Early childhood development status and associated factors among preschool children attending routine well clinics in Temeke Municipal, Dar es SalaamTanzania: a cross-sectional study
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Date
2024-12-31
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Pan African Medical Journal
Abstract
Introduction: Early Childhood Development (ECD)
is a social and public health concern especially in
low- and middle-income countries whereby around
43% of children living in these countries are at risk
of developmental delays. This may negatively
affect their potential including reduced
productivity in adulthood. Data from the 2022
Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey has
shown that around 47.4% of children aged 24-59
months scored low in their early childhood scores.
However, factors associated with low suboptimal
ECD are not well understood. This study aimed to
determine the magnitude and characteristics
associated with low ECD scores among children
aged 24-59 months attending RCH clinics in
Temeke Municipal, Dar-es-salaam region.
Methods: the study was a facility-based crosssection study design involving Children aged 24 -
59 months attending RCH clinics in Temeke
District, Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania. An interviewerguided questionnaire was used to collect basic
demographic information while ECD scores among
participants were determined using a standardized
ECD-I2030 tool. Data analysis was conducted using
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The
magnitude of children not on track was expressed
in frequency and percentages. Factors associated
with poor ECD were determined by using binary
logistic regression analysis. The alpha level of 0.05
or less was considered statistically significant.
Results: a total of 422 children were enrolled in the
study. Among participants, only 144(34.1%) were
on track based on their childhood development
scores while 278 (65.9%) were off track. Young age
(AOR=0.149 (0.354-0.63); p-value=0.001),
nutritional status (AOR=7.729(2.234-26.735); p
value=0.010) and parents' employment status
(AOR=3.730(1.937-7.184); p-value=0.001) were
independently associated ECD scores. Conclusion:
most children enrolled in this study were off-track
in their ECD scores which may limit the realization
of their full potential. Young age, malnutrition and
unemployed parents were significant factors
associated with EDC delays. Therefore, targeted
interventions aimed at ensuring food security and
nutrition, economic empowerment of families
through formal employment, and early positive
parenting practices may improve ECDs among this
age group.
Description
Keywords
Early childhood development, Temeke, Dar es Salaam
Citation
Mshimba, M.A., Kalabamu, F.S., Fataki, M., Malasa, L. and Rutachunzibwa, F., 2024. Early childhood development status and associated factors among preschool children attending routine well clinics in Temeke Municipal, Dar es Salaam-Tanzania: a cross-sectional study. The Pan African Medical Journal, 49, p.137.