Characterizing developing executive functions in the first 1000 days in South Africa and Malawi: The Khula Study

• DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.19638.1
• Publication Date: 2024-03-20T19:05:07Z
• Authors: Michal R Zieff; Marlie Miles; Emmie Mbale; Emma Eastman; Lorna Ginnell; Steven C R Williams; Derek K Jones; Daniel C Alexander; Peter A. Wijeratne; Laurel J Gabard-D...; Vanja Klepac-Ceraj; Kevin S Bonham; Nicolò Pini; Ayesha Sania; Maristella Lucchini; Sean Deoni; William P Fifer; Melissa Gladstone; Dima Amso; Kirsten A Donald
• Keywords: Cognitive flexibility; Longitudinal Study

<ns4:p>The term ‘executive functions’ (EFs) refers to a set of skills that support flexible control over thought and action. Classic EFs (working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility) do not show measurable stable function until after the third year life continue develop into early adulthood. However, even at earliest ages, these are shown have value for predicting school readiness academic achievement. They predictive success, mental health, general well-being across lifespan including in ageing populations. As such, understanding developing brain developmental dynamics stage development EFs, first three years life, is crucial programming supports healthy development. The goal this manuscript describe goals, hypotheses, participant populations, methodology Khula Study. multi-modal multi-site longitudinal birth cohort study designed characterise emerging 1000 days global majority settings. Most research date has been conducted highincome countries rather than low- middle-income comprise most world’s child population. We assert supporting EF importance, but must be done with within context adaptation one’s environment. Study aims understand which influences common cultures also culture specific. will address questions by incorporating data from South Africa Malawi on outcomes children living contexts. enrolled 394 mothers (84% antenatally) Gugulethu Cape Town, 507 (42% Blantyre, Malawi.</ns4:p>