Maternal, paternal, and other caregivers’ stimulation in low- and- middle-income countries

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236107
• Publication Date: 2020-07-10T17:28:47Z
• Authors: Jorge Cuartas; Joshua Jeong; Catalina Rey-Guerra; Dana Charles McCoy; Hirokazu Yoshikawa
• Keywords: Human Development Index; High income countries

Background and objectives Globally, studies have shown associations between maternal stimulation early child development. Yet, little is known about the prevalence of paternal other caregivers’ practices, particularly in low- and- middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods Data from Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS) Demographic Health (DHS) were combined across 62 LMICs (2010–2018). The sample included 205,150 mothers children aged 3 4 years. High levels defined as caregiver engagement at least out 6 possible activities with child. proportion mothers, fathers, caregivers providing high was calculated by country, region, for whole sample. Socioeconomic disparities within estimated. Results On average, 39.8% (95% CI 37.4 to 42.2) 11.9% 10.1 13.8) 20.7% 18.4 23.0) adult provided stimulation. Stimulation varied country income group, Human Development Index (HDI), higher paternal–but not caregivers’–stimulation high-income high-HDI countries. Within countries, were, on lower poorest relative richest households, some but all exhibited differences sex (i.e., boys vs. girls) or area urban rural). Conclusions suggest a need intervention efforts that focus increasing LMICs, fathers low-income contexts.