Association Between Family Planning and Early Childhood Development: Secondary Analysis of the 2018 Turkey Demographic and Health Surveys

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Early childhood development (ECD) significantly influences long-term academic and social outcomes. Family planning (FP) can affect ECD by altering family dynamics and resource allocation. We aimed to investigate the association between the unmet need for family planning (UMNFP) and early childhood development (ECD), as well as family child care practices in Türkiye. Materials and Methods: We included mothers with children under 5 years from the “2018 Turkey Demographic and Health Surveys” (TDHS). Dependent variables included the ECD index, child care practices. Independent variables included FP needs, child–family characteristics. The study applied complex sample analysis. Results: The UMNFP was not associated with poorer child care practices; however, the availability of multiple types of toys or books was associated with the presence of UMNFP. Children from families with UMNFP had engaged in a smaller number of activities compared to their peers. However, on developmental assessments, these children did not perform differently than the comparison group. Factors such as maternal education and socioeconomic status also significantly moderated these effects, highlighting the complex interplay between FP and ECD. Conclusions: UMNFP is not associated with adverse child care practices but is related inversely to some educational activities and engagement in Türkiye, though no direct relationship with early childhood development (ECD) outcomes was identified. Expanding access to FP services and addressing socioeconomic disparities have the potential to improve child care practices, thereby contributing to more equitable developmental outcomes nationwide.