Effects of Air Pollution on Neuromotor Development in Children up to 1 Year Old in the Municipality of Guarujá

Abstract

Introduction: Atmospheric pollution represents a major threat to public health, being responsible for several systemic consequences on the human body. Port regions, in particular, are critical areas due to intense ship and cargo vehicle traffic. This problem affects the entire population, but babies, especially during the first year of life, constitute a risk group due to their intense neuromotor development that can be negatively influenced by pollution, use of screens and socioeconomic conditions. A relevant tool for evaluating neuromotor development in this context is the Alberta Infant Motor Snap, based on a score of positions held by the baby. Objective: To evaluate the effects of port pollution on the neuromotor development of babies during the first year of life. Method: This is a prospective cohort study that will evaluate the neuromotor development of all children in the selected areas in the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th months of life, of both sexes, living in the municipality of Guarujá/SP, in the Jardim Conceiçãozinha neighborhoods , Sítio Conceiçãozinha, Boa Esperança (areas considered to have greater exposure to pollution), Perequê and Vila Rã (areas with lower exposure to pollution). Assessments will take place from May 2024 to December 2025. Participants will respond to an initial assessment form, including identification data, information about pregnancy, breastfeeding, history of pathologies, childbirth, socioeconomic conditions, contact with screens and care related to the baby . In addition, an observational assessment will be carried out using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale, which assesses infant motor development in the child's first year of life. The determination of atmospheric pollutants will be carried out using the DustTrak DRX aerosol monitor, which will record the concentration (¿g/m3) of particulate matter in areas of highest and lowest exposure to atmospheric pollution.Statistical analysis: The following statistical programs and tests will be used: Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15.0, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, chi-square test (Fisher correction), independent T test or Mann-Whitney test. For all analyzes a statistical significance (p-value) of less than 5% (p<0.05) will be adopted.