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Nutritional status and psychosocial stimulation associated with cognitive development in preschool children: A

Prakash Sharma1, Chitra Bahadur Budhathoki2, Ram Krishna Maharjan2

  • 1Faculty of Education, Butwal Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Butwal, Nepal.

Plos One
|March 13, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Preschoolers' cognitive development in Nepal is significantly influenced by nutritional status and psychosocial stimulation. Improving these factors, alongside targeted interventions, can enhance early childhood cognitive outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Child Development
  • Public Health
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Quality early education is crucial for developing nations like Nepal.
  • Preschoolers often lack adequate parental care regarding nutrition and psychosocial stimulation, impacting cognitive development.
  • Understanding factors influencing cognitive development is vital for effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify key factors influencing cognitive development in preschool children (3-5 years) in Rupandehi district, Nepal.
  • To assess the relationship between nutritional status, psychosocial stimulation, and cognitive development.
  • To provide evidence for improving early childhood education strategies.

Main Methods:

  • A school-based cross-sectional survey of 401 preschool children in Rupandehi district.
  • Data collected via interviews and direct observation on socio-demographics, psychosocial stimulation, and nutritional status (Height for Age Z-score).
  • Stepwise regression analysis used to determine predictors of cognitive development.

Main Results:

  • 44.1% of children had normal nutritional status (HAZ).
  • Only 1.2% of caregivers provided high levels of psychosocial stimulation; 49.1% of children had medium cognitive development.
  • Cognitive development positively correlated with nutritional status (β = 0.280), psychosocial stimulation (β = 0.184), and advantageous caste/ethnicity (β = 0.190).
  • Negative associations found with child's age (β = -0.145) and family type (β = -0.157).

Conclusions:

  • Nutritional status and psychosocial stimulation are major determinants of cognitive development in preschoolers.
  • Interventions focusing on nutritional promotion and optimal psychosocial stimulation are recommended.
  • Enhancing these areas can significantly improve cognitive outcomes in early childhood education.

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