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Psychosocial determinants of child cognitive development in sub-Saharan early childhood development centres: a

Katlego Magdeline Rantho1,2, Mpsanyana Makgahlela3, Ronny Mkhonto4

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa. rantho.magdeline@gmail.com.

Systematic Reviews
|February 24, 2026
PubMed

Insights

This review synthesizes research on psychosocial factors influencing child cognitive development in sub-Saharan African Early Childhood Development centres. It highlights the need for more research to improve early learning and adaptive behaviours.

Area of Science:

  • Child Development
  • Psychosocial Factors
  • Sub-Saharan Africa

Background:

  • Cognitive development is crucial for children's future learning and adaptive behaviors.
  • Psychosocial factors significantly influence cognitive development, especially in resource-limited settings like sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Limited research exists on the interplay of psychosocial determinants in sub-Saharan African Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize existing literature on psychosocial determinants of child cognitive development in sub-Saharan African ECDs.
  • To identify research gaps and inform the development of interventions.
  • To provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review following PRISMA-P guidelines.
  • Searched global and regional databases for qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies (2014-2024).
  • Assessed study quality using the Mixed Method Appraisal tool and analyzed data via content analysis.

Main Results:

  • The review will synthesize findings on psychosocial factors affecting cognitive development in children aged 0-6 years.
  • Identified key psychosocial determinants and their impact within the sub-Saharan African ECD context.
  • Highlighted the need for context-specific interventions to enhance cognitive stimulation.

Conclusions:

  • This systematic review will enrich understanding of child cognitive development in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Findings will facilitate the development of targeted interventions to improve cognitive outcomes in ECD settings.
  • Emphasizes the critical role of psychosocial factors in early childhood cognitive growth.

Keywords:
ChildrenCognitive DevelopmentEarly childhood developmentPsychological determinantsSocial determinants

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