Premium
The social determinants of early child development: An overview
Author(s) -
Maggi Stefania,
Irwin Lori J.,
Siddiqi Arjumand,
Hertzman Clyde
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2010.01817.x
Subject(s) - medicine , vulnerability (computing) , child development , child health , social determinants of health , language development , developmental psychology , public health , pediatrics , psychiatry , pathology , psychology , computer security , computer science
Aim: This paper offers an overview of the current state of knowledge of the critical social determinants of child development and the complex ways in which these can influence health trajectories. Methods: We conducted an overview of the research conducted by medical and social scientists in the attempt to uncover the conditions under which children reach optimal health and developmental. Results: The first years of life represent a critical period during which trajectories of health vulnerability are determined by the complex interplay between biological, genetic, and environmental conditions. Conclusions: There are fundamental principles of optimal child development that apply to all human beings, regardless of language and culture.