Prevalence and associated factors of developmental coordination disorder among preschool children in Zhangjiagang City

XIN Tiantian; HOU Jiangting; CHEN Jian; ZOU Qiuyan; CHEN Ling; GONG Jinxin

doi:10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-0672

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Chinese Journal of Child Health Care ›› 2026, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (5) : 490-495. DOI: 10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-0672

Special Column on Nurturing Care & Growth and Development

Prevalence and associated factors of developmental coordination disorder among preschool children in Zhangjiagang City

XIN Tiantian¹, HOU Jiangting¹, CHEN Jian¹, ZOU Qiuyan¹, CHEN Ling¹, GONG Jinxin²

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Abstract

Objective To investigate the prevalence of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) among preschool children in Zhangjiagang City, and to identify associated influencing factors, so as to provide evidence for early identification and intervention. Methods A stratified random cluster sampling method was employed to recruit 1 391 preschool children (aged 3–6 years) from 13 kindergartens in Zhangjiagang City between May and June 2024. Motor coordination was assessed using the little Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (little DCDQ). The 0 - 6 Years Child Home Nurture Environment Questionnaire (CHNEQ) and the Preschooler's Eating Behavior Scale (PEBS) were used to evaluate family environment and dietary behaviors, respectively. Multivariate ordered logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing DCD status. Results The prevalence rates of abnormal DCD and suspected DCD were 4.82% and 7.84%, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that older age(OR=0.574, 95%CI: 0.429–0.767) and higher independent eating ability scores(OR=0.484, 95%CI: 0.355–0.659 ) were protective factors associated with a reduced risk of DCD(P<0.001). Conversely, risk factors included poor emotional warmth (OR=2.711, 95%CI:1.234–5.956), limited activity diversity (average:OR=1.769, 95%CI: 1.100 - 2.843; poor: OR=9.300, 95%CI: 3.303–26.183), unfavorable home atmosphere(average: OR=3.456, 95%CI: 1.413 - 8.452; poor: OR=4.244, 95%CI: 2.206–8.164), and emotional eating(OR=1.544,95%CI: 1.145–2.081)(P<0.05). Conclusions The detection rate of DCD among preschool children in Zhangjiagang City is relatively high. DCD status is significantly associated with age, dietary behaviors, and the family nurturing environment. Interventions focusing on improving family environments and fostering healthy eating habits may benefit children at risk.

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developmental coordination disorder / preschool children / influencing factors

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XIN Tiantian, HOU Jiangting, CHEN Jian, ZOU Qiuyan, CHEN Ling, GONG Jinxin. Prevalence and associated factors of developmental coordination disorder among preschool children in Zhangjiagang City[J]. Chinese Journal of Child Health Care. 2026, 34(5): 490-495 https://doi.org/10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-0672

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