Multilevel determinants of early childhood health during the first 1,000 days in Saudi Arabia: a scoping review with implications for nursing practice and policy

Abstract Background: The first 1,000 days—from conception through 24 months of age—represent a critical and largely irreversible developmental window that shapes child survival, brain architecture, metabolic programming, and lifelong health trajectories. Despite substantial global investment in early childhood development, significant knowledge gaps persist regarding context-specific implementation strategies, particularly in rapidly developing healthcare systems. This scoping review maps determinants of health and development in the first 1,000 days and identifies implications for nursing practice and policy in Saudi Arabia. Aim: This