Table 1 Distribution of selected characteristics of the participant children and their mothers

Birth weight of the child^a

χ² = 454.7

df = 1

p < 0.001

 Very low birth weight (< 1499 g)

 Low birth weight (1500 - 2499 g)

 Normal weight (>  2500 g)

Occurrence of acute complications at birth^a

χ² = 47.34

df = 1

p < 0.001

 Yes

 No

Mode of delivery^a

χ² = 20.40, df = 1, p = 0.001

 Normal vaginal delivery

 Instrumental delivery

 Lower Segment Cesarean Section

Admission for special care at birth^a

χ² = 87.03

df = 1

p < 0.001

 Yes

 No

Reported prolonged illness during last 3 years

χ² = 1.309

df = 1

p = 0.253

 Yes

 No

Development status of the children^a

χ² = 19.33, df = 1, p = 0.001

 Development “on schedule”

 Development “not on schedule”

 Less than Grade 9

 Up to O/L

Not calculated

 Passed O/L examination

 Up to A/L

 Passed A/L examination

 Tertiary education

Mother’s occupational status^a

χ² = 11.32

df = 1

p < 0.001

 Employed mother

 Non employed mother

Total