Working Papers

Centre of Excellence on Data for Children with Disabilities

December 10, 2024

The Centre of Excellence partners with researchers to foster the analysis of data on children with disabilities. The researchers are chosen based on an internationally competitive call for proposals.

 

Working Paper No. 1 – Series: Innovative Data Analyses

Anxiety and Depression Signs among Children: Understanding country-level variability and determinants

Prepared by: Ariela Braverman-Bronstein

This working paper examines the prevalence and determinants of anxiety and depression in children across approximately 30 countries using data from the Child Functioning Module in Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. It finds that an average of 8 per cent of children show signs of severe anxiety and depression, with rates varying significantly between countries, from as low as 0.6 per cent in Viet Nam to as high as 23 per cent in Chad. The analysis reveals that children in fragile states and conflict-affected regions, characterised by low peace and high refugee and displacement rates, are more likely to exhibit these conditions. The study underscores the importance of addressing national-level factors influencing children’s mental health and calls for global attention to the mental well-being of young populations in situations of conflict and instability.

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Working Paper No. 2 – Series: Innovative Data Analyses

Parenting Practices in Families of Young Children in Conflict-Affected Countries: An analysis by disability status in four countries

Prepared by: Jaclyn Lourdes Yap

This working paper investigates whether parenting practices differ for children with disabilities and children without disabilities, focusing on both low- and high-conflict contexts. Analysing data from over 42,000 children aged 2 to 4 years in four conflict-affected countries, the research finds that children with disabilities are more likely to experience poor parenting practices—such as inadequate stimulation, insufficient supervision, and physical discipline—compared to their peers without disabilities. Notably, the disparity in parenting practices persists regardless of the intensity of conflict in the country, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by children with disabilities in these settings.

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