Association of Nutritional Status and Cognitive Development in Preschoolers: A Public Health and Educational Cross-Sectional Study

Nutritional deficiencies negatively impact cognitive development in preschoolers, affecting brain growth and causing behavioral and educational consequences. This study evaluates the relationship between nutritional status and cognitive development, highlighting the public health and educational implications of cognitive developmental delays and the increasing malnutrition among children. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing cognitive development in preschoolers (ages 3-5) in Rupandehi District, Nepal. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, using multi-stage random sampling with data collected from 379 children. Information on the children’s socio-economic and demographic status, as well as their stage of cognitive development, was gathered through scheduled interviews and direct observation. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements, specifically Height-for-Age (HAZ) and Weight-for-Age (WAZ), which emerged as significant predictors of cognitive development. Better nutritional status was strongly correlated with higher cognitive development scores. Family structure also played a critical role, with children from joint families exhibiting lower cognitive development scores. Age was a marginally significant factor, indicating a slight decline in cognitive development as children grew older. The findings emphasize the need for interventions targeting improved child nutrition and addressing family dynamics alongside policies that promote equitable educational opportunities. These results provide valuable insights into how nutrition, family structure, and age influence early childhood cognitive development, informing strategies for effective interventions and policy recommendations. Public health authorities should focus on enhancing the educational and nutritional status of preschoolers, as preschool significantly impacts their cognitive and productive development.