Abstract
This study analyzed data on the early developmental status of 7352 children, aged from 36 to 59 months, using the Early Childhood Developmental Index (ECDI) to assess literacy-numeracy, physical, social-emotional, and learning domains. The study explored correlates of developmental status with a range of socio-demographic and environmental factors that may impact children’s development. The analyses use data from the Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, 2012—2013. Overall, about 65% of children had potential for healthy development, with highest rate of being on track being in the physical domain (~ 94%) and the lowest rate in the literacy domain (~ 23%). Older children, who had been breastfed, whose mothers had higher education, and who lived in urban areas were more likely to be developmentally on track. Children, whose family members engaged with them in four or more stimulating activities and read books, were more likely to be on a consistent and positive developmental trajectory. Children who were male, malnourished and experienced physical punishment were less likely to be on a positive developmental track. Policymakers need to invest in early childhood development including the funding of interventions so that children in Bangladesh can achieve their developmental potential.
Résumé
Cette étude analyse les données sur le niveau de développement de 7352 jeunes enfants âgés de 36 à 59 mois à l’Early Childhood Developmental Index (ECDI) (Indice de développement de la petite enfance), pour évaluer les domaines de la littératie et du calcul, physique, socio-émotionnel et d'apprentissage. L’étude explore les corrélations entre le niveau de développement et une série de facteurs sociodémographiques et environnementaux pouvant avoir un impact sur le développement de l’enfant. Les analyses utilisent les données de la Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, 2012 – 2013 (Enquête en grappes à indicateurs multiples au Bangladesh, 2012-2013). Dans l’ensemble, environ 65 % des enfants ont un potentiel de développement sain, le taux le plus élevé étant dans le domaine physique (~ 94 %) et le plus faible dans le domaine de la littératie (~ 23 %). Le développement est plus susceptible d’être sur la bonne voie chez les enfants plus âgés, qui ont été nourris au sein, dont les mères ont fait des études supérieures et qui vivent dans des zones urbaines. Les enfants dont la famille partage avec eux au moins quatre activités stimulantes et lit des livres sont considérés plus susceptibles de rester sur une trajectoire de développement cohérente et positive. Les enfants masculins, mal nourris et subissant des châtiments corporels sont moins susceptibles d’être sur une trajectoire de développement positive. Il faut que les décideurs politiques investissent dans le développement de la petite enfance, y compris en finançant des interventions sur mesure pour que les enfants du Bangladesh puissent réaliser leur potentiel de développement.
Resumen
El presente estudio analizó datos del estado de desarrollo temprano de 7.352 niños entre 36 y 59 meses de edad, con base en el Índice de Desarrollo de Niñez Temprana. para evaluar los dominios de alfabetización-aritmética, física, social-emocional y de aprendizaje. El estudio exploró correlaciones del estado de desarrollo con un rango de factores sociodemográficos y ambientales que pueden impactar el desarrollo de los niños. Los análisis utilizaron información de la Encuesta de Indicadores Múltiples por Conglomerados de Bangladesh, 2012-2013. En general, casi 65% de niños tenía el potencial de desarrollo saludable, siendo el aspecto físico el de mayor puntaje (~94%) y el aspecto de lectoescritura el de menor puntaje (~23%). Los niños y niñas mayores que habían sido amamantados, cuyas madres tenían un mayor nivel educativo y que vivían en áreas urbanas mostraron más probabilidad de continuar su desarrollo. Los niños y niñas cuyos familiares participaron en cuatro o más actividades estimulantes y leyeron libros con ellos, mostraron más probabilidades de mantener una trayectoria de desarrollo consistente y positivo. Los niños y niñas de sexo masculino, mal nutridos y que experimentaron castigo físico, mostraron menos probabilidad de continuar un desarrollo positivo. Los creadores de políticas deben invertir en el desarrollo de los niños y niñas, incluyendo una inyección de presupuesto hacia intervenciones personalizadas de tal forma que los niños y niñas en Bangladesh puedan lograr su potencial de desarrollo.
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Acknowledgement
The authors express their sincere thanks to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and UNICEF for conducting this survey and making datasets publicly available. The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to the editor and anonymous reviewers for the comments, suggestions, and efforts they have made to improve the manuscript’s overall quality.
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Islam, M.M., Khan, J.R., Kabir, A. et al. Associations of Socio-Demographic and Environmental Factors with the Early Development of Young Children in Bangladesh. IJEC 53, 175–196 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13158-021-00287-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13158-021-00287-7