Beatrice A Oyugi, Silas O Onyango, Henry Athiany, Gideon M Kikuvi
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Most children from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are at risk of poor development. Poor developmental outcomes are associated with later poor schooling and labour outcomes. Previous literature has documented a range of factors that influence children's development. However, these factors are not well established in rural settings.
Aim: The current study aims at assessing the determinants of developmental outcomes among children under 3 years.
Setting: Siaya County, Kenya.
Methods: A cross-sectional study of children under 3 years and their caregivers, attending Child Welfare Clinic (CWC) at tier 3 health facilities in a rural setting in Kenya, was conducted. A total of 149 children were randomly selected to participate in the study and had their development assessed using the third version of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3). We assessed the association between ASQ-3 scores and environmental, cultural and individual-level factors in crude and adjusted linear regression models.
Results: Being married and being employed showed the strongest positive associations with child development while earning less than $100.00 per month has a negative association with children's development for individual-level factors. In addition, exposing children to opportunities for early learning had a greater effect on the child's outcomes. Also, responsive caregiving showed higher scores for children's developmental outcomes.
Conclusion: The study suggests a positive association between child development outcomes and caregivers' socio-demographic characteristics. There is also an association between responsive caregiver-child interactions and child development outcomes. Programmes that create an enabling environment for caregivers to provide a stimulating environment for their children may help children to thrive, improving their development outcomes.
Contribution: This study contributes to the body of knowledge on the important roles of caregivers in enhancing their children's optimal development.
期刊介绍：
The Journal of Public Health in Africa (JPHiA) is a peer-reviewed, academic journal that focuses on health issues in the African continent. The journal editors seek high quality original articles on public health related issues, reviews, comments and more. The aim of the journal is to move public health discourse from the background to the forefront. The success of Africa’s struggle against disease depends on public health approaches.
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