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Jensen CL, Sanga E, Kitt H, PrayGod G, Kunzi H, Setebe T, Filteau S, Webster J, Gladstone M, Olsen MF. Developing a context-relevant psychosocial stimulation intervention to promote cognitive development of children with severe acute malnutrition in Mwanza, Tanzania. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0285240. [PMID: 38722956 PMCID: PMC11081340 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
More than 250 million children will not meet their developmental potential due to poverty and malnutrition. Psychosocial stimulation has shown promising effects for improving development in children exposed to severe acute malnutrition (SAM) but programs are rarely implemented. In this study, we used qualitative methods to inform the development of a psychosocial stimulation programme to be integrated with SAM treatment in Mwanza, Tanzania. We conducted in-depth interviews with seven caregivers of children recently treated for SAM and nine professionals in early child development. We used thematic content analysis and group feedback sessions and organised our results within the Nurturing Care Framework. Common barriers to stimulate child development included financial and food insecurity, competing time demands, low awareness about importance of responsive caregiving and stimulating environment, poor father involvement, and gender inequality. Caregivers and professionals suggested that community-based support after SAM treatment and counselling on psychosocial stimulation would be helpful, e.g., how to create homemade toys and stimulate through involvement in everyday chores. Based on the findings of this study we developed a context-relevant psychosocial stimulation programme. Some issues identified were structural highlighting the need for programmes to be linked with broader supportive initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie L. Jensen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Erica Sanga
- National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Heather Kitt
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - George PrayGod
- National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Happiness Kunzi
- National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Theresia Setebe
- National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Suzanne Filteau
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jayne Webster
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Melissa Gladstone
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Mette F. Olsen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Jeong J, Ahun MN, Gunaratna NS, Ambikapathi R, Mapendo F, Galvin L, Kieffer MP, Mwanyika-Sando M, Mosha D, O'Malley SF, Verissimo CK, PrayGod G, Yousafzai AK. Effects of engaging fathers and bundling parenting and nutrition interventions on early child development and maternal and paternal parenting in Mara, Tanzania: a factorial cluster-randomized controlled trial. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 65:694-709. [PMID: 37800367 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multicomponent interventions are needed to address the various co-occurring risks that compromise early child nutrition and development. We compared the independent and combined effects of engaging fathers and bundling parenting components into a nutrition intervention on early child development (ECD) and parenting outcomes. METHODS We conducted a 2×2 factorial cluster-randomized controlled trial across 80 villages in Mara Region, Tanzania, also known as EFFECTS (Engaging Fathers for Effective Child Nutrition and Development in Tanzania; ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03759821). Households with children under 18 months of age residing with their mother and father were enrolled. Villages were randomly assigned to one of five groups: a nutrition intervention for mothers, a nutrition intervention for couples, a bundled nutrition and parenting intervention for mothers, a bundled intervention for couples, and a standard-of-care control. Interventions were delivered by trained community health workers through peer groups and home visits over 12 months. Mothers, fathers, and children were assessed at baseline, midline, and endline or postintervention. We used a difference-in-difference approach with intention-to-treat analysis to estimate intervention effects on ECD (Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition) and maternal and paternal parenting and psychosocial well-being. RESULTS Between October 29, 2018, and May 24, 2019, 960 households were enrolled (n = 192 per arm). Compared to nutrition interventions, bundled interventions improved children's cognitive (β = .18 [95% CI: 0.01, 0.36]) and receptive language development (β = .23 [0.04, 0.41]). There were no differences between interventions for other ECD domains. Compared to nutrition interventions, bundled interventions achieved additional benefits on maternal stimulation (β = .21 [0.04, 0.38]) and availability of home learning materials (β = .25 [0.07-0.43]) and reduced paternal parenting distress (β = -.34 [-0.55, -0.12]). Compared to interventions with mothers only, interventions that engaged fathers improved paternal stimulation (β = .45 [0.27, 0.63]). CONCLUSIONS Jointly bundling parenting components into nutrition interventions while also engaging both mothers and fathers is most effective for improving maternal and paternal parenting and ECD outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Jeong
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marilyn N Ahun
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Ramya Ambikapathi
- Department of Public Health, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Department of Global Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Frank Mapendo
- Africa Academy for Public Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | - Dominic Mosha
- Africa Academy for Public Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Savannah Froese O'Malley
- Department of Public Health, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | | | - George PrayGod
- Mwanza Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Aisha K Yousafzai
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Nelson CA, Sullivan E, Engelstad AM. Annual Research Review: Early intervention viewed through the lens of developmental neuroscience. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 65:435-455. [PMID: 37438865 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The overarching goal of this paper is to examine the efficacy of early intervention when viewed through the lens of developmental neuroscience. We begin by briefly summarizing neural development from conception through the first few postnatal years. We emphasize the role of experience during the postnatal period, and consistent with decades of research on critical periods, we argue that experience can represent both a period of opportunity and a period of vulnerability. Because plasticity is at the heart of early intervention, we next turn our attention to the efficacy of early intervention drawing from two distinct literatures: early intervention services for children growing up in disadvantaged environments, and children at elevated likelihood of developing a neurodevelopmental delay or disorder. In the case of the former, we single out interventions that target caregiving and in the case of the latter, we highlight recent work on autism. A consistent theme throughout our review is a discussion of how early intervention is embedded in the developing brain. We conclude our article by discussing the implications our review has for policy, and we then offer recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A Nelson
- Department of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Eileen Sullivan
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anne-Michelle Engelstad
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Ahun MN, Ali NB, Hentschel E, Jeong J, Franchett E, Yousafzai AK. A meta-analytic review of the implementation characteristics in parenting interventions to promote early child development. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2024; 1533:99-144. [PMID: 38354095 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
This review summarizes the implementation characteristics of parenting interventions to promote early child development (ECD) outcomes from birth to 3 years. We included 134 articles representing 123 parenting trials (PROSPERO record CRD42022285998). Studies were conducted across high-income (62%) and low-and-middle-income (38%) countries. The most frequently used interventions were Reach Up and Learn, Nurse Family Partnership, and Head Start. Half of the interventions were delivered as home visits. The other half used mixed settings and modalities (27%), clinic visits (12%), and community-based group sessions (11%). Due to the lack of data, we were only able to test the moderating role of a few implementation characteristics in intervention impacts on parenting and cognitive outcomes (by country income level) in the meta-analysis. None of the implementation characteristics moderated intervention impacts on cognitive or parenting outcomes in low- and middle-income or high-income countries. There is a significant need in the field of parenting interventions for ECD to consistently collect and report data on key implementation characteristics. These data are needed to advance our understanding of how parenting interventions are implemented and how implementation factors impact outcomes to help inform the scale-up of effective interventions to improve child development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn N Ahun
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nazia Binte Ali
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elizabeth Hentschel
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Joshua Jeong
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Emily Franchett
- Department of Applied Psychology, New York University Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, New York, New York, USA
| | - Aisha K Yousafzai
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Healy MR, Viegas da Silva E, Lundborg AR, Hartwig FP, Munhoz TN, Arteche AX, Ramchandani PG, Murray J. Towards a better understanding of real-world home-visiting programs: a large-scale effectiveness study of parenting mechanisms in Brazil. BMJ Glob Health 2024; 9:e013787. [PMID: 38382980 PMCID: PMC10882332 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The scale-up of parenting programmes to support early childhood development (ECD) is poorly understood. Little is known about how and when early interventions are most effective. Sustainability of ECD programming requires a better understanding of the mechanisms of real-world interventions. We examined the effects on caregiving practices of Primeira Infância Melhor (PIM), a state-wide home-visiting programme in Brazil. METHODS This propensity score matched, longitudinal, quasiexperimental study uses data from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort. We matched children who received PIM at any age with other cohort children on 25 key covariates. Sensitivity, guidance and responsiveness were assessed using video-recorded play tasks. Coerciveness and the parent-child relationship were assessed using the Parenting and Family Adjustment Scales. All parenting outcomes were examined at age 4 years. Separate moderation analyses were conducted for each effect modifier: family income, child age and duration of participation. RESULTS Out of 4275 children in the cohort, 797 were enrolled in PIM up to age 4 years. 3018 children (70.6%) were included in the analytic sample, of whom 587 received PIM and 2431 were potential controls. We found a positive effect of PIM on responsiveness (β=0.08, 95% CIs 0.002 to 0.16) and sensitivity (β=0.10, 95% CIs 0.02 to 0.19). No effect was found for any secondary outcomes. Moderation analyses revealed a stronger positive effect on sensitivity for low-income parents (β=0.18, 95% CIs 0.03 to 0.34). CONCLUSION A state-wide, home-visiting programme in Brazil improved aspects of responsive caregiving. Effects were more pronounced for low-income families, suggesting benefits of purposeful targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eduardo Viegas da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
- Human Development and Violence Research Centre (DOVE), Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Anton Rask Lundborg
- University of Copenhagen Department of Mathematical Sciences, Kobenhavn, Denmark
| | | | | | - Adriane Xavier Arteche
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Joseph Murray
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
- Human Development and Violence Research Centre (DOVE), Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
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Smith JA, Powell CA, Chang SM, Ganga E, Tanyanyiwa H, Walker SP. A cluster randomised controlled trial of an early childhood parenting programme delivered through early childhood education centres in rural Zimbabwe. Child Care Health Dev 2024; 50:e13189. [PMID: 37882173 DOI: 10.1111/cch.13189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early childhood is a critical period for child development. Effective approaches to support families in low-resource settings in the use of responsive and stimulating parenting are needed. AIM The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the Reach Up early childhood parenting programme on children's development, parenting attitudes and practices, when delivered through early childhood development (ECD) centres in Zimbabwe. METHODS A cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted in Sanyati, a rural district in Zimbabwe. Twenty-four of 51 available centres were randomised to intervention (n = 12) or control (n = 12) groups. Sixteen mothers with a child aged 12-30 months were recruited from each centre's catchment area (n = 189 intervention; n = 193 control). The intervention comprised two home visits per month delivered by centre teaching assistants over a period of 27 months. Primary outcomes were child Developmental Quotient (DQ), Language, Eye and Hand coordination, Performance and Practical Reasoning subscale scores assessed at follow-up. Secondary outcomes were mothers' attitudes about child development, parenting practices and maternal depressive symptoms all measured at baseline and follow-up. Intention to treat analyses was conducted using mixed-effects regression models with the standard error adjusted for cluster and inverse proportionality weights to adjust for attrition. Significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS A total of 285 (74.6%) of 382 children enrolled were tested, with 97 children lost to follow-up. The intervention improved the children's DQ by 3.55 points (95% CI 0.82 to 6.28), Eye and Hand by 3.58 (95% CI 0.59 to 6.56) and Practical Reasoning by 4.19 (95% CI 0.96 to 7.42). No significant improvements to Performance or Language scores, parenting attitudes, parenting practices and depressive symptoms were identified. CONCLUSIONS A home visiting intervention delivered by ECD teaching assistants promoted children's development. This suggests that outreach from preschools may be an effective platform for delivery of parenting interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne A Smith
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
| | - Christine A Powell
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
| | - Susan M Chang
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
| | - Emily Ganga
- Robert Mugabe School of Education and Culture, Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Susan P Walker
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
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Robinson JA, Dinh PTT. High doses of a national preschool program are associated with the long-term mitigation of adverse outcomes in cognitive development and life satisfaction among children who experience early stunting: a multi-site longitudinal study in Vietnam. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1087349. [PMID: 38186692 PMCID: PMC10770864 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1087349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Stunting (low height-for-age) is a marker of cumulative developmental disadvantage that can also contribute to impaired cognitive development and poor psychological wellbeing. Several interventions designed to preserve stunted children's developmental potential through increasing their cognitive stimulation have proven to be effective. However, their resource-intensive nature limits their sustainability and scalability in the low-and middle-income countries in which 98% of stunted children live. The current study had three aims: to identify the domains of developmental disadvantage associated with stunting at 5 years of age in the Vietnamese context; to examine the relationship between Vietnamese children's stunting status at 5 years of age, the dose of the national preschool program they received, and their cognitive skills and psychological well-being at 4 ages; and to determine whether some doses of the national preschool program were associated with the mitigation of adverse cognitive and wellbeing outcomes among stunted children. Method The Young Lives Study in Vietnam (n = 2,000; 31 sites) provided archival data that allowed calculation of the approximate dose (in hours) of the preschool program received by children, and longitudinal data on children's growth (1, 5, 8, 12, and 15 years), receptive vocabulary (5, 8, 12 and 15 years), reading skills, mathematics skills and life satisfaction (each at 8, 12, and 15 years). Results Stunting at 5 years of age was associated with diverse aspects of financial and social disadvantage, greater exposure to health risks, lower preventive health care, and constraints on maternal care. Scores for all cognitive variables at all ages were positively associated with preschool dose and negatively associated with stunted growth at 5 years of age. That is, effects associated with stunting and preschool dose at 5 years of age continued to be found during the subsequent 10 years. High doses of preschool education (3,000 h or more) were associated with the mitigation of adverse outcomes for most cognitive variables at most ages. Conclusion The current findings raise the possibility that generic preschool programs delivered at high dose may provide a scalable and sustainable intervention to support the life opportunities of children who experience early stunting.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. A. Robinson
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Phuong Thi Thu Dinh
- Kinder in Wien, Vienna, Austria
- College of Education, Hue University, Hue, Vietnam
