Prediction of Cognitive Competence in Kenyan Children from Toddler Nutrition, Family Characteristics and Abilities

Abstract

Abstract This study explored the extent to which cognitive competence in 5‐yr old Kenyan children was associated with earlier nutritional factors, family conditions and toddler characteristics. Food intake during the 18th–30th mths and physical stature at 30 mths were associated with cognitive skills at 5 yrs. Measures of family background, abilities of the child as a toddler and current schooling were also associated with cognitive abilities at 5 yrs. These variables influenced development independently, so that later cognitive competence was best predicted by a combination of earlier nutritional, family and toddler characteristics.