Child-Friendly Neighborhood for Early Childhood: a cross-sectional study on child development and urban infrastructure

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OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between the risk of developmental delay in children and mothers' perceptions of urban infrastructure. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Salvador, Bahia, with mothers and children under 6 years of age registered at health units. Child development was assessed using the Survey of Well-being of Young Children, validated for the Brazilian population, and mothers' perceptions of urban infrastructure were assessed using the Child-Friendly Neighborhood for Early Childhood scale (green/open, playful, safe, accessible, and inclusive). Descriptive statistical analyses and logistic regression models were used. All ethical aspects were respected. RESULTS: A total of 503 mother-child dyads participated, and the risk of developmental delay was 11%. Regarding urban infrastructure, 41% of mothers considered their neighborhood green/open, 45% playful, 37% safe, 93% accessible, and 29% inclusive. Only mothers' perception that the neighborhood was safe was associated with a lower likelihood of risk of developmental delay in children (OR = 0.33; 95%CI: 0.15-0.71; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Maternal perception of neighborhood safety was associated with a lower likelihood of risk of developmental delay in children.