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Hartinger Pena SM, Mäusezahl D, Jäggi L, Aguilar L, Alvarado Llatance M, Castellanos A, Huaylinos Bustamante ML, Hinckley K, Charles McCoy D, Zhang C, Fink G. Digital Support Systems to Improve Child Health and Development in Peru: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e50371. [PMID: 38096020 PMCID: PMC10755649 DOI: 10.2196/50371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children living in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) are at greater risk for experiencing adversities that can undermine their health and early development. Recently launched digital early childhood development (ECD) programs attempt to support families with young children in their home environments using digital technologies. However, relatively little is known regarding the effectiveness of these new technologies. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study is to rigorously assess the reach, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of a newly developed digital ECD platform called Afini. The Afini platform was designed to support parents of young children in low-resource settings to improve ECD and interact with caregivers through messenger services and a chatbot. METHODS This is a 3-arm cluster randomized controlled trial. In total, 2471 caregivers and their 3- to 9-month-old children were enrolled in the study across 164 study clusters in the San Marcos, Cajabamba, and Cajamarca provinces of Peru. Clusters of participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: a control group (72 community clusters and 980 caregiver-child dyads), a home visit intervention group (20 community clusters and 316 caregiver-child dyads), and an Afini intervention group (72 community clusters and 1175 caregiver-child dyads). Families in the control group receive no focused ECD intervention. The home visit group is receiving biweekly home visits by a trained field staff following the national ECD program (Programa Nacional Cuna Más) curriculum and training guidelines. Caregivers in the Afini group are receiving ECD activities and advice through the digital platform. The primary study outcome is children's overall development at the age of 2.5 years, using the internationally validated long form of the Global Scales for Early Development. Secondary outcomes include caregiver engagement; caregiver mental health; screen time; as well as caregiver reports of children's motor, cognitive, language, and socioemotional development measured through locally piloted and validated tools. RESULTS Enrollment started in September 2021 and ended in March 2023. Endline assessments will take place between August 2023 and September 2024. CONCLUSIONS This study is, to our knowledge, the first to rigorously assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of digital ECD technologies in LMICs. Given the large number of children in LMICs currently receiving only limited external support, the evaluated platform has the potential to improve the short- and long-term well-being of millions of children and their parents globally. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05202106; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05202106. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/50371.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Maria Hartinger Pena
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Daniel Mäusezahl
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lena Jäggi
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Leonel Aguilar
- Institute for Computing Platforms, Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Kristen Hinckley
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Ce Zhang
- Institute for Computing Platforms, Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Günther Fink
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Purgato M, Prina E, Ceccarelli C, Cadorin C, Abdulmalik JO, Amaddeo F, Arcari L, Churchill R, Jordans MJ, Lund C, Papola D, Uphoff E, van Ginneken N, Tol WA, Barbui C. Primary-level and community worker interventions for the prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of well-being in low- and middle-income countries. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 10:CD014722. [PMID: 37873968 PMCID: PMC10594594 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd014722.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a significant research gap in the field of universal, selective, and indicated prevention interventions for mental health promotion and the prevention of mental disorders. Barriers to closing the research gap include scarcity of skilled human resources, large inequities in resource distribution and utilization, and stigma. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of delivery by primary workers of interventions for the promotion of mental health and universal prevention, and for the selective and indicated prevention of mental disorders or symptoms of mental illness in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To examine the impact of intervention delivery by primary workers on resource use and costs. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Global Index Medicus, PsycInfo, WHO ICTRP, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to 29 November 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of primary-level and/or community health worker interventions for promoting mental health and/or preventing mental disorders versus any control conditions in adults and children in LMICs. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Standardized mean differences (SMD) or mean differences (MD) were used for continuous outcomes, and risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous data, using a random-effects model. We analyzed data at 0 to 1, 1 to 6, and 7 to 24 months post-intervention. For SMDs, 0.20 to 0.49 represented small, 0.50 to 0.79 moderate, and ≥ 0.80 large clinical effects. We evaluated the risk of bias (RoB) using Cochrane RoB2. MAIN RESULTS Description of studies We identified 113 studies with 32,992 participants (97 RCTs, 19,570 participants in meta-analyses) for inclusion. Nineteen RCTs were conducted in low-income countries, 27 in low-middle-income countries, 2 in middle-income countries, 58 in upper-middle-income countries and 7 in mixed settings. Eighty-three RCTs included adults and 30 RCTs included children. Cadres of primary-level workers employed primary care health workers (38 studies), community workers (71 studies), both (2 studies), and not reported (2 studies). Interventions were universal prevention/promotion in 22 studies, selective in 36, and indicated prevention in 55 RCTs. Risk of bias The most common concerns over risk of bias were performance bias, attrition bias, and reporting bias. Intervention effects 'Probably', 'may', or 'uncertain' indicates 'moderate-', 'low-', or 'very low-'certainty evidence. *Certainty of the evidence (using GRADE) was assessed at 0 to 1 month post-intervention as specified in the review protocol. In the abstract, we did not report results for outcomes for which evidence was missing or very uncertain. Adults Promotion/universal prevention, compared to usual care: - probably slightly reduced anxiety symptoms (MD -0.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.27 to -0.01; 1 trial, 158 participants) - may slightly reduce distress/PTSD symptoms (SMD -0.24, 95% CI -0.41 to -0.08; 4 trials, 722 participants) Selective prevention, compared to usual care: - probably slightly reduced depressive symptoms (SMD -0.69, 95% CI -1.08 to -0.30; 4 trials, 223 participants) Indicated prevention, compared to usual care: - may reduce adverse events (1 trial, 547 participants) - probably slightly reduced functional impairment (SMD -0.12, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.15; 4 trials, 663 participants) Children Promotion/universal prevention, compared to usual care: - may improve the quality of life (SMD -0.25, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.11; 2 trials, 803 participants) - may reduce adverse events (1 trial, 694 participants) - may slightly reduce depressive symptoms (MD -3.04, 95% CI -6 to -0.08; 1 trial, 160 participants) - may slightly reduce anxiety symptoms (MD -2.27, 95% CI -3.13 to -1.41; 1 trial, 183 participants) Selective prevention, compared to usual care: - probably slightly reduced depressive symptoms (SMD 0, 95% CI -0.16 to -0.15; 2 trials, 638 participants) - may slightly reduce anxiety symptoms (MD 4.50, 95% CI -12.05 to 21.05; 1 trial, 28 participants) - probably slightly reduced distress/PTSD symptoms (MD -2.14, 95% CI -3.77 to -0.51; 1 trial, 159 participants) Indicated prevention, compared to usual care: - decreased slightly functional impairment (SMD -0.29, 95% CI -0.47 to -0.10; 2 trials, 448 participants) - decreased slightly depressive symptoms (SMD -0.18, 95% CI -0.32 to -0.04; 4 trials, 771 participants) - may slightly reduce distress/PTSD symptoms (SMD 0.24, 95% CI -1.28 to 1.76; 2 trials, 448 participants). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The evidence indicated that prevention interventions delivered through primary workers - a form of task-shifting - may improve mental health outcomes. Certainty in the evidence was influenced by the risk of bias and by substantial levels of heterogeneity. A supportive network of infrastructure and research would enhance and reinforce this delivery modality across LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Purgato
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Cochrane Global Mental Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Eleonora Prina
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Caterina Ceccarelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Camilla Cadorin
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Amaddeo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Rachel Churchill
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Mark Jd Jordans
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Crick Lund
- King's Global Health Institute, Centre for Global Mental Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Davide Papola
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Cochrane Global Mental Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Eleonora Uphoff
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Nadja van Ginneken
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Wietse Anton Tol
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Corrado Barbui
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Cochrane Global Mental Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Desmond C, Watt KG, Jensen SKG, Simmons E, Murray SM, Farrar J, Placencio-Castro M, Sezibera V, Rawlings LB, Wilson B, Betancourt TS. Measuring the cost-effectiveness of a home-visiting intervention to promote early child development among rural families linked to the Rwandan social protection system. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002473. [PMID: 37874790 PMCID: PMC10597512 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Early childhood development (ECD) programmes are heralded as a way to improve children's health and educational outcomes. However, few studies in developing countries calculate the effectiveness of quality early childhood interventions. This study estimates the cost and cost-effectiveness of the Sugira Muryango (SM) trial, a home-visiting intervention to improve ECD outcomes through positive parent-child relationships. Cost-effectiveness analysis of ECD interventions is challenging given their potential to have multiple benefits. We propose a cost-effectiveness method using a single outcome, in this case the improvement in cognitive development per home-visit session, as an indication of efficiency comparable across similar interventions. The trial intervention cost US$456 per family. This cost will likely fall below US$200 if the intervention is scaled through government systems. The cost-effectiveness analysis suggests that while SM generated a relatively small impact on markers of early development, it did so efficiently. The observed improvements in cognitive development per home-visit are similar to other home-visiting interventions of longer duration. SM by focusing on the family had benefits beyond ECD, including reductions in violence against children and intermate partner violence, further analysis is needed to include these returns in the economic evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Desmond
- Faculty of Health Sciences, SAMRC/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science, PRICELESS, University of Witwatersrand School of Public Health, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kathryn G. Watt
- Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Sarah K. G. Jensen
- Boston College, School of Social Work, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Erik Simmons
- Boston College, School of Social Work, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Shauna M. Murray
- University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jordan Farrar
- Boston College, School of Social Work, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Matias Placencio-Castro
- Boston College, Lynch School of Education and Human Development, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Vincent Sezibera
- Centre for Mental Health, University of Rwanda College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Briana Wilson
- The World Bank, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Theresa S. Betancourt
- Boston College, School of Social Work, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Ochalek J, Gibbs NK, Faria R, Darlong J, Govindasamy K, Harden M, Meka A, Shrestha D, Napit IB, Lilford RJ, Sculpher M. Economic evaluation of self-help group interventions for health in LMICs: a scoping review. Health Policy Plan 2023; 38:1033-1049. [PMID: 37599510 PMCID: PMC10566324 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czad060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This scoping review aims to identify and critically appraise published economic evaluations of self-help group (SHG) interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) that seek to improve health and potentially also non-health outcomes. Through a systematic search of MEDLINE ALL (Ovid), EMBASE Ovid, PsychINFO, EconLit (Ovid) and Global Index Medicus, we identified studies published between 2014 and 2020 that were based in LMICs, included at least a health outcome, estimated intervention costs and reported the methods used. We critically analysed whether the methods employed can meaningfully inform decisions by ministries of health and other sectors, including donors, regarding whether to fund such interventions, and prioritized the aspects of evaluations that support decision-making and cross-sectoral decision-making especially. Nine studies met our inclusion criteria. Randomized controlled trials were the most commonly used vehicle to collect data and to establish a causal effect across studies. While all studies clearly stated one or more perspectives justifying the costs and effects that are reported, few papers clearly laid out the decision context or the decision maker(s) informed by the study. The latter is required to inform which costs, effects and opportunity costs are relevant to the decision and should be included in the analysis. Costs were typically reported from the provider or health-care sector perspective although other perspectives were also employed. Four papers reported outcomes in terms of a generic measure of health. Contrary to expectation, no studies reported outcomes beyond health. Our findings suggest limitations in the extent to which published studies are able to inform decision makers around the value of implementing SHG interventions in their particular context. Funders can make better informed decisions when evidence is presented using a cross-sectoral framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Ochalek
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Naomi K Gibbs
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Rita Faria
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Joydeepa Darlong
- Research, The Leprosy Mission Trust India, New Delhi 110001, India
| | | | - Melissa Harden
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Meka
- Programs Department, RedAid Nigeria, Enugu 400102, Nigeria
| | - Dilip Shrestha
- Anandaban Hospital, The Leprosy Mission Nepal, Kathmandu Post Box No-151, Nepal
| | - Indra Bahadur Napit
- Anandaban Hospital, The Leprosy Mission Nepal, Kathmandu Post Box No-151, Nepal
| | - Richard J Lilford
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Sculpher
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
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12
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Costantini I, López-López JA, Caldwell D, Campbell A, Hadjipanayi V, Cantrell SJ, Thomas T, Badmann N, Paul E, James DM, Cordero M, Jewell T, Evans J, Pearson RM. Early parenting interventions to prevent internalising problems in children and adolescents: a global systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMJ MENTAL HEALTH 2023; 26:e300811. [PMID: 37907332 PMCID: PMC10619111 DOI: 10.1136/bmjment-2023-300811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
QUESTION We compared the effectiveness of different types of parenting interventions based on an a priori taxonomy, and the impact of waitlists versus treatment as usual (TAU), in reducing child internalising problems. STUDY SELECTION AND ANALYSIS We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of published and unpublished randomised controlled trials (RCTs) until 1 October 2022 that investigated parenting interventions with children younger than 4 years. EXCLUSION CRITERIA studies with children born preterm, with intellectual disabilities, or families receiving support for current abuse, neglect, and substance misuse. We assessed the certainty of evidence using the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis framework. We used random-effects network meta-analysis to estimate standardised mean differences (SMDs) with 95% credible intervals (CrIs). FINDINGS Of 20 520 citations identified, 59 RCTs (18 349 participants) were eligible for the network meta-analysis. Parenting interventions focusing on the dyadic relationship (SMD: -0.26, 95% CrI: -0.43 to -0.08) and those with mixed focus (-0.09, -0.17 to -0.02) were more effective in reducing internalising problems than TAU at the first time point available. All interventions were more effective than waitlist, which increased the risk of internalising problems compared with TAU (0.36, 0.19 to 0.52). All effects attenuated at later follow-ups. Most studies were rated as with 'high risk' or 'some concerns' using the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool V.2. There was no strong evidence of effect modification by theoretically informed components or modifiers. CONCLUSIONS We found preliminary evidence that relationship-focused and mixed parenting interventions were effective in reducing child internalising problems, and the waitlist comparator increased internalising problems with implications for waiting times between referral and support. Considering the high risk of bias of most studies included, the findings from this meta-analysis should be interpreted with caution. PROSPERO registration number CRD42020172251.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Costantini
