CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND BEHAVIOR: A PEDIATRIC PERCEPTION

Summary: In 1994 the pediatricians who practice in Pelotas, RS were interviewed. Questions concerning child development behavior and health promotion were assessed through a structured questionnaire. Of 102 pediatricians 75 answered the self-administered questionnaire. The results show that almost the totality of pediatricians agree that maternal depression and family dysfunction can cause developmental delays. Only 53% agree that maternal smoking cause early weaning. 71% refer perinatal factors as the main cause of developmental delays. 84% agree that developmental screening should be included in the routine pediatric practice, but only 59% perform an informal developmental evaluation in their practice. Almost half of the pediatricians have a teaching position, but there is no significant difference between this group and the one who don't have teaching obligations. They refers that medical school provide no enough knowledge about child development, and 50% have the same opinion about the pediatric residence. The survey show that there are important controversies about child development and behavior and modifications should be made in the pediatrics programs in the medical schools and residence programs.