Joint parental stimulation and early childhood development in 26 sub-Saharan African countries.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Engagement in stimulation activities by both parents can have synergistic effects on early childhood development (ECD). While the role of maternal stimulation is well known, the association with paternal stimulation remains underexplored and inconsistent. The current study aimed to assess the distribution of different combinations of maternal and paternal stimulation and explore their associations with ECD in the context of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods

Using the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys and Demographic and Health Surveys from 26 SSA countries, we included 69 637 children aged 3-4 years in the analysis. The standardised ECD z-score was constructed using the ECD index. We estimated three-level linear regressions to assess its association with parental

SUBMITTER: Chi H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12007060 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature