Latent profile analysis and influence factors of neurodevelopment in children aged 0–6 years in China

Abstract

Background Early childhood neuropsychological development exhibits substantial heterogeneity, yet the identification of distinct developmental profiles and their associated risk factors remains limited. This study aimed to delineate latent profiles of neuropsychological development in children aged 0–6 years and to identify factors influencing membership in these profiles. Methods A total of 2,297 children (1,193 boys and 1,104 girls) were assessed using the Chinese Developmental Scale for Children – Second Edition (CDSC-II). Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted based on age-standardized percentile scores across five developmental domains: gross motor, fine motor, language, adaptive behavior, and social behavior. A one-step regression mixture model, adjusting for child age and sex, was employed to examine associations between profile membership and perinatal and demographic factors. Results The LPA identified two distinct profiles: an Ordinary Development Group (28.6%, n = 656) and an Excellent Development Group (71.4%, n = 1,641), with good class separation (entropy = 0.818). In the regression mixture model, low birth weight (OR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.19–3.67), preterm birth (OR = 5.23, 95% CI: 3.14–8.71), maternal pregnancy complications (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.15–1.78), and older child age (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.007–1.027) were significantly associated with increased odds of belonging to the Ordinary Development Group. Conversely, female sex (vs. male) was associated with lower odds of membership in the Ordinary Development Group (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.54–0.83). Parenting style (parental vs. non-parental care) and the timing of complementary food introduction were not independently associated with profile membership after adjustment (both p > 0.05). Conclusion These findings indicate that specific maternal environmental exposures during pregnancy and the postnatal period, alongside child demographic characteristics, are significantly associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes in early childhood. The results underscore the importance of early developmental screening and targeted intervention for high-risk children to optimize long-term neurodevelopmental trajectories.