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Association between nutritional status and cognitive development in preschool children: A cross‐sectional study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Early childhood nutrition is key to healthy brain and cognitive growth. Nepal lacks direct studies on nutrition and preschool cognitive outcomes. This study examines the association between nutrition and cognitive development in Nepali preschoolers aged 3–5. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, using multi-stage random sampling to collect data from 389 preschool children in Nepal’s Rupandehi District aged 3–5. Data were collected through scheduled interviews and direct observation to assess socio-economic, demographic, and cognitive characteristics. Nutritional status, measured using Height-for-Age (HAZ) and Weight-for-Age (WAZ), was a strong positive predictor of cognitive scores (β = 0.337; p < 0.0001). Children from socially advantaged groups also showed higher cognitive outcomes (β = 0.199; p < 0.0001), while children from joint-family households (β = −0.126; p < 0.010) and older children (β = −0.120; p < 0.014) had slightly lower cognitive scores. Nutritional status was a key determinant of preschoolers’ cognitive development, with social status, family structure, and age also playing significant roles.These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve nutrition and support equitable cognitive growth, providing evidence to inform public health strategies and policy planning in Nepal. • Nutrition strongly predicts preschool cognitive development. • Stunting and underweight reduce children’s cognitive scores. • Social status, age, and family setup influence cognitive outcomes. • Validated cognitive tool (α = 0.90) ensured reliable measurements. • Findings support integrated nutrition and early learning programs.

Source: Food and Humanity

DOI: 10.1016/j.foohum.2025.100939

Authors: Prakash Sharma, Chitra Bahadur Budhathoki, Bhimsen Devkota, Niki Syrou, Antonios Valamontes, Ioannis Adamopoulos

Institutions: Tribhuvan University, University of Thessaly, University of West Attica

Language: English

Topic: Child Nutrition and Water Access

Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,990