Unequal beginnings: Gender-specific determinants of early childhood development in Bangladesh

Background: Early childhood development (ECD) is essential for lifelong health and well-being, however it remains underprioritized in developing countries like Bangladesh.This study explores how child, maternal, family, and sociodemographic factors affect ECD and measures the disparities of the factors among male and female children. Methods:The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), 2019 data was utilized to assess the factors influencing the early child development index (ECDI) status.Binary logistic regression was employed to identify significant risk factors associated with ECDI. Results:The overall prevalence of ECDI scores is 78.2%,where female (81.6%) children achieved a comparatively higher ECDI score than male (74.9%) children.Female children (AOR=1.38,95% CI:1.24-1.53)and those aged 48-59 months (AOR=1.70,95% CI:1.52-1.90)had significantly higher odds of ECDI compared to male children and those aged 36-47 months.Positive associations were also observed for children whose mothers had higher education, attended early childhood education programs, belonged to wealthier households, and read three or more books at home.In contrast, undernutrition and exposure to physical violence experienced by mothers were significantly associated with lower odds of achieving adequate ECDI.Furthermore, the study found that the risk factors influencing ECDI differ between male and female children, indicating gender-specific influences on early childhood development.Conclusions: This study found significant associations between child, maternal, and sociodemographic factors and ECDI, revealing gender disparities in Bangladesh.Targeted policies J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f promoting maternal education, early learning access, child nutrition, and maternal well-being are essential to improve early childhood development nationwide.