Validating the OptiDev : Screening Child Development Post-Sepsis in Uganda

Background. Sepsis is a leading cause of childhood illness worldwide, with the highest burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) resulting in long-term neurodevelopmental (ND) delays (Wiens, 2021). Screening in LMICs is limited by a lack of accessible tools for non-specialist providers and caregivers. Occupational therapists can improve outcomes by using ND screening for early identification, referral to treatment, and advocacy for increased rehabilitation services in low-resourced areas. Purpose. To determine the concurrent validity of the OptiDev ND screening tool for children ages 24 months and 36 months in Uganda. Method. Data were analyzed from a prospective longitudinal study of children born to HIV-exposed mothers in Uganda. Children at 24 and 36 months were assessed with the OptiDev and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development III and scores were compared using Kendall rank correlation tests. Results. Data from 473 children were analyzed and low-to-moderate correlations were found at both ages. Conclusion. This study plays a role in addressing a critical gap in post-sepsis child development screening through initial validation of a culturally appropriate tool in Uganda. Future directions include examining age and domain specific BSID-III correlations to improve validity and integrating the OptiDev into hospital discharge programs improving access to neurodevelopmental care in LMICs.