Nutrition, growth, and other factors associated with early cognitive and motor development in Sub‐Saharan Africa: a scoping review

• Published in: Journal of human nutrition and dietetics Vol. 33; no. 5; pp. 644 - 669
• Main Authors: French, B., Outhwaite, L.A., Langley‐Evans, S. C., Pitchford, N. J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.10.2020
• Subjects: Abuse; Alcohol abuse; Anthropometry; Child development; child health; Children; Cognitive ability; cognitive development; Diet; Drug abuse; early child development; Exposure; Food security; growth; HIV; Human immunodeficiency virus; Infectious diseases; Malaria; Malnutrition; Mental health; Motor ability; Motor skill; Nutrition; Poverty; Public health; Sanitation; Security; Sub‐Saharan Africa; Vector-borne diseases; Sub-Saharan Africa; Africa
• ISSN: 0952-3871; 1365-277X
• DOI: 10.1111/jhn.12795

Background Food insecurity, poverty and exposure to infectious disease are well‐established drivers of malnutrition in children in Sub‐Saharan Africa. Early development of cognitive and motor skills – the foundations for learning – may also be compromised by the same or additional factors that restrict physical growth. However, little is known about factors associated with early child development in this region, which limits the scope to intervene effectively. To address this knowledge gap, we compared studies that have examined factors associated with early cognitive and/or motor development within this population. Methods Predetermined criteria were used to examine four publication databases (PsycInfo, Embase, Web of Science and Medline) and identify studies considering the determinants of cognitive and motor development in children aged 0–8 years in Sub‐Saharan Africa. Results In total, 51 quantitative studies met the inclusion criteria, reporting on 30% of countries across the region. Within these papers, factors associated with early child development were grouped into five themes: Nutrition, Growth and Anthropometry, Maternal Health, Malaria and HIV, and Household. Food security and dietary diversity were associated with positive developmental outcomes, whereas exposure to HIV, malaria, poor maternal mental health, poor sanitation, maternal alcohol abuse and stunting were indicators of poor cognitive and motor development. Discussion In this synthesis of research findings obtained across Sub‐Saharan Africa, factors that restrict physical growth are also shown to hinder the development of early cognitive and motor skills, although additional factors also influence early developmental outcomes. The study also reviews the methodological limitations of conducting research using Western methods in sub‐Saharan Africa. Poverty, poor maternal health, malnutrition and exposure to infectious disease blight the development of cognitive and motor skills in children living in Sub‐Saharan Africa. The present scoping review considers the factors that hinder the development of early cognitive and motor skills, and subsequent achievement of potential. The methodological limitations of conducting research using Western methods in this region are significant and more robust approaches are required to address this critical issue.