Examining the influence of child nutritional disorders on early childhood development in Bangladesh: insights from the multiple indicator cluster survey

Abstract

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between various forms of child nutritional disorders and early childhood development in Bangladesh. Design: We analysed data from the nationally representative cross-sectional 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey. Early childhood development was evaluated using the Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI), which comprised 10 yes-or-no questions across four domains: literacy-numeracy, physical well-being, socio-emotional development, and learning abilities. Nutritional disorders (e.g. stunting, wasting, and underweight) were measured based on the World Health Organization’s height and weight guidelines. To investigate the relationships between child development and nutritional disorders, we used multilevel logistic regression models. Setting: Bangladesh. Participants: Data of 9,455 children aged 3 and 4 years. Results: Approximately 38 % of the children analysed experienced a nutritional disorder, with stunting being the most prevalent at 28·15 %. Overall, 25·27 % did not meet expected developmental progress measured by the ECDI. Stunted children were more likely to be off track developmentally, while those without any nutritional disorder were more likely to be on track. Socio-demographic factors, including age, sex, attendance in early childhood education programme, maternal education, maternal functional difficulties, region, and income, were identified as determinants of ECDI. Conclusions: Childhood nutrition and socio-demographic factors significantly affect multiple developmental domains and overall ECDI among children aged 3–4 years. Prioritising policies and programmes that improve nutrition and address these determinants are crucial for fostering optimal development in children.