Association Between the COVID-19 Pandemic and Early Childhood Development

Abstract

ImportanceAlthough a growing number of studies have reported negative associations of the COVID-19 pandemic with academic performance among school-aged children, less is known about the pandemic’s association with early childhood development.ObjectiveTo examine the association between the COVID-19 pandemic and early childhood development.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsIn this cohort study conducted in all accredited nursery centers in a Japanese municipality, baseline surveys of children aged 1 and 3 years (1000 and 922, respectively) were conducted between 2017 and 2019, and participants were followed up for 2 years.ExposureChildren’s development was compared at age 3 or 5 years between cohorts that were exposed to the pandemic during the follow-up and a cohort that was not.Main Outcome and MeasureChildren’s developmental age was measured by nursery teachers using the Kinder Infant Development Scale (KIDS). Data were analyzed between December 8, 2022, and May 6, 2023.ResultsA total of 447 children (201 girls [45.0%] and 246 boys [55.0%]) aged 1 year at baseline were followed up to age 3 years, and 440 children (200 girls [45.5%] and 240 boys [54.5%]) aged 3 years at baseline were followed up to age 5 years. During the follow-up, the cohorts that were exposed to the pandemic were 4.39 months behind in development at age 5 compared with the cohort that was not (coefficient, −4.39; 95% credible interval, −7.66 to −1.27). Such a negative association was not observed in development at age 3 years (coefficient, 1.32; 95% credible interval, −0.44 to 3.01). Variations in development were greater during the pandemic than before the pandemic regardless of age. Additionally, the quality of care at nursery centers was positively associated with development at age 3 years during the pandemic (coefficient, 2.01; 95% credible interval, 0.58-3.44), while parental depression appeared to amplify the association between the pandemic and delayed development at age 5 (coefficient of interaction, −2.62; 95% credible interval, −4.80 to −0.49; P = .009).Conclusions and RelevanceThe findings of this study showed an association between exposure to the pandemic and delayed childhood development at age 5 years. Variations in development widened during the pandemic regardless of age. It is important to identify children with developmental delays associated with the pandemic and provide them with support for learning, socialization, physical and mental health, and family support.

Developmental Milestone Attainment in US Children Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The association between the COVID-19 pandemic and development may vary by age in early childhood. 22 A censusbased cohort study of 847 Japanese children found developmental lags for children who experienced pandemic onset at age 5 years but not at age 3 years. 22 Evidence in infancy remains mixed.…”

JAMA Pediatrics—The Year in Review, 2023

“…8 We hope the articles in this Health and the 2024 US Election theme will provide actionable evidence for candidates, voters, policymakers, and US and international influencers, and encourage you to submit relevant manuscripts today.By the numbers, JAMA Pediatrics has had another extraordinary year (Table ). [1][2][3][9][10][11][12] In 2023, our acceptance rate for original research was 5%. The denominator is a big part of that rate with 2683 manuscripts submitted and it presents a lot of hard work for a fantastic editorial team, Julie Vo and Jennifer Matte, who process manuscripts, field emails and phone calls, and shepherd the entire process of getting things through the system.…”

“…By the numbers, JAMA Pediatrics has had another extraordinary year (Table ). [1][2][3][9][10][11][12] In 2023, our acceptance rate for original research was 5%. The denominator is a big part of that rate with 2683 manuscripts submitted and it presents a lot of hard work for a fantastic editorial team, Julie Vo and Jennifer Matte, who process manuscripts, field emails and phone calls, and shepherd the entire process of getting things through the system.…”

Patient- and Family-Centered Care During Infectious Disease Outbreaks

“…A study investigating the neurodevelopment of 887 healthy Japanese infants and toddlers explored the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on their development up to the age of 5 years 3. A primary investigation of children aged 1 and 3 years was undertaken between 2017 and 2019.…”

“…The delay in development was particularly significant in children from households where parents experienced psychological distress. The limited opportunities for infants to interact with adults beyond their parents or friends during the critical period for social development are perceived as a potential factor contributing to this setback 3. The long-term effects on the parent–child relationship for infants admitted to the NICU during the pandemic are unclear.…”