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
- Faculty of Health and Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - José A López-López
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
- Department of Basic Psychology and Methodology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Deborah Caldwell
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Amy Campbell
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Sarah J Cantrell
- Department of Paediatrics, University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | - Elise Paul
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
| | - Deborah M James
- Faculty of Health and Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Miguel Cordero
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
- Centro de Epidemiología y Políticas de Salud, Universidad del Desarrollo Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Las Condes, Chile
| | - Tom Jewell
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Evans
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
| | - Rebecca M Pearson
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
- Faculty of Health and Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
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Ruff A, Dlamini X, Nonyane BA, Simmons N, Kochelani D, Burtt F, Mlotshwa F, Gama N, Scheepers E, Schmitz K, Simelane L, Van Lith LM, Black MM. A trial of nurturing care among children who are HIV-exposed and uninfected in eSwatini. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26 Suppl 4:e26158. [PMID: 37909213 PMCID: PMC10618895 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Children who are HIV-exposed and uninfected (CHEU) are a growing population at potential risk of poor neurocognitive development. We tested a nurturing care intervention on children's neurocognitive development and maternal depressive symptoms (primary) with mediation through caregiving activities (secondary). METHODS This study was conducted among six intervention and nine comparison antenatal-care/prevention of vertical transmission (ANC/PVT) HIV clinics in eSwatini. We enrolled pregnant women and measured infant development at 9 and 18 months. mothers2mothers (m2m) designed and implemented the clinic-home-community-based intervention. We measured infants' neurodevelopment, maternal depressive symptoms and caregiving activities with the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, HOME Inventory and Family Care Indicators. We fitted linear mixed effects regression models with clinic random effects to compare intervention versus comparison arms, and generalised structural equation models to evaluate mediation, adjusting for confounders. RESULTS Mother-infant pairs (n = 429) participated between January 2016 through May 2018. Socio-demographic characteristics were balanced between arms except for higher rates of peri-urban versus rural residence and single versus married mothers in the comparison group. The 18 month retention was 82% (180/220) intervention, 79% (166/209) comparison arm, with 25 infant deaths. Intervention MSEL scores were significantly, and modestly, higher in receptive language (55.7 [95% CI 54.6, 56.9] vs. 53.7 [95% CI 52.6, 54.8]), expressive language (42.5 [95% CI 41.6, 39.8] vs. 40.8 [95% CI 39.8, 41.7]) and composite MSEL (85.4 [95% CI 83.7, 84.5] vs. 82.7 [95% CI 81.0, 84.5]), with no difference in maternal depressive symptoms or in observations of mother-child interactions. Intervention book-sharing scores were higher (0.63 vs. 0.41) and mediated the effect on MSEL scores (indirect effect, p-values ≤ 0.024). The direct effects on visual reception and expressive language scores were significantly higher in the intervention compared to the comparison arm (coefficients 1.93 [95% CI 0.26, 3.60] and 1.66 [95% CI 0.51, 2.79, respectively]). CONCLUSIONS Nurturing care interventions can be integrated into ANC/PVT clinic-home-community programmes. The intervention, mediated through interactive caregiving activities, increased language development scores among CHEU. Partnering with a local team, m2m, to design and implement a culturally relevant intervention illustrates the ability to impact parent-child play and learning activities that are associated with children's neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ruff
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Bareng As Nonyane
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicole Simmons
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Duncan Kochelani
- Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Fakazi Mlotshwa
- Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ncamsile Gama
- Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | - Lynn M Van Lith
- Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Maureen M Black
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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14
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Ahmed M, Muhoozi GKM, Atukunda P, Westerberg AC, Iversen PO, Wangen KR. Cognitive development among children in a low-income setting: Cost-effectiveness analysis of a maternal nutrition education intervention in rural Uganda. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290379. [PMID: 37594989 PMCID: PMC10437995 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Inadequate nutrition and insufficient stimulation in early childhood can lead to long-term deficits in cognitive and social development. Evidence for policy and decision-making regarding the cost of delivering nutrition education is lacking in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). In rural Uganda, we conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial (RCT) examining the effect of a maternal nutrition education intervention on developmental outcomes among children aged 6-8 months. This intervention led to significantly improved cognitive scores when the children reached the age of 20-24 months. When considering the potential for this intervention's future implementation, the desired effects should be weighed against the increased costs. This study therefore aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of this education intervention compared with current practice. Health outcome data were based on the RCT. Cost data were initially identified by reviewing publications from the RCT, while more detailed information was obtained by interviewing researchers involved in processing the intervention. This study considered a healthcare provider perspective for an 18-months' time horizon. The control group was considered as the current practice for the future large-scale implementation of this intervention. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed, including calculations of incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). In addition, uncertainty in the results was characterized using one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. The ICER for the education intervention compared with current practice was USD ($) 16.50 per cognitive composite score gained, with an incremental cost of $265.79 and an incremental cognitive composite score of 16.11. The sensitivity analyses indicated the robustness of these results. The ICER was sensitive to changes in cognitive composite score and the cost of personnel. The education intervention can be considered cost-effective compared with the current practice. The outcome of this study, including the cost analysis, health outcome, cost-effectiveness, and sensitivity analysis, can be useful to inform policymakers and stakeholders about effective resource allocation processes in Uganda and possibly other LMIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montasir Ahmed
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, England, United Kingdom
- Department of Health Management and Health Economics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Grace K. M. Muhoozi
- Department of Family Life and Consumer Studies (Home Economics), Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Prudence Atukunda
- Center for Crisis Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ane C. Westerberg
- Institute of Health Sciences, Kristiania University College, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per O. Iversen
- Department of Nutrition, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Haematology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Human Nutrition, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Knut R. Wangen
- Department of Health Management and Health Economics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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15
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Anago R, Forzy T, Guei S, Pelras C, Ramde S, Tevenart C, Vera Rueda J, Macours K. Piloting, testing and scaling parental training: a multi-partnership approach in Côte d'Ivoire. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1106565. [PMID: 37655283 PMCID: PMC10466389 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1106565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Early Childhood Development is high on the policy agenda in Côte d'Ivoire, where the government has identified it as part of its overall approach to improve human capital outcomes. This paper describes a multi-partner approach to piloting, monitoring, adaption, testing and scaling of parental training for ECD. It discusses the learnings from the pilots, and present early evaluation results from two RCTs, focusing on parental participation in trainings and acceptability of messages, with the objective to inform national scaling strategies. As such, this paper illustrates how "MEL systems contributed to ensuring that positive early childhood development (ECD) outcomes were improved as interventions were seeking to achieve scale," one of the research questions outlined in the call description for the special issue. The paper further provides a real-world example of "How MEL systems can support contributions and buy-in from a variety of stakeholders as ECD interventions (seek to) achieve impacts at scale (e.g., through the public system)? Methods Five training approaches to improve caregivers' knowledge and practices around nutrition, preventive health, stimulation, and disciplining were piloted at small scale between 2018 and 2020. An intensive process evaluation was embedded to identify strengths and weaknesses, adapt through an iterative phase, and ultimately make recommendations for their scale up against 11 defined criteria. In early 2021, the two most promising approaches were scaled through two clustered randomized control trials to more than 150 villages each. A cost-effectiveness study was designed in consultation with government stakeholders, centered around targeting different caregivers and decision makers in the household and the extended family and on enhancing community interactions around ECD. Results The evaluation of the five pilots identified one model recommended to be scaled, and one other model to scale after further adaptations. Monitoring and evaluation data from the two models at scale show high levels of participation and acceptability of core messages. Experimental variations involving community champions and fathers increase participation. Conclusion The iterative and multi-partner process led to two models of parenting training that have wide acceptability. Future work will analyze impacts on cognitive and socio-emotional outcomes, together with cost analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romuald Anago
- Innovation for Poverty Action, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | | | - Sosthene Guei
- Transformer L’éducation Dans Les Communautés de Cacao, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | | | - Samuel Ramde
- Innovation for Poverty Action, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | | | | | - Karen Macours
- Paris School of Economics, Paris, France
- Institut National de Recherche Pour L’agriculture, L’alimentation et L’environnement (INRAE), Paris, France
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Buccini G, Kofke L, Case H, Katague M, Pacheco MF, Pérez-Escamilla R. Pathways to scale up early childhood programs: A scoping review of Reach Up and Care for Child Development. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001542. [PMID: 37556418 PMCID: PMC10411826 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Evidence-based early childhood development (ECD) programs that strengthen nurturing parenting skills and promote early stimulation, such as Reach Up (RU) and Care for Child Development (CCD), are critical investments for interrupting cycles of intergenerational poverty; however, the implementation impact of these programs varies greatly globally. Analyzing systematically the evidence on the implementation pathways based on contexts (i.e., external and internal influences on intervention implementation), implementation strategies (i.e., mechanisms used to promote program initiation, design, and delivery with existing systems), and implementation outcomes (i.e., related to the implementation goals) can increase the likelihood of implementation success. Our scoping review aimed to identify implementation pathways of RU and CCD programs in low- and middle-income countries. A search in English, Spanish, and Portuguese of grey literature and five databases of peer reviewed literature; from inception through July 16, 2022, yielded 2,267 publications. Using predetermined eligibility criteria, 75 records yielded implementation details for 33 programs across 23 low- and middle-income countries. Two reviewers independently extracted program data on context, implementation strategies, and implementation outcomes following a program theory. A thematic analysis identified 37 implementation strategies across six "building blocks of implementation": program emergence, intersectoriality, intervention characteristics, workforce, training, and monitoring systems. Implementation pathways across building blocks are highly influenced by contextual factors, such as infrastructure, social norms, and the target population's demand and interest, which may shape different implementation outcomes. Six 'building blocks' shaping implementation pathways of CCD and RU in LMICs were identified. The careful consideration of context and use of intentional evidence-based planning can enable the successful implementation of ECD nurturing care interventions. We recommend the use of the ECD Implementation Checklist for Enabling Program Scale Up to guide decision-making regarding context and implementation strategies to support implementation outcomes and subsequent ECD program success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Buccini
- Department of Social and Behavioral Health, University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Public Health, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Lily Kofke
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Haley Case
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Marina Katague
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | | | - Rafael Pérez-Escamilla
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
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17
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Coore-Hall J, Smith J, Kelly M, Baker-Henningham H, Chang S, Walker S. Using lessons learnt from key stakeholders to increase support for scaling the Reach Up Early Childhood Parenting program. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1151826. [PMID: 37614447 PMCID: PMC10442950 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1151826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sustainable implementation of early childhood programs requires resources, materials and methods that are adaptable, scalable and feasible for delivery through multiple sectors. Additional or modified program resources may be required to meet emerging needs, as programs go to scale. An active and effective monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) process may enable programs to be responsive to demands. The Reach Up: Early Childhood Parenting program, is designed primarily for disadvantaged children under 4 years of age in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to promote their development through playful caregiver interactions. The curriculum, training manuals and other materials and resources support implementers in the adaptation of the intervention, implementation, workforce training, monitoring and evaluation. This paper reports on how data collected from key informants drove modifications to program processes, materials and resources. Methods We conducted in-depth interviews with 14 key informants (including program managers, lead trainers, academics, consultants and workforce personnel) on their experiences with Reach Up across 15 LMICs where the program has been implemented. We also reviewed written records generated from (i) structured small group discussions at a Knowledge Exchange meeting of 31 Reach Up partners and (ii) notes from working groups formed at the meeting and tasked to continue working post-meeting to find solutions to support ongoing implementation. The transcripts from the in-depth interviews and the meeting records were analysed using thematic analysis with a mixture of pre-defined categories and data-driven sub-themes. Results The main findings indicated that there was a need to: (i) develop advocacy and communication resources and materials to aid prospective implementers and other stakeholders, to make decisions for implementation, (ii) revise and/or add to the content and format of the curriculum and add content in the training and other supporting manuals and (iii) enhance the training process. Conclusion The feedback from the key global partners informed the development of new knowledge materials, resources and processes and modifications to existing program materials and resources. These will help to support advocacy, ongoing implementations, and the process of transitioning the Reach Up early childhood intervention to scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Coore-Hall
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Joanne Smith
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | | | - Helen Baker-Henningham
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
- School of Human and Behavioural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Chang
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Susan Walker
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
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18
