Risk and protective factors in early childhood development: a scoping review

Objectives: mapping evidences on risk and protective factors associated with early childhood development in Brazilian children. Methods: a scoping review was conducted. The databases used were: PubMed, Embase, BVS, Cochrane, APA PsycNet, ProQuest Library, and gray literature, searched on 04/23/2024, covering publications from 2015 to 2024. Searched descriptors: “Child preschool” OR Infant OR pediatric OR pediatric) AND (“child development” OR “mental health” OR “child guidance”) AND (“Protective Factors” OR “Risk Factors”). Extracted information included the main author, year of publication, study design, study location, participants (number and age), and identified risk and protective factors. Out of a total of 6,812 documents, 24 were included. Results: a total of 43 risk factors and 15 protective factors in early childhood development were identified. The most frequently cited risk factors were socioeconomic vulnerability (n=10), low parental schooling (n=3), males (n=5) and teenage pregnancy (n=2). In contrast, the most cited protective factors included a supportive environment (n=3), higher family income (n=2), and higher maternal schooling (n=2). Conclusions: early childhood development in Brazilian children is positively influenced by factors such as a supportive family environment, higher income and maternal schooling. On the other hand, low parental schooling, teenage pregnancy and males, negatively impact in this development.