Determinants Of Child Development Research Articles

Undernutrition and short duration of breastfeeding association with child development: a population-based study

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship of undernutrition and the short duration of breastfeeding with child development of children 0–66 months of age residing in Ceará, Brazil. MethodsThe authors of the present study utilized population-based data from children enrolled in the Study on Maternal and Child Health in Ceará, Brazil (PESMIC). Children's development was assessed with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire third version, validated in Brazil. Undernutrition was accessed through anthropometric measures obtained by trained staff. Breastfeeding information was obtained through the mothers' report and confirmed in the child's governmental booklet. The authors used logistic regressions adjusted for sample clusters used in PESMIC design in a theoretical model for known determinants of child development following the World Health Organization nurturing framework. ResultsA total of 3,566 children were enrolled in the sixth PESMIC study and had their development assessed. The authors found that 8.2%, 3.0%, 2.1%, and 3.6% of children were stunted, underweight, or wasted, at the time of the interview, respectively. All studied factors were associated with a higher prevalence of child development impairment in at least one of the assessed domains. Underweight was the factor with the strongest effect, with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 4,14 (2,26–7,58), p < 0.001. Breastfeeding for up to two months compared to more than six months (AOR 2,08 (1,38–3,12)) was also associated. ConclusionsThe authors found that undernutrition and short duration of breastfeeding are associated with development outcomes among Brazilian children. As a result, integrated nutritional programs may improve child development outcomes.

Psychosocial and environmental determinants of child cognitive development in rural south africa and tanzania: findings from the mal-ed cohort

BackgroundApproximately 66% of children under the age of 5 in Sub-Saharan African countries do not reach their full cognitive potential, the highest percentage in the world. Because the majority of studies investigating child cognitive development have been conducted in high-income countries (HICs), there is limited knowledge regarding the determinants of child development in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).MethodsThis analysis includes 401 mother-child dyads from the South Africa and Tanzania sites of the Etiology, Risk Factors, and Interactions of Enteric Infections and Malnutrition and the Consequences for Child Health and Development (MAL-ED) longitudinal birth cohort study. We investigated the effect of psychosocial and environmental determinants on child cognitive development measured by the Wechsler Preschool Primary Scales of Intelligence (WPPSI) at 5 years of age using multivariable linear regression.ResultsSocioeconomic status was most strongly associated with child cognitive development (WPSSI Score Difference (SD):14.27, 95% CI:1.96, 26.59). Modest associations between the organization of the home environment and its opportunities for cognitive stimulation and child cognitive development were also found (SD: 3.08, 95% CI: 0.65, 5.52 and SD: 3.18, 95% CI: 0.59, 5.76, respectively).ConclusionThis study shows a stronger association with child cognitive development at 5 years of age for socioeconomic status compared to more proximal measures of psychosocial and environmental determinants. A better understanding of the role of these factors is needed to inform interventions aiming to alleviate the burden of compromised cognitive development for children in LMICs.

Introduction to the Special Issue on the Biological and Social Determinants of Child Development

Introduction to the Special Issue on the Biological and Social Determinants of Child Development

Introduction to the Special Issue on the Biological and Social Determinants of Child Development

Introduction to the Special Issue on the Biological and Social Determinants of Child Development

Summary of the Scientific Evidence on the Nature and Determinants of Child Development and Their Implications for Programmatic Interventions with Young Children

At the request of UNICEF, a summary was prepared of the scientific evidence on the nature and determinants of child development and their implications for programmatic interventions with young children. This summary is given below and reflects the views of the authors. We have included well-established points that we think are important as well as adding information that is new both theoretically and empirically.

Infancy Problem Behaviors

The goal of pediatric health supervision is to promote the optimal growth and development of children. Parent-infant interaction and parental attitudes toward their infant are important determinants of child development. Anticipatory guidance during child health supervision enables the pediatric provider to discuss developmental stages and demystify common stage-related behaviors, such as fussing, night-waking, repetitive movements, and clinging. Anticipating the emergence of such behaviors and issues may lessen parental anxiety and concern. When behavioral problems such as colic or sleep difficulties do arise, a consideration of developmental stage is helpful in suggesting specific management strategies. The successful implementation of developmentally-oriented approaches has benefits for the family and pediatric provider, including increased parental self-confidence, enhanced family functioning, and increased parental confidence in the pediatrician. Furthermore, by encouraging developmentally-oriented approaches, parents will be less inclined to adopt inappropriate or ineffectual behavioral management strategies.

Infancy Problem Behaviors

The goal of pediatric health supervision is to promote the optimal growth and development of children. Parent-infant interaction and parental attitudes toward their infant are important determinants of child development. Anticipatory guidance during child health supervision enables the pediatric provider to discuss developmental stages and demystify common stage-related behaviors, such as fussing, night-waking, repetitive movements, and clinging. Anticipating the emergence of such behaviors and issues may lessen parental anxiety and concern. When behavioral problems such as colic or sleep difficulties do arise, a consideration of developmental stage is helpful in suggesting specific management strategies. The successful implementation of developmentally-oriented approaches has benefits for the family and pediatric provider, including increased parental self-confidence, enhanced family functioning, and increased parental confidence in the pediatrician. Furthermore, by encouraging developmentally-oriented approaches, parents will be less inclined to adopt inappropriate or ineffectual behavioral management strategies.

Family structure or interpersonal relationships: the context for child development

SUMMARY. This article is based on an opening address given in March 1988 at the National Children's bureau conference on ‘Family fortunes: adapting support services for children in changing families’. It argues that the family is not a static unit impervious to outside influence and that on the contrary it is essential we understand the reasons why families change in certain respects and even try to anticipate such changes, as only then is it possible to target support services effectively. This should be done at the level of interpersonal relationships rather than family structure, for research on the determinants of child development has singled out this level as the crucial one