Predictors and pathways of language and motor development in four prospective cohorts of young children in Ghana, Malawi, and Burkina Faso

• DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12751
• Publication Date: 2017-05-24T00:51:47Z
• Authors: Elizabeth L. Prado; Souheila Abbeddou; Seth Adu‐Afarwuah; Mary Arimond; Per Ashorn; Ulla Ashorn; Jaden Bendabenda; Kenneth H. Brown; Sonja Y. Hess; Emma Kortekangas; Anna Lartey; Kenneth Maleta; Brietta M. Oaks; Eugenia Ocansey; Harriet Okronipa; Jean Bosco Ouédraogo; Anna Pulakka; Jérôme W. Somé; Christine P. Stewart; Robert C. Stewart; Stephen A. Vosti; Elizabeth Yakes J...; Kathryn G. Dewey
• Keywords: Child Development

Previous reviews have identified 44 risk factors for poor early child development (ECD) in low- and middle-income countries. Further understanding of their relative influence pathways is needed to inform the design interventions targeting ECD.We conducted path analyses associated with 18-month language motor four prospective cohorts children who participated trials as part International Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (iLiNS) Project Ghana (n = 1,023), Malawi 675 1,385), Burkina Faso 1,122). In two cohorts, women were enrolled during pregnancy. infants at 6 or 9 months. multiple linear regression structural equation models (SEM), we examined 22 out previous reviews, plus 12 additional expected be ECD.Out 42 indicators 34 examined, and/or 3 4 cohorts: ponderal growth, variety play materials, activities caregivers, dietary diversity, hemoglobin/iron status. Factors that not maternal Hb/iron status, illness inflammation pregnancy, perceived stress depression, exclusive breastfeeding months postpartum, diarrhea, fever, malaria, acute respiratory infections. Associations between socioeconomic status consistently mediated a greater extent by caregiving practices than biomedical conditions, while this pattern was consistent across cohorts.Key elements ensure quality ECD are likely promotion caregiver children, diverse diet, prevention faltering growth improvement