomes.

Methods: A clinic- and community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Tobruk during Febuarary  2026. Using convenience sampling, a validated Arabic questionnaire was distributed to Libyan parents to evaluate socio-demographic profiles, milestone recognition (speech and gross motor), and healthcare-seeking behaviors. Data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 26.0).

Results: Among the 305 participants analyzed, mothers predominated (86.2%, n=263) and 72.1% (n=220) held university degrees. While 84.9% (n=259) were familiar with the term "developmental delay," specific knowledge varied: 54.4% (n=166) and 81.3% (n=248) correctly identified the 1-2 years expected window for speech production and independent walking, respectively. However, roughly one-third of the sample misestimated these timelines. Encouragingly, 82.0% (n=250) recognized a child's failure to respond to their name as a clinical red flag, and 80.0% (n=244) agreed that speech delays require medical evaluation. Physicians were the primary source of developmental information (41.6%, n=127), followed by family networks (24.3%) and the internet (23.6%).

Conclusion: General awareness of developmental delay is remarkably high among this educated urban demographic in Tobruk, yet specific gaps remain regarding precise milestone timelines. Public health strategies should leverage high community trust in clinicians to incorporate standardized screening into routine pediatric and vaccination visits.