Evaluation of the effectiveness of a multicomponent integrated early childhood development intervention in Siaya County, Kenya

Responsive care and stimulation between conception and the first two years can promote optimal child growth and development and buffer negative outcomes. The health system, which has a wide reach, provides a crucial starting point for early childhood interventions. We undertook an impact evaluation using a three-armed cluster randomized controlled trial to establish the effectiveness of a health facility-based early childhood development (ECD) intervention in relation to changes in maternal and child outcomes. The study was carried out in Siaya County in Kenya where the Department of Health implemented an innovative integrated ECD intervention. Our main estimation strategy was the analysis of covariance. There was a balance in the sociodemographic characteristics and main outcomes at baseline. At midline, the intervention showed an impact on caregiver and child outcomes. The endline results showed no causal impact of the intervention. Our results have implications on the way interventions in real-life settings should be implemented.