Digital support systems to improve child development in Peru: A cluster-randomized controlled open-label trial

Science Advances 2026 Open access

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Authors: Günther Fink, Dana Charles McCoy, Lena Jäggi, Kristen Hinckley, Andreana Castellanos, María Luisa Huaylinos Bustamante, Leonel Aguilar, Maria Catalina Gastiaburu-Cabello, Milagros Alvarado, Sarah Farnsworth Hatch, Marta Dormal, Jorge Cuartas
+3 more Ce Zhang, Stella Hartinger Pena, Daniel Mäusezahl
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aeb9403
Cited by: 4
References: 18

Abstract

Digital technologies have the potential to transform early childhood development (ECD) interventions by delivering personalized support at scale. We conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial in rural Peru to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an artificial intelligence–supported digital parenting chatbot as well as traditional home visits as interventions to improve child development. Among 2461 caregiver-child dyads, both the digital and home-visiting interventions improved child development outcomes at 2.5 years of age, with standardized effect sizes of 0.11 and 0.17, respectively. At 1 / 15 of the cost of in-person support, the digital intervention yielded superior cost-effectiveness. These findings suggest that digital platforms can be a viable, scalable alternative to support children’s development in resource-constrained settings.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Mobile Health and mHealth Applications Digital Mental Health Interventions Infant Development and Preterm Care

Publication details

Journal / source
Science Advances
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Volume
12
Issue
10
Pages
eaeb9403–eaeb9403
Publication date
4 March 2026
Language
EN