Food Security and Nutrition in Mexico During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: The food security and nutrition of individuals was affected due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Increased food insecurity limits individuals from having a full and dignified quality of life. Objective: To assess the access and availability of food security in the Mexican population affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico through a literature review. Methodology: Literature review in databases such as: PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, FAO, UN, ENSANUT, Salud Pública de México and CONACYT. The search for information was carried out from November 2021 to May 2022, considering articles published from March 2020 and in relation to the health contingency period. A search equation was used for the search and, in addition, the methodological evaluation of Munns et al. was applied. Articles in Spanish and English were included, with content referring to Mexico. Results: A total of 274 articles were identified in databases; based on the eligibility criteria, surveys and/or articles on nutrition, food security and lifestyle during the pandemic in Mexico were considered. Articles were excluded for having another study design (2), title (100), abstract (82), non-relevant information (54) and (9) for full text, because they did not meet the proposed characteristics. Finally, 10 articles were selected for the literature review. With this, the data showed that the COVID-19 pandemic caused diverse affectations in the Mexican territory, this was evidenced after an increase in food insecurity and changes in lifestyle. Conclusions: Food security and nutrition of individuals were affected in the Mexican population, due to economic issues, changes in dietary patterns, as well as job losses and loss of income.