Meta analysis approach on social protection of children's cognitive development and Finance Health Care through randomized, controlled trials

Abstract

Background

To examine the impact of social protection programs in promoting children's health and cognitive development, the study was conducted. Present study examined the effect of these programs on children especially during vulnerable early childhood phases.

Method

The study was conducted using meta-analysis through randomized, controlled trials using PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, ERIC, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were used to search articles published from Jan ​2008 to till Dec 2023 reporting on the prevalence of social protection programs in shaping children's cognitive skills and health outcomes.

Results

A total of 275 (N = 275) articles were identified, 13 potentially relevant studies were included for meta-analysis after employing inclusion and exclusion criteria. Random-effects model estimated Finance Health Care ranges from 0.55% to 1.63% with a pooled estimate of relative risk (RR) = 0.83 (95% CI 0.70, 0.97, p < 0.000) and similarly for cognitive development estimate was RR = 0.82% (95% CI 0.69, 0.98, p < 0.000). The present study found significant positive effects of financial assistance on both health and cognitive development. Meta-regression and Egger's regression were used to assess the source of heterogeneity and publication bias.

Conclusion

This study highlights the critical importance of social protection programs in enhancing children's well-being. Findings strongly supported and emphasized the necessity of implementing comprehensive social service programs encompassing financial assistance, food support, healthcare coverage, and educational resources for the optimal development and healthcare of children. This study was registered in PROSPERO (Registration ID: CRD42021251226).