Maternal cognitive function and neurodevelopmental outcomes of slum-dwelling children in Bangladesh

Trajectories of neurodevelopment of children in disadvantageous situations are greatly influenced by cognitive function of the caregiver during that period. We aimed to examine whether there is any association of maternal cognitive function with the neurodevelopmental outcomes of children living in slums in Bangladesh. We enrolled 207 mother-child (12 to 42 months) dyads. Rigorously trained testers assessed children’s cognitive, language, and motor development using Bayley-III and behavior using Wolke’s behavior ratings. Cognitive function of mothers was measured with the modified version of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Digit Span scale. Other measures included home environment, parenting practices, self-esteem, anthropometry, and socio-economic status (SES). Maternal cognitive function was positively associated with cognitive, language, and motor performance of children with or without controlling for age of the children. Additionally, parenting practice was positively associated with the domains of neurodevelopment equally. Finally, multiple linear regression analysis divulged that MMSE is a significant predictor of both cognitive and language development after controlling for possible covariates, but not for the motor development. Moreover, better home stimulation predicted improved cognitive ability and higher self-esteem of mothers predicted improved motor ability of children. Maternal cognitive function has really a significant influence on the neurodevelopment of slum-dwelling children in Bangladesh. Therefore, intervention programs need to be emphasized on maternal cognition to improve neurodevelopment of children raised in adversity.