Factors Associated with Being on Track for Early Childhood Development in Kinshasa: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> This study examines the associations between household socioeconomic status (SES), child nutrition, and developmental status among children aged 24-59 months in the Mont Ngafula health zone in Kinshasa. The primary research question focuses on how SES and stunting affect developmental outcomes in early childhood. <b>Methods:</b> A cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving 348 children, assessing developmental outcomes using the Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI2030). <b>Results:</b> The study found that 70.4% of children were classified as on track, with ONTRACK prevalence increasing across SES tertiles. Children who attended preschool education had higher odds of being on track. The rich tertile had higher odds of being on track than those in the poor tertile, while the middle tertile showed a weaker association. Child age categories and stunting were inversely associated with being developmentally on track. The results are consistent with multiple imputation sensitivity analyses. <b>Conclusions:</b> The study concludes that preschool attendance and a higher household socioeconomic position are strongly associated with better early developmental outcomes, while an age of 48-59 months and stunting are associated with a markedly lower likelihood of being developmentally on track. Integrated policies that reduce household poverty, promote early education, and prevent/treat early faltering growth could improve early childhood developmental trajectories.