Project Details

Multi-domain interventions from preconception to early childhood and neurodevelopment at 4-6 years

Ravi Upadhyay, MD

Summary

BACKGROUND: Substantial number of under-5 children in low-middle-income settings are documented to be at risk of developmental deficits. Previous studies have focused on standalone interventions delivered in specific phases of life i.e., either pregnancy or postnatal or a combination and found small to modest improvements in child neurodevelopment outcomes. GAP: Long-term impact of concurrent delivery of health, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH), psychosocial support and early child development interventions addressing the key risk factors of poor child development is mostly unknown. This study will aim to test the effect of this integrated package of interventions delivered during preconception, pregnancy and continued until 24 months of child age on neurodevelopment at 4-6 years of age. HYPOTHESIS: An integrated package of health, nutrition, WaSH, psychosocial support and early child development interventions delivered across the continuum from preconception, pregnancy and until child age 24 months (1000+days) will improve neurodevelopment in children at 4 to 6 years of age. METHODS: Extended follow up of children enrolled in a randomized controlled trial. A total of 1052 children will be assessed at age 4 to 6 years using standardized psychometric tools. The primary outcomes include mean cognitive and higher executive function score. RESULTS: Pending. IMPACT: The study findings will provide evidence on the impact of the interventions during the pre-school age, which is a period of intense cognitive development and children are beginning to develop and learn new skills required for their overall development. Website Link: https://sas.org.in/