Prediction of Cognitive Competence in Kenyan Children from Toddler Nutrition, Family Characteristics and Abilities

Abstract

This study explored the extent to which cognitive competence in 5-yr old Kenyan children was associated with earlier nutritional factors, family conditions and toddler characteristics. Food intake during the 18th-30th mths and physical stature at 30 mths were associated with cognitive skills at 5 yrs. Measures of family background, abilities of the child as a toddler and current schooling were also associated with cognitive abilities at 5 yrs. These variables influenced development independently, so that later cognitive competence was best predicted by a combination of earlier nutritional, family and toddler characteristics.

Socioeconomic status, anthropometric status, and psychomotor development of Kenyan children from resource-limited settings: A path-analytic study

“…We extend their model and showed that the relationship between SES and outcome is fully mediated by WAZ and HAZ. The full mediation rules out the existence of a direct relationship between SES and outcome [44], which may explain some of the earlier results from Africa that reported an absence of relationship between most of the SES indicators and infant development [25,[45][46][47]. Our results contribute to a greater understanding of the role of socioeconomic indicators in developmental psychology in a resource-limited setting.…”

Effects of an energy and micronutrient supplement on play behavior in undernourished children in Indonesia

“…The caregiver's interactions with the child around play have been deemed as key in the development of symbolic, thematic play (Belsky et al, 1980;Bornstein et al, 1996;Sigman et al, 1988Sigman et al, , 1991Zukow, 1986). Representative play requires the child's understanding of the normative use of objects in a culture, and this understanding can only be obtained through the joint activity of the child with adults (Piaget, 1962;Zukow, 1986;El'Konin, 1971;Rogoff, 1990).…”

Constraints on the Delivery of Animal-Source Foods to Infants and Young Children: Case Studies from Five Countries

“…Animal-source foods are an essential component of a nutritious diet, particularly for the health and development of infants and young children [1][2][3][4][5]. Because animal-source foods supply high concentrations of essential macro-and micronutrients, they can contribute significantly to helping young children meet their daily nutrient needs [6].…”