الكاتب/ة الباحث/ة
Kasim Allel, Gerard Abou Jaoude, Stavros Poupakis, Neha Batura, Jolene Skordisand Hassan Haghparast-Bidgoli
الناشر/المؤسسة
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
تاريخ الإصدار
2021
الدولة
فلسطين
A poor start in life shapes children’s development over the life-course. Children from
low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are exposed to low levels of early stimulation, greater
socioeconomic deprivation and persistent environmental and health challenges. Nevertheless, little
is known about country-specific factors affecting early childhood development (ECD) in LMICs.
Using data from 68 LMICs collected as part of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys between
2010 and 2018, along with other publicly available data sources, we employed a multivariate linear
regression analysis at a national level to assess the association between the average Early Childhood
Development Index (ECDI) in children aged 3–5 and country-level ecological characteristics: early
learning and nurturing care and socioeconomic and health indicators. Our results show that upper-
middle-income country status, attendance at early childhood education (ECE) programs and the
availability of books at home are positively associated with a higher ECDI. Conversely, the prevalence
of low birthweight and high under-5 and maternal mortality are negatively associated with ECDI
nationally. On average, LMICs with inadequate stimulation at home, higher mortality rates and
without mandatory ECE programs are at greater risks of poorer ECDI. Investment in early-year
interventions to improve nurturing care and ECD outcomes is essential for achieving Sustainable
Development Goals.