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Choudhury S, Ilozumba O, Darlong J, Govindasamy K, Tsaku PA, Udo S, Shrestha D, Napit IB, Ugwu L, Meka A, Sartori J, Griffiths F, Lilford RJ. Investigating the sustainability of self-help programmes in the context of leprosy and the work of leprosy missions in Nigeria, Nepal and India: a qualitative study protocol. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e070604. [PMID: 37192811 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Leprosy occurs among very poor people who may be stigmatised and pushed further to the margins of society. Programmes to improve social integration and stimulate economic development have been implemented to help break the vicious cycle of poverty, reduced quality of life and ulcer recurrence. These involve forming groups of people, with a common concern, to provide mutual support and form saving syndicates-hence the term 'self-help groups' (SHGs). While there is literature on the existence and effectiveness of SHGs during the funded periods, little is known about their sustainability. We aim to explore the extent to which SHG programme activities have continued beyond the funding period and record evidence of sustained benefits. METHODS AND ANALYSIS In India, Nepal and Nigeria, we identified programmes funded by international non-governmental organisations, primarily aimed at people affected by leprosy. In each case, financial and technical support was allocated for a predetermined period (up to 5 years).We will review documents, including project reports and meeting minutes, and conduct semistructured interviews with people involved in delivery of the SHG programme, potential beneficiaries and people in the wider environment who may have been familiar with the programme. These interviews will gauge participant and community perceptions of the programmes and barriers and facilitators to sustainability. Data will be analysed thematically and compared across four study sites. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Approval was obtained from the University of Birmingham Biomedical and Scientific Research Ethics Committee. Local approval was obtained from: The Leprosy Mission Trust India Ethics Committee; Federal Capital Territory Health Research Ethics Committee in Nigeria and the Health Research Ethics Committee of Niger State Ministry of Health; University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital and the Nepal Health and Research Council. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and community engagement events through the leprosy missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sopna Choudhury
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Onaedo Ilozumba
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | | | - Sunday Udo
- The Leprosy Mission Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Indra B Napit
- The Leprosy Mission Nepal, Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Linda Ugwu
- The German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Association, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Anthony Meka
- The German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Association, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Jo Sartori
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Frances Griffiths
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Richard J Lilford
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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García JL, Heckman JJ. Parenting Promotes Social Mobility Within and Across Generations. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ECONOMICS 2023; 15:349-388. [PMID: 38545330 PMCID: PMC10972614 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-economics-021423-031905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
This paper compares early childhood enrichment programs that promote social mobility for disadvantaged children within and across generations. Instead of conducting a standard meta-analysis, we present a harmonized primary data analysis of programs that shape current policy. Our analysis is a template for rigorous syntheses and comparisons across programs. We analyze new long-run life-cycle data collected for iconic programs when participants are middle-aged and their children are in their twenties. The iconic programs are omnibus in nature and offer many services to children and their parents. We compare them with relatively low-cost more focused home-visiting programs. Successful interventions target both children and their caregivers. They engage caregivers and improve the home lives of children. They permanently boost cognitive and non-cognitive skills. Participants in programs that enrich home environments grow up with better skills, jobs, earnings, marital stability, and health, as well as reduced participation in crime. Long-run monetized gains are substantially greater than program costs for the iconic programs. We investigate the mechanisms promoting successful family lives for participants and report intergenerational effects on their children. A study of focused home-visiting programs that target parents enables us to isolate a crucial component of successful programs: they activate and promote parenting skills of child caregivers. The home-visiting programs we analyze produce outcomes comparable to those of the iconic omnibus programs. National implementation of the programs with long-run follow up that we analyze would substantially shrink the overall US Black-White earnings gap.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James J Heckman
- Center for the Economics of Human Development and Department of Economics, The University of Chicago
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Meghir C, Attanasio O, Jervis P, Day M, Makkar P, Behrman J, Gupta P, Pal R, Phimister A, Vernekar N, Grantham-McGregor S. Early Stimulation and Enhanced Preschool: A Randomized Trial. Pediatrics 2023; 151:191219. [PMID: 37125886 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-060221h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the impacts of 2 interventions, early stimulation (ES) for children aged <3 years and enhanced preschool (EP) for children aged 3+ years, and their interactions. METHODS In Odisha, India, 192 villages were randomly assigned to ES or to no ES. Within each village, about 8 mothers with children initially aged 7 to 16 months were enrolled, receiving ES or no ES accordingly (n = 1449). Subsequently, when children were aged ∼3 years, the villages were rerandomized to either EP at Anganwadi centers or no EP. This yielded 4 groups: (1) ES and EP, (2) only ES, (3) only EP, and (4) no intervention. Trained Anganwadi workers ran the EP. Primary outcomes, measured at baseline and follow-up after ∼1 year, were children's IQ (summarizing cognition, language, and executive functioning) and school readiness (SR). Secondary outcomes were home environments, caregivers' child-development knowledge. and preschool quality. RESULTS Fifteen months after ES ended, onlyES had a sustained benefit on IQ (0.18 SD, P <.04) and on SR (0.13 SD, P <.08). Only EP improved IQ (0.17 SD, P <.04) and SR (0.24 SD, P <.01). Receiving both interventions improved IQ (0.24 SD, P <.01) and SR (0.21 SD, P <.01). No statistically significant interactions between the 2 interventions were observed. CONCLUSIONS Both ES and EP increased IQ and SR. Only ES impacts were sustained for 15 months. Only EP resulted in considerable catch-up for children who did not receive only ES. The absence of significant complementarities should be investigated further because of its profound policy implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costas Meghir
- Department of Economics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
- Institute for Fiscal Studies, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Orazio Attanasio
- Department of Economics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
- Institute for Fiscal Studies, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela Jervis
- Institute for Fiscal Studies, London, England, United Kingdom
- Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Monimalika Day
- School of Education Studies, Dr. B. R Ambedkar University, Agra, India
| | | | - Jere Behrman
- Departments of Economics and Sociology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Prachi Gupta
- School of Education Studies, Dr. B. R Ambedkar University, Agra, India
| | - Rashim Pal
- School of Education Studies, Dr. B. R Ambedkar University, Agra, India
| | - Angus Phimister
- Institute for Fiscal Studies, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Nisha Vernekar
- Institute for Fiscal Studies, London, England, United Kingdom
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21
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Hossain SJ, Tofail F, Mehrin SF, Hamadani JD. Six-Year Follow-up of Childhood Stimulation on Development of Children With and Without Anemia. Pediatrics 2023; 151:191217. [PMID: 37125884 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-060221e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Previously, in 30 Bangladeshi villages, 2 groups of children with iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) and nonanemic (NA) iron sufficiency aged 6 to 24 months participated in 2 parallel cluster randomized controlled trials of the effect of psychosocial stimulation on neurodevelopment. The intervention was composed of weekly play sessions at home for 9 months. All children with anemia received iron treatment of 6 months. The intervention improved the mental development of NA but not IDA groups. Six years after end line when the children were aged 8 to 9 years, we aimed to determine if benefits were sustained in the NA group or late-onset benefits emerged in the IDA group. METHODS We relocated 372 (90%) of the initial 412 children from all the clusters (villages), and assessed their IQ with the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence-II, motor development, and school achievement including math, spelling, and reading. Analyses were by intention-to-treat, adjusting for clustering. RESULTS There was a significant interaction between anemia groups (IDA/NA) and intervention on IQ. The intervention benefitted the NA group's Full-Scale IQ (effect size, 0.43 [95% confidence interval, 0.08-0.79]) and Perceptual Reasoning Index (effect size, 0.48 [95% confidence interval, 0.08-0.89]) but did not affect the IDA group's outcomes. No other outcomes were significant. CONCLUSIONS The benefits from early childhood psychosocial stimulation on the NA group's IQ, 6 years after intervention ended, adds to the limited evidence on the sustainability of benefits in low- and middle-income countries. Reasons for lack of effect in children with anemia are unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh Jamal Hossain
- Maternal and Child Health Division
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fahmida Tofail
- Nutrition and Clinical Science Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Jervis P, Coore-Hall J, Pitchik HO, Arnold CD, Grantham-McGregor S, Rubio-Codina M, Baker-Henningham H, Fernald LCH, Hamadani J, Smith JA, Trias J, Walker SP. The Reach Up Parenting Program, Child Development, and Maternal Depression: A Meta-analysis. Pediatrics 2023; 151:191225. [PMID: 37125892 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-060221d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Evidence is needed on effective approaches to build parents' ability to promote child development feasible in low- and middle-income countries. Our objective was to synthesize impact of the Reach Up early childhood parenting program in several low- and middle-income countries and examine moderation by family and implementation characteristics. METHODS Systematic search using PubMed and Academic Search Elite/EBSCO Host. Randomized controlled trials of the Reach Up program from 1985 to February 2022 were selected. Data were extracted by 2 independent researchers. Primary outcomes were child cognitive, language, and motor development. Secondary outcomes were home stimulation and maternal depressive symptoms. We synthesized pooled effect sizes using random effect inverse-variance weighting and effect modification by testing pooled subgroup effect estimates using the χ2 test for heterogeneity. RESULTS Average effect size across 18 studies ranged from 0.49 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32 to 0.66) for cognition, 0.38 (CI 0.24 to 0.51) for language, 0.27 (CI 0.13 to 0.40) for motor development, 0.37 (CI 0.21 to 0.54) for home stimulation, and -0.09 (CI -0.19 to 0.01) for maternal depressive symptoms. Impacts were larger in studies targeted to undernourished children, with mean enrollment older than age 12 months and intervention duration 6 to 12 months. Quality of evidence assessed with the Cochrane Assessment of Risk of Bias and GRADE system was moderate. Instruments used to assess child development varied. In moderator analyses, some subgroups included few studies. CONCLUSIONS Reach Up benefits child development and home stimulation and is adaptable across cultures and delivery methods. Child and implementation characteristics modified the effects, with implications for scaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Jervis
- Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Institute for Fiscal Studies, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline Coore-Hall
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Helen O Pitchik
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California
| | - Charles D Arnold
- Institute for Global Nutrition, University of California, Davis, California
| | | | | | - Helen Baker-Henningham
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
- School of Human and Behavioural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Wales
| | - Lia C H Fernald
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California
| | - Jena Hamadani
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Joanne A Smith
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | | | - Susan P Walker
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
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Bernal R, Gómez ML, Pérez-Cardona S, Baker-Henningham H. Implementation Quality of an Early Childhood Parenting Program in Colombia and Child Development. Pediatrics 2023; 151:191216. [PMID: 37125883 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-060221j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We conducted a cluster-randomized trial of an enhancement to an existing parenting program in rural Colombia (called the Family, Women, and Infancy Program [FAMI]), and found benefits to parenting practices and child development. In this study, we examine the effects of the enhancement on the quality of intervention implementation and examine associations between quality and child and maternal outcomes. METHODS In Colombia, 340 FAMI mothers in 87 towns were randomly assigned to quality enhancement through the provision of structured curricula, play materials, and training and supervision from professional tutors, or to control (no enhancement). Children aged <12 months were enrolled (N = 1460). A subsample of 150 FAMI mothers (83 intervention, 67 control) in 29 towns (17 intervention, 12 control) participated in the assessment of the quality of group parenting sessions through independent observation. Child development and parenting practices were measured at endline (10.5 months after baseline). RESULTS In intention-to-treat analyses, we found significant benefits of intervention for the observed quality of group sessions (1.67 SD [95% confidence interval, 1.23-2.11]). An SD increase in session quality predicted an increase in treatment mothers' attendance of 4.68 sessions (95% confidence interval, 1.37-7.98). Session quality partially mediated the effect of the intervention on parental practices and child development. CONCLUSIONS Enhancing an existing parenting program led to large benefits to the observed quality of intervention implementation. Quality was associated with increased maternal engagement, parenting practices, and child development. The observational measure of quality has potential to promote and maintain quality at scale.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - María Lucía Gómez
- School of Human and Behavioral Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Wales, United Kingdom
| | | | - Helen Baker-Henningham
- School of Human and Behavioral Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Wales, United Kingdom
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Smith JA, Chang SM, Brentani A, Fink G, Lopez-Boo F, Torino BM, Codina MR, Walker SP. A Remote Parenting Program and Parent and Staff Perspectives: A Randomized Trial. Pediatrics 2023; 151:191214. [PMID: 37125881 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-060221f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess impact and implementation of remote delivery of a parenting program following suspension of in-person visits during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. METHODS Impact of remote delivery of the Reach Up parenting program on parenting practices was evaluated by randomized trial in Jamaica. Mothers with children aged 5 to 24 months who met 1 of 7 at-risk criteria were enrolled at health centers. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention or control using random number tables generated by a statistician. Intervention comprised a manual for parents with illustrated play activities, phone calls, and short message service messages. The control group received usual care. Parent practices were measured using an adapted Family Care Indicators telephone-administered questionnaire by interviewers unaware of group assignment. Qualitative interviews were conducted with staff and parents in Jamaica and Brazil and staff in Ecuador to identify facilitators and barriers to remote delivery of Reach Up. RESULTS Two hundred forty-seven participants were assessed at endline (control n = 130; intervention n = 117). Intervention increased parent activities that support child development, effect size 0.34 SD (95% confidence interval 0.03-0.53), and use of praise, odds 2 times higher with intervention. There were no benefits to interactive language or play materials. Qualitative results showed parents appreciated program continuation and felt motivated to help their child, and methods were acceptable to staff. Barriers included poor mobile phone access, difficulty contacting parents, and feedback limitations without in-person contact. CONCLUSIONS Remote delivery methods have potential to contribute to scaling of parenting programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne A Smith
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Mona, Jamaica
| | - Susan M Chang
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Mona, Jamaica
| | - Alexandra Brentani
