Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40993775›Full record

ArticleBMC psychology2025

Understanding the relationship between child stimulation and brain function using neuroimaging techniques and behavioral measures: a study protocol.

Patricia Kitsao-Wekulo, Margaret Nampijja, Silas Onyango, Linda Oloo, Paul Otwate, Nelson Langat

Abstract readClinical Trial Protocol
In one paragraph

Article in BMC psychology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Patricia Kitsao-WekuloEarly Childhood Development Unit, African Population and Health Research Center, Human Development Theme, Nairobi, Kenya. kadwek05@yahoo.com.
Margaret NampijjaEarly Childhood Development Unit, African Population and Health Research Center, Human Development Theme, Nairobi, Kenya.
Silas OnyangoEarly Childhood Development Unit, African Population and Health Research Center, Human Development Theme, Nairobi, Kenya.
Linda OlooEarly Childhood Development Unit, African Population and Health Research Center, Human Development Theme, Nairobi, Kenya.
Paul OtwateEarly Childhood Development Unit, African Population and Health Research Center, Human Development Theme, Nairobi, Kenya.
Nelson LangatEarly Childhood Development Unit, African Population and Health Research Center, Human Development Theme, Nairobi, Kenya.

Funding

The Gates Foundation INV-062467
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundCognitively stimulating environments are known to promote the intellectual, socio-emotional and language development of children. Little is known about the relation between cognition and brain structure in young children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where children are at risk of developmental delay. The overall objective of this study is to measure the association between child stimulation and brain function using neuroimaging techniques and neuropsychological measures.

methodsThe study will employ an observational follow-up design using a mixed-methods approach. Caregiver-child interaction profiles, children's developmental scores (N = 980 children) and low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data (n = 343 children) will be analyzed to understand the relationship between stimulation, developmental outcomes, and brain structure. Associations among the various outcomes will be examined using univariable and multivariable linear regression adjusting for potential confounding factors.

conclusionThe findings are expected to provide evidence on the association of the quality, extent and frequency of caregiver-child interactions (child stimulation) and child development with brain structure. The evidence generated will inform policy and practice in the childcare sector. Support, investments or revision of policies and practices will be needed to strengthen the quality of childcare in center-based care.

trial registrationThe study was registered under PACTR202408640904874 on 27th August 2024.

Indexed as

BrainChild DevelopmentCognitionNeuroimagingChildChild, PreschoolFemaleFollow-Up StudiesHumansInfantMagnetic Resonance ImagingMaleNeuropsychological TestsObservational Studies as TopicCaregiver-child interactionsChildcareChild developmentNeuroimaging

Identifiers

PMID40993775
PMCPMC12462007

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.