<![CDATA[Introduction: Speech delay is one of the most common developmental disorders in children and may adversely affect communication skills, academic performance, and social development if not identified and addressed early. Environmental factors, including language stimulation, social interaction, and parental involvement, are considered important determinants of speech development. Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between environmental factors and maternal characteristics and the occurrence of speech delay in children. Methods: An analytic case-control study was conducted involving parents of children aged 2–6 years with speech delay (case group) and without speech delay (control group). Independent variables included language stimulation, communication and social interaction, gadget use, and maternal characteristics, while speech delay served as the dependent variable. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression with the enter method. Results: Language stimulation and communication and social interaction were significantly associated with speech delay, whereas gadget use showed no significant independent association. However, logistic regression analysis demonstrated that all variables collectively contributed to the occurrence of speech delay. Conclusion: Although gadget use alone was not directly associated with speech delay, its interaction with inadequate language stimulation, communication, and social interaction may contribute to speech delay in children. Early interventions focusing on supportive environmental factors are therefore essential.]]>
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