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paolo, Sao Paolo, Brazil
| | - Günther Fink
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Susan P Walker
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Mona, Jamaica
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Dulal S, Saville NM, Merom D, Giri K, Prost A. Exploring the feasibility of integrating health, nutrition and stimulation interventions for children under three years in Nepal's health system: A qualitative study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001398. [PMID: 37115747 PMCID: PMC10146516 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Community-based primary care settings are a potential entry point for delivering Early Childhood Development (ECD) interventions in Nepal. Past studies have suggested that integrating stimulation with nutrition interventions is an effective way to deliver multiple benefits for children, but there is limited knowledge of how to do this in Nepal. We conducted a qualitative study in Nepal's Dhanusha district to explore how stimulation interventions for early learning could be integrated into existing health and nutrition programmes within the public health system. Between March and April 2021, we completed semi-structured interviews with caregivers (n = 18), health service providers (n = 4), district (n = 1) and national stakeholders (n = 4), as well as policymakers (n = 3). We also carried out focus group discussions with Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) (n = 2) and health facility operation and management committee members (n = 2). We analysed data using the framework method. Respondents were positive about introducing stimulation interventions into maternal and child health and nutrition services. They thought that using health system structures would help in the implementation of integrated interventions. Respondents also highlighted that local governments play a lead role in decision-making but must be supported by provincial and national governments and external agencies. Key factors impeding the integration of stimulation into national programmes included a lack of intersectoral collaboration, poor health worker competency, increased workload for FCHVs, financial constraints, a lack of prioritisation of ECD and inadequate capacity in local governments. Key barriers influencing the uptake of intervention by community members included lack of knowledge about stimulation, caregivers' limited time, lack of paternal engagement, poverty, religious or caste discrimination, and social restrictions for newlywed women and young mothers. There is an urgent need for an effective coordination mechanism between ministries and within all three tiers of government to support the integration and implementation of scalable ECD interventions in rural Nepal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophiya Dulal
- Western Sydney University, School of Health Sciences, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Dafna Merom
- Western Sydney University, School of Health Sciences, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kalpana Giri
- Health Research and Development Forum, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Audrey Prost
- UCL Institute for Global Health, London, United Kingdom
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Gonzalez MS, Santos ME. A Thousand Days-A programme for vulnerable early childhood in Argentina: Targeting, dropout risk factors and correlates of time to graduation. Child Care Health Dev 2023; 49:170-180. [PMID: 35788960 DOI: 10.1111/cch.13030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mil Días (A Thousand Days) is a programme for the first thousand days of life, from gestation to 2 years of age, targeted at highly vulnerable children and/or mothers and pregnant women. The programme was implemented in August 2015 in the municipality of San Miguel, in Argentina. Mil Días is designed in a holistic and intersectoral way. The main form of intervention is through home visits, but other benefits are available depending on the 51 vulnerability criteria by which participants are admitted to the programme, most of which are related to health issues. Exits of the programme occur when the mother and/or child have reversed the deprivation/s of the entrance-criteria. METHODS This paper provides an analysis of the programme's primary data between August 2015 and May 2019, with a total of 1,111 programme participants. First, we perform a statistical analysis of the targeted population of the programme. Second, using a logistic regression, we study factors associated to the withdrawal from the programme. Third, using survival analysis, we study the correlates of time to graduation from the programme. RESULTS We find that the programme is well-targeted, as participants exhibit higher deprivation levels than those exhibited by beneficiaries of social programmes in general in the same municipality. We also find that programme participants in situations of most extreme vulnerability are more likely to abandon the programme and that successful exits from the programme take longer for more complex cases. CONCLUSIONS Mil Días-San Miguel is a programme for early childhood development in Argentina, which was pioneer when it was first introduced. It is well targeted and exhibits encouraging results despite complex cases taking longer to sucessfully exit the programme. In addition, the poorest poor participants are more likely to abandon the programme and so additional actions could be taken to retain them, as intended by the 'Leave No One Behind' 2030 commitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sol Gonzalez
- Instituto de Ciencias para la Familia, Universidad Austral, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Economía, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Maria Emma Santos
- Instituto de Investigaciones Económicas y Sociales del Sur (IIESS), UNS-CONICET, Departamento de Economía, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
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Eekhout I, van Buuren S. Child development with the D-score: tuning instruments to unity. Gates Open Res 2022. [DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13223.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The chapter familiarises the reader with an intuitive yet powerful methodology to tune instruments to a common unit, presenting a fresh approach that expresses measurements made by different instruments on the D-score scale. As a result, the reader may compare D-scores between ages, children or cohorts. It shows how to exploit common developmental milestones to bridge instruments and cohorts; presents an analysis to obtain D-scores from 16 cohorts and 14 instruments; compares D-score age-distribution across populations from four continents; suggests an indicator for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; and defines developmentally-on-track.
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Santos IS, Munhoz TN, Barcelos RS, Blumenberg C, Bortolotto CC, Matijasevich A, Salum C, Santos Júnior HGD, Marques L, Correia L, Souza MRD, Lira PICD, Pereira V, Victora CG. Evaluation of the Happy Child Program: a randomized study in 30 Brazilian municipalities. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1413-812320222712.13472022en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract The Happy Child Program (Programa Criança Feliz - PCF, in Portuguese) reaches 1.4 million Brazilian children under three years of age with home visits aimed at promoting neuropsychomotor development. Based on a conceptual model, PCF implementation and impact were evaluated in a randomized study in 30 municipalities. A total of 3,242 children were allocated to the intervention (IG) or control (CG) group, 80.0% of whom were prospectively followed up from late 2018 to late 2021. Development was assessed by the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ3). During the three-year study period, visits were replaced by virtual contacts for an average of 12 months due to COVID-19. At the endline survey, intent-to-treat analyses showed mean scores of 203.3 in the IG and 201.3 in the CG. Additional analyses using instrumental variables and propensity scores matching also showed no effect, since the number of contacts with the program was not associated with ASQ3 scores. No impact was observed on stimulation, responsive interactions or psychological attributes of children. The implementation study revealed low coverage in the IG, contamination of the CG, deficiencies in management and low quality of visits in many municipalities. The study did not demonstrate an impact of PCF implemented under routine conditions, but provides elements for its improvement.
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Santos IS, Munhoz TN, Barcelos RS, Blumenberg C, Bortolotto CC, Matijasevich A, Salum C, Santos Júnior HGD, Marques L, Correia L, Souza MRD, Lira PICD, Pereira V, Victora CG. Avaliação do Programa Criança Feliz: um estudo randomizado em 30 municípios brasileiros. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2022; 27:4341-4363. [DOI: 10.1590/1413-812320222712.13472022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumo O Programa Criança Feliz (PCF) atinge 1,4 milhão de crianças brasileiras menores de três anos com visitas domiciliares visando o desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor. Com base em modelo conceitual, avaliou-se implementação e impacto do PCF em estudo randomizado, em 30 municípios. Ao todo 3.242 crianças foram alocadas para o grupo intervenção (GI) ou controle (GC), sendo 80,0% acompanhadas prospectivamente durante três anos. O desenvolvimento foi avaliado pelo Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ3). Análises por intenção de tratar mostraram escores médios de 203,3 no GI e 201,3 no GC. Análises adicionais com variáveis instrumentais e emparelhamento por escores de propensão tampouco mostraram efeito, uma vez que o número de contatos recebidos não esteve associado aos escores ASQ3. Tampouco foi observado impacto sobre estimulação, interações responsivas ou atributos psicológicos das crianças. As visitas foram interrompidas durante 12 meses devido à COVID-19, sendo substituídas por contatos virtuais. O estudo de implementação revelou baixa cobertura no GI, contaminação do GC, deficiências na gestão e baixa qualidade das visitas em muitos municípios. O estudo não demonstrou impacto do PCF implementado sob condições de rotina e fornece elementos para seu aprimoramento.
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Lenel F, Priebe J, Satriawan E, Syamsulhakim E. Can mHealth campaigns improve CCT outcomes? Experimental evidence from sms-nudges in Indonesia. JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS 2022; 86:102687. [PMID: 36242788 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2022.102687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Employing a clustered RCT this paper examines the short-term impact of a 12-month mHealth BCC campaign on health practices & outcomes among CCT beneficiaries in Indonesia. Our analysis reveals that the intervention led to substantial improvements in maternal health behavior (postnatal care, child vaccinations, hygiene practices) & outcomes (anemia rates). Adopting a heterogeneous treatment effect framework, we further show that improvements in maternal hygiene practices and anemia rates are closely linked to health knowledge gained by mothers through the sms campaign. In contrast, we provide suggestive evidence that improvements in other health indicators are more likely to be related to the reminder and nudge components of the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jan Priebe
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Straße 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany.
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Draper CE, Klingberg S, Wrottesley SV, Milner K, Fisher J, Lakes KD, Yousafzai AK. Interventions to promote development in the next 1000 days: A mapping review. Child Care Health Dev 2022. [PMID: 36418186 DOI: 10.1111/cch.13084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The next 1000 days - the period from 2 to 5 years of age - has been highlighted as a key developmental stage in the life-course. A mapping review was conducted to categorize existing literature on interventions in the next 1000 days that promote key developmental outcomes, including publications between 1990 and July 2020. A total of 805 intervention studies were included for data extraction in the review. The number of intervention studies has increased substantially from 2010. Most interventions were from high-income countries, with few (5%) from low- and lower-middle-income countries. Interventions including typically developing children (n = 593, 74%) were mostly (80%) implemented in early childhood care and education (ECCE) settings, with 15% taking place in the home or with families and 5% in community or healthcare settings. Children's literacy and language outcomes were the target of 27% of these interventions, while 25% of interventions targeted early childhood development more holistically or targeted multiple developmental domains. Social-emotional development and social skills were the target of 15% of interventions, motor development 13%, numeracy 8% and cognitive development 8%. For children with any developmental delay, disability, disease or exposure (n = 212), interventions frequently targeted Autism Spectrum Disorder (24%), language or literacy delays (21%), developmental delays or disability more generally (20%); 16% targeted behavioral (or conduct) problems; and 5% targeted attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Almost half (49%) took place in ECCE settings; 24% occurred in the home or with families, or in community (13%) and/or healthcare (14%) settings. This review highlights the need for more intervention research in low- and middle-income countries and for interventions supporting development in the next 1000 days. While the evidence base for interventions to promote development in this age group continues to expand, the most vulnerable children are not benefiting from this evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Draper
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sonja Klingberg
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Stephanie V Wrottesley
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kate Milner
- Neurodisability and Rehabilitation Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jane Fisher
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kimberley D Lakes
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Aisha K Yousafzai
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Cuartas J, Hanno E, Lesaux NK, Jones SM. Executive function, self-regulation skills, behaviors, and socioeconomic status in early childhood. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277013. [PMID: 36322600 PMCID: PMC9629624 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Prior research has established steep socioeconomic status (SES) disparities in children's cognitive skills at kindergarten entry. Yet, few studies have had comprehensive, multi-informant data to examine SES-related differences in foundational social and emotional skills and executive function. The objective of the current study is to systematically examine SES-related differences in young children's executive function (EF), self-regulation skills, and behaviors. METHODS The current study analyzed data on 2,309 young children from the Early Learning Study at Harvard (ELS@H). Multi-method (direct-assessment and reports) and multi-informant (parents and early education and care educators) information on children's executive function, self-regulation skills, and internalizing, externalizing, and adaptive behaviors were used. A parametric framework employing Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) estimation was used to quantify the size of the SES-related differences in this set of children's foundational social-emotional skills. RESULTS On average, there were differences of 0.24-0.45 SD for EF, 0.22-0.32 SD for self-regulation skills, and 0.27-0.54 SD for behaviors favoring children from the highest SES quartile of the distribution of SES relative to children from the lowest quartile. The SES-related differences were consistent across direct assessment, parent reports, and educator reports. Some differences were larger for older children relative to their younger counterparts. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate a need for comprehensive intervention efforts well before kindergarten entry aimed at closing early disparities in children's foundational social and emotional skills and executive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Cuartas
- Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Center for the Study of Security and Drugs (CESED), Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
- * E-mail:
| | - Emily Hanno
- Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Nonie K. Lesaux
- Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Stephanie M. Jones
- Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Grätz M, Lang V, Diewald M. The effects of parenting on early adolescents' noncognitive skills: Evidence from a sample of twins in Germany. ACTA SOCIOLOGICA (COPENHAGEN, DENMARK) 2022; 65:398-419. [PMID: 36210860 PMCID: PMC9535998 DOI: 10.1177/00016993211051958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Many theories in the social sciences assume that parenting affects child development. Previous research mostly supports the notion that parenting affects the skill development of children in early childhood. There are fewer studies testing whether parenting in early adolescence has such an influence. We estimate the effects of parenting on early adolescents' noncognitive skills using data from the German Twin Family Panel (TwinLife). Specifically, we look at the effects of parenting styles, parental activities, and extracurricular activities on the academic self-concept, motivation, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and locus of control of 10 to 14 years old children. To control for unobserved heterogeneity and reverse causality, we employ twin fixed-effects models combined with longitudinal information. In addition, MZ twin fixed effects models also control for genetic confounding. Our findings provide no support to the notion that parenting styles, parental activities, and extracurricular activities in early adolescence affect the development of children's noncognitive skills. We conclude that our results, in combination with the majority of evidence from previous research, are in line with a model according to which parenting has larger effects on the skill development of children in early childhood than in early adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Grätz
- Michael Grätz, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, VD, Switzerland.
