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Severe behavior problems among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are a major barrier to integration in the community. Recent research suggests that these behaviors often begin very early in life and might be prevented by early identification and intervention (Rojahn, Schroeder, & Hoch, 2008). The current article presents a method of mass screening for early signs of severe behavior problems among infants and toddlers in Peru. A Parental Concerns Questionnaire (PCQ), which asks 15 questions, each related to a risk factor for severe behavior problems, based on past research on IDD, was used by veteran parents to interview 341 new parents who had been solicited by TV, radio, and public service announcements across the country. Of these, 262 were recruited and enrolled in a longitudinal study in which they will be followed for 12 months to see if at-risk children actually will develop severe behavior problems. An extensive initial interdisciplinary evaluation was given to each child. Consumer satisfaction questionnaires were given to the parents as to their attitude toward the screening method. Data from the vaccines contributedEvaluations of the sample suggest a very high hit rate (96%) by the screening instrument (PCQ). Consumer satisfaction was 98%, suggesting that the method was tolerated well by parents. The PCQ is a brief and efficient method to screen infants and toddlers at risk for severe behavior problems. The data also suggest that parents suspect these problems at a very early age. Early intervention thus seems a feasible strategy to intervene before these problems become deeply ingrained as children develop. (Contains 3 tables and 4 figures.)

Inadequate feeding practices contribute to poor nutrition among Peruvian children. In response, Peru's Lambayeque Regional Government funded an initiative in its four poorest districts to improve nutrition counselling skills of health-service professionals (HP). The study aimed to identify factors associated with successful communication of optimal nutrition practices to caregivers. Counselling data were collected in six health establishments in two of the four poorest Lambayeque districts. A thematic content analysis was completed for 30 direct observations of counselling by staff in the national child growth and development monitoring programme, 26 exit interviews with caregivers, 12 in-depth interviews (5 HP and 7 caregivers), and 5 home observations. Type and training of HP influenced messages given. Nurses focussed on multi-micronutrient powders and iron-rich foods; nutritionists targeted dietary diversity, food consistency, and frequency of feedings. Caregivers reported feeling more comfortable when HP used positive verbal communication and non-verbal cues. Language was a barrier (non-Quechua speaking HP), as were high HP turnover, remoteness of villages, and limited attending hours, all of which reduced opportunities for nutrition education. Learning materials and group demonstrations facilitated comprehension, but cultural beliefs prevented the adoption of some messages. Both HP and caregivers were invested in improving infant and young child feeding practices. Trained HP demonstrated skills for effective nutrition counselling. Inclusion of nutrition education and counselling training in all HP's curriculum, as well as in-service refresher training, is recommended to ensure all HP possess the knowledge and communication skills needed in the health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]