Determinants of early childhood growth: a case study of early childhood development (ecd) Project In Nzega District, Tabora Region, Tanzania

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Investing in children's health is one of the smartest investments that a country can make because the effects of poor development in early childhood have life-long consequences not only to the individual child but also adversely impact a country’s social and economic development. More than fifty percent of all child deaths under-five years old are due to avoidable diseases or environments surrounding the children (UNICEF 2013). Objective: To assess the determinants for early childhood growth using evidence from the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Intervention Project implemented by Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) in Nzega District of Tabora Region. Methodology: This research used a descriptive research design that critically examined and explores determinants for early childhood growth. Both Quantitative and Qualitative research approach were employed in this research. A total of 215 parents/guardians for the selected child were invited to participate in this study and purposefully one caregiver from each EGPAF children center invited to participate in this study. Results: Quantitative findings indicate that dietary deficiencies (χ=48.806 p=0.000) and whether mother ever had chronic diseases (χ=13.326 p=0.004) during pregnancy has a significant association with child growth, On the other hand, food availability (χ=48.806,p=0.000), household size (χ=14.746,p=0.022) were statistically associated with child growth. Qualitative findings show that the majority of Health Care Workers and community health workers were on the opinion that household poverty, household’s surroundings, poor hygiene environment, and intra-households factors influence child growth. Conclusion: Chronic disease, dietary during pregnancy has been significantly associated with child growth. Household size, food availability were also statistically associated with child growth after pregnancy. Household poverty, household surroundings, poor hygiene environment, and intra-households were determined as socio-environmental factors that influence child growth. Arguably, these factors are very crucial as far as child well-being concerned hence ECD interventions at the community level can help improve the situation by providing support and education to parents and guardians and the community in large.