Volker Lang, University of Tübingen, Germany
Martin Diewald, Bielefeld University, Germany
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Cunha F, Elo I, Culhane J. Maternal Subjective Expectations about the Technology of Skill Formation Predict Investments in Children One Year Later. JOURNAL OF ECONOMETRICS 2022; 231:3-32. [PMID: 36419721 PMCID: PMC9678352 DOI: 10.1016/j.jeconom.2020.07.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A growing literature reports significant socio-economic gaps in investments in the human capital of young children. Because the returns to these investments may be huge, parenting programs attempt to improve children's environments by increasing parental expectations about the importance of investments for their children's human capital formation. We contribute to this literature by investigating the relevance of maternal subjective expectations (MSE) about the technology of skill formation in predicting investments in the human capital of children. We develop and implement a framework to elicit and analyze MSE data. We launch a longitudinal study with 822 participants, all of whom were women in the second trimester of their first pregnancy at the date of enrollment. In the first wave of the study, during pregnancy, we elicited the woman's MSE. In the second wave, approximately one year later, we measured maternal investments using the Home Observation for the Measurement of the Environment (HOME) Inventory. The vast majority of study participants believe that the Cobb-Douglas technology of skill formation describes the process of child development accurately. We observed substantial heterogeneity in MSE about the impact of human capital at birth and investments in child development at age two. Family income explains part of this heterogeneity in MSE. The higher the family income, the higher the MSE about the impact of investment in child development. We find that a one-standard-deviation of MSE measured at pregnancy is associated with 11% of a standard deviation in investments measured when the child is approximately nine months old.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávio Cunha
- Department of Economics, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Irma Elo
- Department of Sociology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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Solís-Cordero K, Marinho P, Camargo P, Takey S, Lerner R, Ponczek VP, Filgueiras A, Landeira-Fernandez J, Fujimori E. Effects of an Online Play-Based Parenting Program on Child Development and the Quality of Caregiver-Child Interaction: A Randomized Controlled Trial. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2022; 52:935-953. [PMID: 36275014 PMCID: PMC9579672 DOI: 10.1007/s10566-022-09717-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Studies assessing the effects of parenting programs have focused on interventions delivered through face-to-face modalities. There is a need for research to evaluate the effects of online parenting programs on child development, such as the BEM Program ('Play Teaches Change' in English), an online play-based parenting program that teaches caregivers on how to introduce playful interactions into their daily household chores. Objective To assess the effects of the BEM Program on child development and the quality of caregiver-child interaction. Method A two-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted in a socioeconomically disadvantaged district of São Paulo city in Brazil. 129 children aged 12-23 months and their caregiver were randomly assigned to receive either the BEM Program for 8 weeks (intervention, n = 66) or standard child care (control, n = 63). Data were collected at baseline and endline of the intervention through home visits and online interviews. An intention-to-treat analysis was conducted. Results The intervention showed positive effects on child development, by improving language development (Cohen's d = 0.20, 95%CI 0.08-0.47) and reduced intrusiveness (Cohen's d = 0.35, 95%CI 0.06-0.65) of caregiver-child interaction. No significant differences were observed in caregiver's repertoire and engagement in age-appropriate play activities with the child while doing the household chores, parenting sense of competence and perceived stress. Conclusions Despite the small size and low adherence to the program, such promising results advance evidences for fully remote parenting programs and their effects on child development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Solís-Cordero
- School of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Avenida Doutor Ernéas de Carvalho Aguiar, São Paulo, 419, 05403-000 Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Rogério Lerner
- Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Jesus Landeira-Fernandez
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Fujimori
- School of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Avenida Doutor Ernéas de Carvalho Aguiar, São Paulo, 419, 05403-000 Brazil
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Attanasio O, Baker-Henningham H, Bernal R, Meghir C, Pineda D, Rubio-Codina M. Early Stimulation and Nutrition: The Impacts of a Scalable Intervention. JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC ASSOCIATION 2022; 20:1395-1432. [PMID: 35965610 PMCID: PMC9372035 DOI: 10.1093/jeea/jvac005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Early childhood development is becoming the focus of policy worldwide. However, the evidence on the effectiveness of scalable models is scant, particularly when it comes to infants in developing countries. In this paper, we describe and evaluate with a cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial an intervention designed to improve the quality of child stimulation within the context of an existing parenting program in Colombia, known as FAMI. The intervention improved children's development by 0.16 of a standard deviation (SD) and children's nutritional status, as reflected in a reduction of 5.8 percentage points of children whose height-for-age is below -1 SD.
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Thomas KJ, Mangino AA, Walker SJ. Translational Research on Caregiver Reading and Playing Behaviors: Evidence from an In Vivo Community-based Intervention throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES 2022; 31:2187-2201. [PMID: 35729872 PMCID: PMC9189447 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-022-02334-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study provides a rigorous assessment of a community-based early child development (ECD) intervention to understand the drivers of caregivers' reading and playing practices in a low-resourced township in South Africa. Mentors visited 157 homes biweekly (2474 observations from 2019-21; children ages 0-5), completing surveys regarding caregiver behaviors and engagement. One hundred and fifty-seven caregivers (mostly Black, Zulu women) participated in the program during this time period and completed surveys biannually on their support system (modified version of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Support) and ECD beliefs (modified versions of the Parental Play Beliefs Scale and the Parent Opinion Survey). Longitudinal Hierarchical Linear Model revealed that several behaviors and beliefs significantly predicted positive parenting behaviors. Regression discontinuity plots suggest that positive parenting behaviors could continue and even improve following Covid-19 shutdowns, especially in homes with more intervention visits. This paper provides translational evidence on tangible ways interventions can engage caregivers in stimulating ECD behaviors.
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Nuño N, Mäusezahl D, Hattendorf J, Verastegui H, Ortiz M, Hartinger SM. Effectiveness of a home-environmental intervention package and an early child development intervention on child health and development in high-altitude rural communities in the Peruvian Andes: a cluster-randomised controlled trial. Infect Dis Poverty 2022; 11:66. [PMID: 35668472 PMCID: PMC9169326 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-022-00985-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation and hygiene, exposure to household air pollution and low cognitive and socio-emotional stimulation are risk factors affecting children in low- and middle-income countries. We implemented an integrated home-environmental intervention package (IHIP), comprising a kitchen sink, hygiene education and a certified improved biomass cookstove, and an early child development (ECD) programme to improve children´s health and developmental outcomes in the rural high-altitude Andes of Peru. METHODS We conducted a one-year cluster-randomised controlled trial among 317 children < 36 months divided into 4 arms (IHIP + ECD, IHIP, ECD, and Control) and 40 clusters (10 clusters per arm). ECD status (socio-emotional, fine and gross motor, communication, cognitive skills, and an overall performance) measured with the Peruvian Infant Development Scale and the occurrence of self-reported child diarrhoea from caretakers were primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included the occurrence of acute respiratory infections and the presence of thermo-tolerant faecal bacteria in drinking water. The trial was powered to compare each intervention against its control arm but it did not allow pairwise comparisons among the four arms. Primary analysis followed the intention-to-treat principle. For the statistical analysis, we employed generalised estimating equation models with robust standard errors and an independent correlation structure. RESULTS We obtained ECD information from 101 children who received the ECD intervention (individually and combined with IHIP) and 102 controls. Children who received the ECD intervention performed better in all the domains compared to controls. We found differences in the overall performance (64 vs. 39%, odd ratio (OR): 2.8; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6-4.9) and the cognitive domain (62 vs 46%, OR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1-3.5). Data analysis of child morbidity included 154 children who received the IHIP intervention (individually and combined with ECD) and 156 controls. We recorded 110,666 child-days of information on diarrhoea morbidity and observed 1.3 mean episodes per child-year in the children who received the IHIP intervention and 1.1 episodes in the controls. This corresponded to an incidence risk ratio of 1.2 (95% CI: 0.8-1.7). CONCLUSIONS Child stimulation improved developmental status in children, but there was no health benefit associated with the home-environmental intervention. Limited year-round access to running water at home and the possible contamination of drinking water after boiling were two potential factors linked to the lack of effect of the home-environmental intervention. Potential interactions between ECD and home-environmental interventions need to be further investigated. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN, ISRCTN-26548981. Registered 15 January 2018-Retrospectively registered, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN26548981 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Néstor Nuño
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123, Allschwil, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Mäusezahl
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123, Allschwil, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Jan Hattendorf
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123, Allschwil, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hector Verastegui
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123, Allschwil, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001, Basel, Switzerland.,Unidad de Investigación en Desarrollo Integral, Ambiente y Salud, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Honorio Delgado 430, Urb. Ingeniería, S.M.P., Lima, Peru
| | | | - Stella M Hartinger
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123, Allschwil, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001, Basel, Switzerland.,Unidad de Investigación en Desarrollo Integral, Ambiente y Salud, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Honorio Delgado 430, Urb. Ingeniería, S.M.P., Lima, Peru
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Solís-Cordero K, Duarte LS, Fujimori E. Effectiveness of Remotely Delivered Parenting Programs on Caregiver-child Interaction and Child Development: a Systematic Review. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES 2022; 31:3026-3036. [PMID: 35615461 PMCID: PMC9123827 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-022-02328-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Remotely delivered parenting interventions are suitable to promote child well-being and development, in a context of social isolation, as our society faced due to COVID-19. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of remotely delivered parenting interventions for typically developing children on caregiver-child interaction and child development. We carried out a systematic search to find studies from the inception of the database to September 2021 on six electronic databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection and Regional Portal Information and Knowledge for Health (BVS), and gray literature. Eligible study designs were experimental and quasi-experimental studies. We included parenting interventions as long as they were remotely delivered and focused on typically developing children. Two outcomes were considered: caregiver-child interaction and child development. Three randomized controlled trials (RCT) and one quasi-experimental study met the inclusion criteria. Results from two RCT revealed positive, small-to-medium effects on child development. One study showed that the new intervention had a not inferior effect compared to the results achieved by the traditional support. Children who participated in the quasi-experimental study showed significant elevations in language ability. One study reported positive caregiver-child interaction results. There is insufficient evidence to draw definitive conclusions regarding the effectiveness of remotely delivered parenting interventions on child development due to the heterogeneity of participant profiles, mode of delivery, and assessment tools. The results suggest the need to develop future methodologically rigorous studies assessing the effectiveness of remotely delivered parenting interventions for typically developing children on caregiver-child interaction and child development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luciane Simões Duarte
- Chronic Non-communicable Diseases Division, Disease Control Coordination, São Paulo State Health Department, São Paulo, Brazil
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Jiang Q, Dill SE, Sylvia S, Singh MK, She X, Wang E, Medina A, Rozelle S. Parenting centers and caregiver mental health: Evidence from a large-scale randomized controlled trial in China. Child Dev 2022; 93:1559-1573. [PMID: 35481708 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study conducts an exploratory analysis of the impacts of a center-based early childhood development intervention on the mental health of caregivers, using data from a cluster-randomized controlled trial of 1664 caregivers (Mage = 36.87 years old) of 6- to 24-month-old children in 100 villages in rural China. Caregivers and children in 50 villages received individual parenting training, group activities and open play space in village parenting centers. The results show no significant overall change in caregiver-reported mental health symptoms after 1 year of intervention. Subgroup analyses reveal heterogeneous effects by caregiver socioeconomic status and identity (mother vs. grandmother). Findings suggest that early childhood development interventions without targeted mental health components may not provide sufficient support to improve caregiver mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Jiang
- Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Sarah-Eve Dill
- Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Sean Sylvia
- Gillings school of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Manpreet K Singh
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.,Stanford Pediatric Mood Disorders Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Xinshu She
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Eric Wang
- Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Alexis Medina
- Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Scott Rozelle
- Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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Gomez ML, Bernal R, Baker-Henningham H. Qualitative evaluation of a scalable early childhood parenting programme in rural Colombia. Child Care Health Dev 2022; 48:225-238. [PMID: 34738243 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Integrating early childhood parenting programmes into existing government services is a key strategy for reducing the loss of children's developmental potential in low- and middle-income countries. There is limited evidence of participants' perceptions of these programmes, especially when implemented at scale. We integrated an intervention into an existing government programme targeting pregnant women and mothers of children up to 2 years of age and their families in rural Colombia. METHODS As part of a cluster randomized trial, 171 government workers (facilitators) implemented the intervention. The intervention included four components: (1) structured curricula, (2) play materials, (3) nutrition and (4) training and supervision. In this qualitative evaluation of the programme, we conducted semi-structured interviews with beneficiary mothers (n = 62), facilitators (n = 40) and supervisors (n = 8). Topic guides were developed to collect information on participants' perspectives of the acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of the intervention and the enablers and barriers to implementation. All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed, and data were analysed using the framework approach. RESULTS Participants' responses indicated that the intervention was acceptable, feasible and effective. Key enablers to implementation were (1) the use of evidence-based behaviour change techniques leading to interactive, fun and participatory sessions; (2) structured curricula with easy to use, simple activities and materials; (3) the focus on positive, supportive relationships; and (4) the perceived benefits of the programme to the beneficiary mothers, children and families, facilitators and programme supervisors. The main barriers were (1) facilitators took time to become comfortable and competent in using the new participatory methodology and (2) the logistics related to making and distributing the play materials. CONCLUSION Providing structured curricula and play materials with training and ongoing supervision to enhance an existing programme targeting mothers, families and children was reported as acceptable, feasible and effective by beneficiary mothers and programme staff.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raquel Bernal
- Economics Department, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
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Ebert C, Vollmer S. Girls unwanted - The role of parents' child-specific sex preference for children's early mental development. JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS 2022; 82:102590. [PMID: 35139435 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2022.102590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We propose a novel son preference measure that relates the preference to a specific child. We find child-specific son preference to be more common among later born children and in families with fewer sons. Using the novel measure and an interaction instrumental variables approach, we estimate a penalty in early mental functions for unwanted girls of 0.7 standard deviations. This penalty appears to be partially driven by discrimination against girls and partially by pampering of boys. Children's health and parental inputs do not mediate the effect from son preference to mental development. Our findings highlight the relevance of parents' attitudes for a nurturing home environment and healthy brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara Ebert
- RWI - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research, RWI Berlin Office, Invalidenstr. 112, Berlin 10115, Germany.
