Assessment of Cognitive and Psychomotor Development in Infants in Kaffrine (Senegal): The Contribution of the BSID IV Test and the Influence of Nutritional and Family Factors

Abibatou Guene*, Fatoumata BA, Rokhaya Diagne, Boubacar Diougou Sakho, Sidy Sow, Fatou Kane, Moustapha Seye, Aicha Lahrech, Matime Boukoulou, Khalifa Ababacar Mbaye, Momar Camara, Moustapha Ndiaye, Babacar Faye and El Hadji Makhtar Ba

Introduction: The early years of life, a critical period known as the ‘first 1,000 days’, shape an individual’s future intellectual, emotional and social abilities. In Senegal, few studies have explored the combined influence of nutritional and socio-familial factors on cognitive development. We report here the first use of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) for the assessment of neurocognitive development in infants in Senegal. 

Methods: We conducted a prospective study in Kaffrine (Senegal), a region characterised by a high prevalence of malnutrition. The infants included in the study were assessed using the BSID-IV to measure cognitive and motor performance. The family environment was assessed using the HOME questionnaire and feeding practices using the IYCF questionnaire. Associations between developmental scores, nutritional factors and socio-familial factors were analysed using bivariate tests. 

Results: The study involved 27 infants aged between 11 and 13 months (sex ratio = 1.25:1). The results show that the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding were significantly associated with higher cognitive scores (p < 0.05). Children from households with a stable family structure and an environment rich in interaction did not appear to perform better. 

Conclusion: This study demonstrates the crucial importance of nutritional factors on cognition and psychomotor skills. These findings highlight the need to strengthen public health interventions aimed at improving both child nutrition and the quality of the family environment, particularly in highly vulnerable regions such as Kaffrine.

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Published on: Jul 8, 2026 Pages: 31-35

Full Text PDF Full Text HTML DOI: 10.17352/apt.000072
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