Study of community interventions on intelligence development of infants

  Objective   To assess the effect of intelligence interventions on the infants and their families in the community.

  Methods   309 newborns and their families were sampled randomly in Xuhui district, Shanghai.They were asked to complete the baseline questionnaires.The newborns intelligence quotients were measured by developmental Screening Test(DST) for Child Under Six, and the physical examinations were conducted at the same time.The new borns were randomly assigned to intervention group(156 cases)and control group(153 cases).The infants and their families were followed up after 6 months.intervention.Aquestionnaire of follow-up was completed by face to face interview at the communities.Infant intelligence quotients were measured and had their medical check-ups.

  Results   After 6 months.intervention, the means of Mental Index(MI)and Development Quotient(DQ)in the intervention group were respectively 5.96 and 9.80 higher than those in the control group after adjustment to the baseline scores.

  Conclusion   Early intelligence intervention in the community promotes the intelligence development of infants.