| | - Sebastian Vollmer
- University of Goettingen, Center for Modern Indian Studies, Waldweg 26, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
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Jeong J, Bliznashka L, Ahun MN, Karuskina-Drivdale S, Picolo M, Lalwani T, Pinto J, Frey M, Velthauz D, Donco R, Yousafzai AK. A pilot to promote early child development within health systems in Mozambique: a qualitative evaluation. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2022; 1509:161-183. [PMID: 34859451 PMCID: PMC8978755 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Health systems offer unique opportunities for integrating services to promote early child development (ECD). However, there is limited knowledge about the implementation experiences of using health services to target nurturing care and ECD, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted a qualitative implementation evaluation to assess the delivery, acceptability, perceived changes, and barriers and facilitators associated with a pilot strategy that integrated developmental monitoring, nutritional screening, and early learning and nutrition counseling into the existing health facility, and community-based services for young children in rural Mozambique. We completed individual interviews with caregivers (N = 36), providers (N = 27), and district stakeholders (N = 10), and nine facility observational visits at three primary health facilities in October-November 2020. We analyzed data using thematic content analysis. Results supported fidelity to the intended pilot model and acceptability of nurturing care services. Respondents expressed various program benefits, including strengthened health system capacity and improved knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding nurturing care and ECD. Government leadership and supportive supervision were key facilitators, whereas health system resource constraints were key barriers. We conclude that health systems are promising platforms for supporting ECD and discuss several programmatic recommendations for enhancing service delivery and maximizing potential impacts on nurturing care and ECD outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Jeong
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Lilia Bliznashka
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Marilyn N. Ahun
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Aisha K. Yousafzai
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
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Solís-Cordero K, Duarte LS, Jeong J, Fujimori E. Effectiveness of different health delivery agents of parenting stimulation interventions on child development outcomes among children aged 0 to 36 months: a systematic review protocol. JBI Evid Synth 2022; 20:874-881. [PMID: 34768255 DOI: 10.11124/jbies-21-00147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review will evaluate the effectiveness of different health delivery agents of parenting stimulation interventions versus usual care, no intervention, or a different type of delivery agent on child development outcomes among children aged 0 to 36 months. INTRODUCTION Stimulation interventions vary in terms of implementation. While some interventions are delivered by professionals, most are delivered by non-professionals. Several prior systematic reviews on this topic have been conducted; however, no known study has evaluated the effectiveness of stimulation interventions on child development by type of delivery agent. INCLUSION CRITERIA This review will consider randomized controlled trials assessing parenting stimulation interventions delivered by different health delivery agents. These will be compared to usual care, no intervention, or a different delivery agent, targeted at caregiver-child dyads of children aged 0 to 36 months. The outcomes will include motor, language, cognitive, and socio-emotional development. The review will exclude studies including children with specific characteristics, interventions that do not focus on parenting, and protocols of randomized clinical trials. METHODS The review will include both published and unpublished studies. The key information sources to be searched are: MEDLINE, APA (PsycNet), Embase, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL, VHL Regional Portal, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Theses Canada Portal, and Library and Archives Canada. Studies in English, Spanish, and Portuguese will be included. Critical appraisal and data extraction will be conducted using standardized tools. Quantitative data, where possible, will be pooled in statistical meta-analysis, or if statistical pooling is not possible, the findings will be reported narratively. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO CRD42021245245.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Solís-Cordero
- School of Nursing, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Costa Rican Evidence-Based Nursing Research Collaboration Program (CIEBE-CR): A JBI Affiliated Group, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Luciane Simões Duarte
- Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases Division, Disease Control Coordination, São Paulo State Health Department, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joshua Jeong
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
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Sylvia S, Luo R, Zhong J, Dill SE, Medina A, Rozelle S. Passive versus active service delivery: Comparing the effects of two parenting interventions on early cognitive development in rural China. WORLD DEVELOPMENT 2022; 149:105686. [PMID: 34980940 PMCID: PMC8566276 DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2021.105686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We present the results of a cluster-randomized controlled trial that evaluates the effects of a free, center-based parenting intervention on early cognitive development and parenting practices in 100 rural villages in China. We then compare these effects to a previous trial of a home-based intervention conducted in the same region, using the same parenting curriculum and public service system, accounting for potential differences between the studies. We find that the center-based intervention did not have a significant impact on child development outcomes, but did lead to increases in the material investments, time investments, and parenting skills of caregivers. The average impact of the center-based intervention on child skills and investments in children was significantly smaller than the home-visiting intervention. Analysis of the possible mechanisms suggests that the difference in effects was driven primarily by different patterns of selection into program participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Sylvia
- Gillings School of Global Public Health and Carolina Population Center, 1101-D McGavran-Greenberg Bldg., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Renfu Luo
- China Center for Agricultural Policy, School of Advanced Agricultural Science, 409 Wangkezhen Bldg., Peking University, No. 5 Yiheyuan, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Jingdong Zhong
- School of Economics, Peking University, No. 5 Yiheyuan, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Sarah-Eve Dill
- Rural Education Action Program, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, 616 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Alexis Medina
- Rural Education Action Program, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, 616 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Scott Rozelle
- Rural Education Action Program, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, 616 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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Borairi S, Fearon P, Madigan S, Plamondon A, Jenkins J. A mediation meta-analysis of the role of maternal responsivity in the association between socioeconomic risk and children's language. Child Dev 2021; 92:2177-2193. [PMID: 34664260 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This meta-analysis tested maternal responsivity as a mediator of the association between socioeconomic risk and children's preschool language abilities. The search included studies up to 2017 and meta-analytic structural equation modeling, allowed us to examine the magnitude of the indirect effect across 17 studies (k = 19). The meta-analysis included 6433 predominantly White, English speaking children (Mage = 36 months; 50% female) from Western, industrialized countries. All paths in the model were statistically significant, notably, the indirect effect was significant (b = -.052), showing that maternal responsivity may be a proximal intervening variable between socioeconomic risk and children's language development. Moderator analyses found that the indirect effect was stronger for sensitive parenting than warmth and when parenting was assessed in the family home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Borairi
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pasco Fearon
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sheri Madigan
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andre Plamondon
- FSÉ Department of Educational Foundations and Practices, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jennifer Jenkins
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Pasricha SR, Hasan MI, Braat S, Larson LM, Tipu SMMU, Hossain SJ, Shiraji S, Baldi A, Bhuiyan MSA, Tofail F, Fisher J, Grantham-McGregor S, Simpson JA, Hamadani JD, Biggs BA. Benefits and Risks of Iron Interventions in Infants in Rural Bangladesh. N Engl J Med 2021; 385:982-995. [PMID: 34496174 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa2034187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Universal provision of iron supplements (drops or syrup) or multiple micronutrient powders to young children in low-to-middle-income countries where anemia is prevalent is recommended by the World Health Organization and widely implemented. The functional benefits and safety of these interventions are unclear. METHODS We conducted a three-group, double-blind, double-dummy, individually randomized, placebo-controlled trial to assess the immediate and medium-term benefits and risks of 3 months of daily supplementation with iron syrup or iron-containing multiple micronutrient powders, as compared with placebo, in 8-month-old children in rural Bangladesh. The primary outcome was cognitive development, as assessed by the cognitive composite score on the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition, immediately after completion of the assigned 3-month regimen; scores range from 55 to 145, with higher scores indicating better cognitive performance. Secondary outcomes included the cognitive composite score at 9 months after completion of the assigned regimen; behavioral, language, and motor development, as well as growth and hematologic markers, immediately after completion and at 9 months after completion; and safety. RESULTS We randomly assigned 3300 infants to receive iron syrup (1101 infants), multiple micronutrient powders (1099), or placebo (1100) daily. After completion of the assigned 3-month regimen, no apparent effect on the cognitive composite score was observed with iron syrup as compared with placebo (mean between-group difference in change in score from baseline, -0.30 points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.08 to 0.48) or with multiple micronutrient powders as compared with placebo (mean between-group difference in change in score from baseline, 0.23 points; 95% CI, -0.55 to 1.00). No apparent effect on any other developmental or growth outcome was observed immediately after completion of the assigned regimen or at 9 months after completion. At 9 months after completion of the assigned regimen, the prevalences of anemia, iron deficiency, and iron deficiency anemia increased in all three trial groups but remained lower among the children who received iron syrup or multiple micronutrient powders than among those who received placebo. The risk of serious adverse events and incidence of symptoms of infection were similar in the three trial groups. CONCLUSIONS In this trial involving infants in Bangladesh, 3 months of daily supplementation with iron syrup or multiple micronutrient powders did not appear to have an effect on child development or other functional outcomes as compared with placebo. (Funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia; BRISC Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number, ACTRN12617000660381.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sant-Rayn Pasricha
- From the Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (S.-R.P., S.B., L.M.L., A.B.), Diagnostic Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), the Department of Medical Biology (S.-R.P., A.B.), the Departments of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (S.B., L.M.L., B.-A.B.), and the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health (S.B., J.A.S.), University of Melbourne, and the Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital (B.-A.B.), Parkville, VIC, and the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC (J.F.) - all in Australia; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (M.I.H., S.M.M.U.T., S.J.H., S.S., M.S.A.B., F.T., J.D.H.); the Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia (L.M.L.); and the Institute of Child Health, University College London, London (S.G.-M.)
| | - M Imrul Hasan
- From the Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (S.-R.P., S.B., L.M.L., A.B.), Diagnostic Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), the Department of Medical Biology (S.-R.P., A.B.), the Departments of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (S.B., L.M.L., B.-A.B.), and the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health (S.B., J.A.S.), University of Melbourne, and the Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital (B.-A.B.), Parkville, VIC, and the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC (J.F.) - all in Australia; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (M.I.H., S.M.M.U.T., S.J.H., S.S., M.S.A.B., F.T., J.D.H.); the Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia (L.M.L.); and the Institute of Child Health, University College London, London (S.G.-M.)
| | - Sabine Braat
- From the Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (S.-R.P., S.B., L.M.L., A.B.), Diagnostic Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), the Department of Medical Biology (S.-R.P., A.B.), the Departments of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (S.B., L.M.L., B.-A.B.), and the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health (S.B., J.A.S.), University of Melbourne, and the Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital (B.-A.B.), Parkville, VIC, and the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC (J.F.) - all in Australia; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (M.I.H., S.M.M.U.T., S.J.H., S.S., M.S.A.B., F.T., J.D.H.); the Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia (L.M.L.); and the Institute of Child Health, University College London, London (S.G.-M.)
| | - Leila M Larson
- From the Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (S.-R.P., S.B., L.M.L., A.B.), Diagnostic Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), the Department of Medical Biology (S.-R.P., A.B.), the Departments of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (S.B., L.M.L., B.-A.B.), and the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health (S.B., J.A.S.), University of Melbourne, and the Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital (B.-A.B.), Parkville, VIC, and the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC (J.F.) - all in Australia; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (M.I.H., S.M.M.U.T., S.J.H., S.S., M.S.A.B., F.T., J.D.H.); the Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia (L.M.L.); and the Institute of Child Health, University College London, London (S.G.-M.)
| | - S M Mulk-Uddin Tipu
- From the Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (S.-R.P., S.B., L.M.L., A.B.), Diagnostic Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), the Department of Medical Biology (S.-R.P., A.B.), the Departments of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (S.B., L.M.L., B.-A.B.), and the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health (S.B., J.A.S.), University of Melbourne, and the Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital (B.-A.B.), Parkville, VIC, and the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC (J.F.) - all in Australia; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (M.I.H., S.M.M.U.T., S.J.H., S.S., M.S.A.B., F.T., J.D.H.); the Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia (L.M.L.); and the Institute of Child Health, University College London, London (S.G.-M.)
| | - Sheikh J Hossain
- From the Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (S.-R.P., S.B., L.M.L., A.B.), Diagnostic Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), the Department of Medical Biology (S.-R.P., A.B.), the Departments of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (S.B., L.M.L., B.-A.B.), and the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health (S.B., J.A.S.), University of Melbourne, and the Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital (B.-A.B.), Parkville, VIC, and the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC (J.F.) - all in Australia; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (M.I.H., S.M.M.U.T., S.J.H., S.S., M.S.A.B., F.T., J.D.H.); the Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia (L.M.L.); and the Institute of Child Health, University College London, London (S.G.-M.)
| | - Shamima Shiraji
- From the Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (S.-R.P., S.B., L.M.L., A.B.), Diagnostic Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), the Department of Medical Biology (S.-R.P., A.B.), the Departments of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (S.B., L.M.L., B.-A.B.), and the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health (S.B., J.A.S.), University of Melbourne, and the Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital (B.-A.B.), Parkville, VIC, and the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC (J.F.) - all in Australia; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (M.I.H., S.M.M.U.T., S.J.H., S.S., M.S.A.B., F.T., J.D.H.); the Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia (L.M.L.); and the Institute of Child Health, University College London, London (S.G.-M.)
| | - Andrew Baldi
- From the Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (S.-R.P., S.B., L.M.L., A.B.), Diagnostic Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), the Department of Medical Biology (S.-R.P., A.B.), the Departments of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (S.B., L.M.L., B.-A.B.), and the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health (S.B., J.A.S.), University of Melbourne, and the Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital (B.-A.B.), Parkville, VIC, and the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC (J.F.) - all in Australia; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (M.I.H., S.M.M.U.T., S.J.H., S.S., M.S.A.B., F.T., J.D.H.); the Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia (L.M.L.); and the Institute of Child Health, University College London, London (S.G.-M.)
