Childhood stunting and cognitive development: a meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Childhood stunting is associated with delayed developmental trajectories. While the relationship between childhood stunting and cognitive development has been widely studied, the impact on children's development requires further examination. We aimed to synthesise existing research studies to clarify the relationships between childhood stunting and cognitive development and sub-domains of cognition. Additionally, we sought to examine potential moderating factors influencing the relationship between childhood stunting and cognitive development, and to explore interventions targeted at improving cognitive development for stunted children.

Methods

We systematically reviewed literature from 1990 to 2025 in 54 languages. We identified 12 191 studies, of which 35 studie

SUBMITTER: Sideropoulos V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12467485 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature