How do grandparents influence child health and development? A systematic review.

摘要: Abstract Grandparents are often a key source of care provision for their grandchildren, yet they sidelined in caregiving research and policy decisions. We conducted global, systematic review the literature to examine scope quality studies date (PROSPERO database CRD42019133894). screened 12,699 abstracts across 7 databases, identified 206 that examined how grandparents influence child health development. Indicators grandparent involvement were contact, behaviors, financial support. Our focused on two questions: do development outcomes, what range outcomes is reported globally? study design, sample characteristics, findings, pertaining grandchildren’s physical health, socio-emotional behavioral cognitive educational development.  Our search captured studies featuring custodial (n = 35), multigenerational (n = 154), both types (n = 17). found substantial heterogeneity data provided co-residence, roles, resources invested, mechanisms through which “grandparent effects” manifested. We important issues, related operationalizing indicators conceptualizing potential mechanisms, leading gaps evidence base. Currently, our understanding pathways exert constrained by limited actually insufficient attention given interpersonal structural contexts. present conceptual framework explicitly measure theorize care, with view inform design implementation. underscore need more robust three caregiver involvement—contact, behavior, support—and careful description contexts research.