| | - Mohammad S A Bhuiyan
- From the Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (S.-R.P., S.B., L.M.L., A.B.), Diagnostic Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), the Department of Medical Biology (S.-R.P., A.B.), the Departments of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (S.B., L.M.L., B.-A.B.), and the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health (S.B., J.A.S.), University of Melbourne, and the Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital (B.-A.B.), Parkville, VIC, and the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC (J.F.) - all in Australia; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (M.I.H., S.M.M.U.T., S.J.H., S.S., M.S.A.B., F.T., J.D.H.); the Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia (L.M.L.); and the Institute of Child Health, University College London, London (S.G.-M.)
| | - Fahmida Tofail
- From the Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (S.-R.P., S.B., L.M.L., A.B.), Diagnostic Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), the Department of Medical Biology (S.-R.P., A.B.), the Departments of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (S.B., L.M.L., B.-A.B.), and the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health (S.B., J.A.S.), University of Melbourne, and the Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital (B.-A.B.), Parkville, VIC, and the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC (J.F.) - all in Australia; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (M.I.H., S.M.M.U.T., S.J.H., S.S., M.S.A.B., F.T., J.D.H.); the Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia (L.M.L.); and the Institute of Child Health, University College London, London (S.G.-M.)
| | - Jane Fisher
- From the Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (S.-R.P., S.B., L.M.L., A.B.), Diagnostic Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), the Department of Medical Biology (S.-R.P., A.B.), the Departments of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (S.B., L.M.L., B.-A.B.), and the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health (S.B., J.A.S.), University of Melbourne, and the Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital (B.-A.B.), Parkville, VIC, and the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC (J.F.) - all in Australia; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (M.I.H., S.M.M.U.T., S.J.H., S.S., M.S.A.B., F.T., J.D.H.); the Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia (L.M.L.); and the Institute of Child Health, University College London, London (S.G.-M.)
| | - Sally Grantham-McGregor
- From the Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (S.-R.P., S.B., L.M.L., A.B.), Diagnostic Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), the Department of Medical Biology (S.-R.P., A.B.), the Departments of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (S.B., L.M.L., B.-A.B.), and the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health (S.B., J.A.S.), University of Melbourne, and the Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital (B.-A.B.), Parkville, VIC, and the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC (J.F.) - all in Australia; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (M.I.H., S.M.M.U.T., S.J.H., S.S., M.S.A.B., F.T., J.D.H.); the Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia (L.M.L.); and the Institute of Child Health, University College London, London (S.G.-M.)
| | - Julie A Simpson
- From the Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (S.-R.P., S.B., L.M.L., A.B.), Diagnostic Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), the Department of Medical Biology (S.-R.P., A.B.), the Departments of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (S.B., L.M.L., B.-A.B.), and the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health (S.B., J.A.S.), University of Melbourne, and the Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital (B.-A.B.), Parkville, VIC, and the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC (J.F.) - all in Australia; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (M.I.H., S.M.M.U.T., S.J.H., S.S., M.S.A.B., F.T., J.D.H.); the Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia (L.M.L.); and the Institute of Child Health, University College London, London (S.G.-M.)
| | - Jena D Hamadani
- From the Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (S.-R.P., S.B., L.M.L., A.B.), Diagnostic Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), the Department of Medical Biology (S.-R.P., A.B.), the Departments of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (S.B., L.M.L., B.-A.B.), and the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health (S.B., J.A.S.), University of Melbourne, and the Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital (B.-A.B.), Parkville, VIC, and the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC (J.F.) - all in Australia; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (M.I.H., S.M.M.U.T., S.J.H., S.S., M.S.A.B., F.T., J.D.H.); the Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia (L.M.L.); and the Institute of Child Health, University College London, London (S.G.-M.)
| | - Beverley-Ann Biggs
- From the Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (S.-R.P., S.B., L.M.L., A.B.), Diagnostic Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital (S.-R.P.), the Department of Medical Biology (S.-R.P., A.B.), the Departments of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (S.B., L.M.L., B.-A.B.), and the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health (S.B., J.A.S.), University of Melbourne, and the Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital (B.-A.B.), Parkville, VIC, and the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC (J.F.) - all in Australia; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (M.I.H., S.M.M.U.T., S.J.H., S.S., M.S.A.B., F.T., J.D.H.); the Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia (L.M.L.); and the Institute of Child Health, University College London, London (S.G.-M.)
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Little MT, Roelen K, Lange BCL, Steinert JI, Yakubovich AR, Cluver L, Humphreys DK. Effectiveness of cash-plus programmes on early childhood outcomes compared to cash transfers alone: A systematic review and meta-analysis in low- and middle-income countries. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003698. [PMID: 34582447 PMCID: PMC8478252 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To strengthen the impact of cash transfers, these interventions have begun to be packaged as cash-plus programmes, combining cash with additional transfers, interventions, or services. The intervention's complementary ("plus") components aim to improve cash transfer effectiveness by targeting mediating outcomes or the availability of supplies or services. This study examined whether cash-plus interventions for infants and children <5 are more effective than cash alone in improving health and well-being. METHODS AND FINDINGS Forty-two databases, donor agencies, grey literature sources, and trial registries were systematically searched, yielding 5,097 unique articles (as of 06 April 2021). Randomised and quasi-experimental studies were eligible for inclusion if the intervention package aimed to improve outcomes for children <5 in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and combined a cash transfer with an intervention targeted to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 (No Hunger), SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG4 (Education), or SDG16 (Violence Prevention), had at least one group receiving cash-only, examined outcomes related to child-focused SDGs, and was published in English. Risk of bias was appraised using Cochrane Risk of Bias and ROBINS-I Tools. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted for a cash-plus intervention category when there were at least 3 trials with the same outcome. The review was preregistered with PROSPERO (CRD42018108017). Seventeen studies were included in the review and 11 meta-analysed. Most interventions operated during the first 1,000 days of the child's life and were conducted in communities facing high rates of poverty and often, food insecurity. Evidence was found for 10 LMICs, where most researchers used randomised, longitudinal study designs (n = 14). Five intervention categories were identified, combining cash with nutrition behaviour change communication (BCC, n = 7), food transfers (n = 3), primary healthcare (n = 2), psychosocial stimulation (n = 7), and child protection (n = 4) interventions. Comparing cash-plus to cash alone, meta-analysis results suggest Cash + Food Transfers are more effective in improving height-for-age (d = 0.08 SD (0.03, 0.14), p = 0.02) with significantly reduced odds of stunting (OR = 0.82 (0.74, 0.92), p = 0.01), but had no added impact in improving weight-for-height (d = -0.13 (-0.42, 0.16), p = 0.24) or weight-for-age z-scores (d = -0.06 (-0.28, 0.15), p = 0.43). There was no added impact above cash alone from Cash + Nutrition BCC on anthropometrics; Cash + Psychosocial Stimulation on cognitive development; or Cash + Child Protection on parental use of violent discipline or exclusive positive parenting. Narrative synthesis evidence suggests that compared to cash alone, Cash + Primary Healthcare may have greater impacts in reducing mortality and Cash + Food Transfers in preventing acute malnutrition in crisis contexts. The main limitations of this review are the few numbers of studies that compared cash-plus interventions against cash alone and the potentially high heterogeneity between study findings. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we observed that few cash-plus combinations were more effective than cash transfers alone. Cash combined with food transfers and primary healthcare show the greatest signs of added effectiveness. More research is needed on when and how cash-plus combinations are more effective than cash alone, and work in this field must ensure that these interventions improve outcomes among the most vulnerable children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison T. Little
- Department of Social Policy & Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Green Templeton College, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Keetie Roelen
- Centre for Social Protection, Institute for Development Studies, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Brittany C. L. Lange
- Department of Social Policy & Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Child Health & Development Institute of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Janina I. Steinert
- Department of Social Policy & Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- School of Governance, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexa R. Yakubovich
- Department of Social Policy & Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- MAP Centre for Urban Solutions, Unity Health Toronto & University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lucie Cluver
- Department of Social Policy & Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David K. Humphreys
- Department of Social Policy & Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Green Templeton College, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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49
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Dulal S, Prost A, Karki S, Saville N, Merom D. Characteristics and effects of integrated nutrition and stimulation interventions to improve the nutritional status and development of children under 5 years of age: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2020-003872. [PMID: 34321232 PMCID: PMC8319976 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Around 250 million children in low-income and middle-income countries are at risk of not fulfilling their developmental potential. There is a need to update syntheses investigating the effects of combined nutrition and stimulation interventions on children’s growth and development and identify intervention characteristics associated with positive effects. Methods We did a systematic review to: (1) understand the effects of integrated nutrition and stimulation interventions versus (i) usual care and (ii) standalone nutrition or stimulation interventions, on the growth and development of children under five; (2) explore intervention characteristics (delivery strategies, behaviour change techniques, intensity and personnel) associated with positive effects. We searched eight databases for studies published from inception to 16 November 2020. Eligible studies were randomised and non-randomised controlled trials of integrated nutrition and stimulation interventions examining growth and developmental outcomes. We performed meta-analyses for length-for-age/height-for-age, weight-for-age and weight-for-length/weight-for-height Z scores and cognitive, motor and language development scores, and subgroup analyses by intervention characteristics. We conducted random-effects metaregression to assess potential subgroup differences in outcomes by intervention characteristics. Results Twenty trials were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled effect sizes showed significant benefits of integrated interventions on developmental outcomes compared with usual care and standalone nutrition interventions (I2 >75%) but not on growth outcomes. Moreover, integrated interventions have non-significant effects on developmental outcomes compared with standalone stimulation interventions. Integrated interventions showed greater effects on cognitive (p=0.039) and language (p=0.040) outcomes for undernourished children compared with adequately nourished children. The effects of integrated interventions on developmental outcomes did not differ by intervention characteristics. Conclusion Integrated interventions have greater benefits for children’s development than usual care or standalone nutrition interventions, especially in settings with high levels of undernutrition. Future studies should use standardised reporting of implementation processes to identify intervention characteristics linked to positive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophiya Dulal
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Penrith South, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Audrey Prost
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Surendra Karki
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory, Alexandria, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Naomi Saville
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dafna Merom
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Penrith South, New South Wales, Australia
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50
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Emmers D, Jiang Q, Xue H, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Zhao Y, Liu B, Dill SE, Qian Y, Warrinnier N, Johnstone H, Cai J, Wang X, Wang L, Luo R, Li G, Xu J, Liu M, Huang Y, Shan W, Li Z, Zhang Y, Sylvia S, Ma Y, Medina A, Rozelle S. Early childhood development and parental training interventions in rural China: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:e005578. [PMID: 34417271 PMCID: PMC8381307 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-005578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inadequate care during early childhood can lead to long-term deficits in skills. Parenting programmes that encourage investment in young children are a promising tool for improving early development outcomes and long-term opportunities in low-income and middle-income regions, such as rural China. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and a meta-analysis to investigate the prevalence of early developmental delays and stimulating parenting practices as well as the effect of parental training programmes on child development outcomes in rural China. We obtained data in English from EconPapers, PubMed, PsycARTICLES, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Scopus (Elsevier) and in Chinese from China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data and VIP Information. We conducted frequentist meta-analyses of aggregate data and estimated random-effects meta-regressions. Certainty of evidence was rated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. RESULTS We identified 19 observational studies on the prevalence of developmental delays and stimulating parenting practices for children under 5 years of age (n=19 762) and ten studies on the impact of parental training programmes on early child development (n=13 766). Children's risk of cognitive, language and social-emotional delays in the rural study sites (covering 14 provinces mostly in Central and Western China) was 45%, 46%, and 36%, respectively. Parental training programmes had a positive impact on child cognition, language and social-emotional development. CONCLUSION There is evidence to suggest that early developmental delay and the absence of stimulating parenting practices (ie, reading, storytelling and singing with children) may be prevalent across rural, low-income and middle-income regions in Central and Western China. Results support the effectiveness of parental training programmes to improve early development by encouraging parental engagement. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020218852).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorien Emmers
- LICOS Centre for Institutions and Economic Performance, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Stanford Center on China's Economy and Institutions, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies & Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Qi Jiang
- Stanford Center on China's Economy and Institutions, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies & Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Hao Xue
- Stanford Center on China's Economy and Institutions, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies & Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Yue Zhang
- National Center for Women and Children Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yunting Zhang
- Child Health Advocacy Institute, Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Bin Liu
- Xinhe Foundation, Beijing, China
| | - Sarah-Eve Dill
- Stanford Center on China's Economy and Institutions, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies & Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Yiwei Qian
- Department of Economics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Nele Warrinnier
- LICOS Centre for Institutions and Economic Performance, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- School of Economics and Finance, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Hannah Johnstone
- Stanford Center on China's Economy and Institutions, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies & Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jianhua Cai
- Administrators of Training Center of the National Health Commission of the PRC, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Wang
- International Business School, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Renfu Luo
- School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Guirong Li
- International Center for Action Research on Education, Henan University School of Education, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Jiajia Xu
- International Center for Action Research on Education, Henan University School of Education, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Save the Children International China Program, Beijing, China
| | - Yaqing Huang
- Save the Children International China Program, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjie Shan
- Child Health Advocacy Institute, Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihui Li
- Child Health Advocacy Institute, Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Hupan Modou Foundation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sean Sylvia
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yue Ma
- Stanford Center on China's Economy and Institutions, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies & Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Alexis Medina
- Stanford Center on China's Economy and Institutions, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies & Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Scott Rozelle
- Stanford Center on China's Economy and Institutions, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies & Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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