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Socioeconomic disparities in children’s neurodevelopment before and during primary education: Evidence from Bagamoyo, Tanzania

Author

Listed:
  • Msilikale Walter Manyiri
  • Georg Loss
  • Susanne P Martin-Herz
  • Deborah Sumari
  • Nicolaus Gutapaka
  • Thabit Athuman
  • Sylvester Simando
  • Sylvia Jebiwott
  • Xue Wu
  • Karim Manji
  • Ally Olotu
  • Michelle S Hsiang
  • Günther Fink

Abstract

Background: Socioeconomic disparities in children’s neurodevelopment constitute a critical yet understudied developmental challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), yet longitudinal evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between household wealth and neurocognitive trajectories in a cohort of Tanzanian children aged 6 months to 10 years. Methods: We randomly selected 590 children aged 6 months to 10 years in Bagamoyo district, a low to moderate-malaria-endemic area in Tanzania. Participants completed comprehensive, age-appropriate neurodevelopmental assessments. The family’s socioeconomic status was derived from their household assets. Standardized, age-adjusted neurodevelopmental scores were regressed on socioeconomic status tertiles and by developmental periods: early childhood (6 months-3 years), preschool (4–5 years), and school age (6–10 years). Results: While children from high- and low-Socioeconomic status (SES) families start with similar neurodevelopmental scores, a significant and sustained gap begins to emerge around age 2 years. This divergence results in a substantial disadvantage for children from the poorest households, with scores showing a difference of −0.36 Standard Deviation (SD) (95% CI: −0.64 to −0.08) during the preschool years and −0.41 SD (95% CI: −0.73 to −0.09) at school age. Conclusion: Our results suggest that programs targeting the preschool period may be most effective in mitigating disparities in neurodevelopment.

Suggested Citation

  • Msilikale Walter Manyiri & Georg Loss & Susanne P Martin-Herz & Deborah Sumari & Nicolaus Gutapaka & Thabit Athuman & Sylvester Simando & Sylvia Jebiwott & Xue Wu & Karim Manji & Ally Olotu & Michelle, 2026. "Socioeconomic disparities in children’s neurodevelopment before and during primary education: Evidence from Bagamoyo, Tanzania," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 21(7), pages 1-19, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0354139
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0354139
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Huisman, Janine & Smits, Jeroen, 2009. "Effects of Household- and District-Level Factors on Primary School Enrollment in 30 Developing Countries," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 37(1), pages 179-193, January.
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