RISK FACTORS FOR MENTAL DEVELOPMENT DISORDERS IN YOUNG CHILDREN AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEIR EARLY PREVENTION AT THE PRIMARY HEALTHCARE LEVEL

Mental developmental disorders in young children remain a significant issue in pediatrics, child psychiatry, neurology, and primary health care. Early identification of risk factors during the first years of life is critically important because the developing brain is particularly responsive to corrective interventions, while preventive measures may achieve their greatest effectiveness during this period. The study is aimed at examining the leading biological, peri­natal, psychological, family, and medico-social factors associated with such disorders and identifying opportunities for their early prevention within primary health care.

The effects of complicated pregnancy and childbirth, preterm birth, perinatal nervous system injury, somatic diseases, an unfavorable family environment, prolonged stress, insufficient emotional interaction, and limited devel­opmental stimulation are analyzed.

Particular emphasis is placed on regular monitoring of the child, assessment of motor, speech, cognitive, and socio-emotional development, and identification of high-risk groups. Primary health care plays a central role in prevention because it maintains continuous contact with children and their families, facilitates early recognition of initial developmental abnormalities, and enables timely referral to specialized professionals. An effective prevention model should combine medical monitoring, psychological assessment, parental support, correction of modifiable risk factors, and interdisciplinary cooperation. This approach may reduce the risk of persistent mental developmental disorders, improve children’s social adaptation, and enhance overall family well-being.