The impact of health-caregivers emotional nurturance on cognitive development in preschoolers: A nationwide public health cross-sectional study

Abstract

The study examines the relationship between emotional nurturance and cognitive development in preschool-aged children in Western Tarai, Nepal. The research involved 391 preschoolers from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, analyzing factors such as health-caregiver education, occupation, caste/ethnicity, and family structure. Results showed that age and certain socio-economic factors significantly influenced cognitive outcomes. Children aged 36-48 months had higher cognitive scores, and children from joint families scored higher than those from nuclear families. Children from disadvantaged caste backgrounds showed lower cognitive outcomes compared to those from advantaged castes. Emotional nurturance was positive but not significantly associated with cognitive development after adjustments. Socio-economic disparities, particularly caste and family structure, significantly influence cognitive outcomes among young children. Policies targeting socio-economic inequities are needed to promote equitable cognitive development, preventive public health, especially in pre-school children. Supportive interventions focusing on joint family systems and educational opportunities for mothers may further enhance cognitive outcomes in rural settings.