Children with speech and language delay aged 2-10 Years in Palestine: A case-control study of socio-demographic, biological, familial, and environmental factors.

INTRODUCTION

Speech and language delay (SLD) is a common developmental problem that affects 3-20% of children globally, with significant long-term consequences if left untreated. Despite extensive research on SLD risk factors, regional studies in Palestine remain limited. This study sought to identify key characteristics impacting SLD in Palestinian children aged 2 to 10 years.

METHODS

Between January and March 2025, a case-control study was conducted at ten specialized institutes in Palestine. The study included 184 children with SLD and 136 controls who were matched for age and gender. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires that assessed socio-demographic, biological, familial, and environmental factors. SPSS v26 was used for statistical analysis, which included chi-square tests and logistic regression (p-value < 0.05 indicated significance).

RESULTS

Significant risk variables for SLD were rural residency (OR = 4.4, p = 0.008), lower parental education (paternal p = 0.003; maternal p < 0.001), and low family income (OR = 2.5, p = 0.030). Maternal employment showed a protective effect (OR = 0.273, p < 0.001). Biological characteristics such as ENT issues (OR = 3.9, p = 0.012) and a family history of SLD (OR = 8.6, p = 0.001) were significantly linked with SLD. There was no substantial correlation between the multilingual surrounding environment and family size.

CONCLUSION

The study emphasizes the diverse characteristics of SLD in Palestinian children, with a focus on socioeconomic disparities, biological factors, and familial history. These findings emphasize the necessity of targeted early therapies, particularly in rural and low-income populations, to mitigate the long-term impact of SLD.