.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
Return
Ecological association between non-optimal ambient temperature and childhood developmental delay—a multi-country study
.png){kind=icon}
OA
AI
M
M
K
M
D
C
J
L
A
DOI：10.3389/fclim.2026.1820809.png)
.png){kind=icon}
Original request for help.png){kind=icon}
Share.png){kind=icon}
Save
Abstract
En 中文
IntroductionA research gap exists regarding the association between non-optimal ambient temperature (NOAT) and early childhood development (ECD) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study investigates the association between NOAT and early childhood developmental delay across five LMICs (Jordan; Kenya; Mozambique; the Philippines; and Tanzania).MethodsDemographic and Health Survey data on ECD were combined with retrospective NASA temperature exposure using a case–control design. Exposure to monthly maximum temperatures was assigned to individual children aged 24–59 months (n = 19; 407). Exposure–lag–response associations were estimated using distributed lag non-linear models (DLNMs); conducted separately by country and adjusted for stunting. Subgroup analyses were performed for children aged 48–59 months; with outcomes analyzed by neural domains.ResultsIn Jordan; Kenya; Mozambique; and Tanzania; NOAT (95th percentile) was associated with increased odds [aORs-3.21 (0.63–16.41); aOR-3.61 (3.07–4.25); aOR-1.69 (0.97–2.94) and aOR-1.71 (1.19–2.45)]; respectively. In the Philippines; NOAT (5th-percentile) was associated with increased odds of developmental delay [cOR-1.45 (1.25–1.68)]. Among 48–59 months; NOAT (95th percentile) was associated with increased odds of delayed development at lags of 20 months [aOR-1.14 (1.08–1.21)]. In terms of the association of NOAT with learning outcomes; lag months of 21–40; temperatures at the 95th percentile were associated with higher odds of delayed learning (L21 95th percentile cOR 1.01; 1.01; 1.01; L40 95th percentile cOR 1.22; 1.15; 1.30).ConclusionThe association between NOAT and ECD delay is of great importance for global development. Extreme weather events; such as heat events; will hinder the optimal development of children in low-income countries.
Keywords:
low-and-middle-income countries
distributed lag non-linear models
early childhood development delay
neural domains
non-optimal ambient temperature
Journal
F
IF:
4.1
Papers:
1.2K
Citations:
2.9K
View more organizations