Cognitive Development and Nutrition in Early Childhood: A Study in Purnea District

This study investigates the relationship between nutrition and cognitive development among children aged 3–8 years in Purnea district, Bihar, with a specific focus on how caregiver well-being influences developmental outcomes. A sample of 166 children and their primary caregivers was selected through random and cluster sampling from schools, Anganwadi centers, and households. Nutritional status was assessed using dietary recall, anthropometric measures, and protein frequency, while cognitive development was evaluated through a culturally adapted scale covering domains of language, memory, problem-solving, and attention. Caregiver distress, coping, stigma, and social support were also measured through standardized inventories. Descriptive statistics revealed moderate dietary diversity and mild undernutrition, with cognitive scores reflecting average but suboptimal performance. Independent samples t-tests were conducted to assess subgroup differences by gender, residence, and income. Results showed no significant difference in caregiver distress levels between families of male and female children (t = -0.66, p > 0.05), though rural–urban and income-based disparities were evident. The findings suggest that nutritional adequacy and caregiver psychosocial resources are more critical determinants of cognitive outcomes than child gender alone. Implications highlight the need for integrated interventions addressing both child nutrition and caregiver mental health within early childhood programs and community health initiatives.