Relationship between food insecurity and malnutrition in schoolchildren from low-and middle-income countries — A systematic review

Abstract

The objective of this review is to study the relationship between food insecurity (FI) and malnutrition in schoolchildren from low-and middle-income countries (LMIC). The review was conducted using the databases PubMed, MEDLINE, CENTRAL, LILACS and SCiELO during the months of March to April 2022 without language or publication date restrictions. The search strategy consisted of combinations of text words and controlled vocabulary (MeSH terms and DeCS) related to “schoolchildren”, “low-and middle-income countries” and “food insecurity”. Fifteen studies were included in this review. Studies assessing FI and undernutrition in LMIC schoolchildren have indicated that FI is associated with lower height-for-age and higher prevalence of undernutrition overall. Only two studies identified a positive risk association between FI and overweight and obesity, the remaining studies suggested that schoolchildren with FI have a lower risk of overweight and obesity than those without FI. The review suggests a link between FI and undernutrition in schoolchildren from LMIC, with controversial results on overweight and obesity. Comprehensive public health policies should consider contextual and population-specific factors in addressing FI’s impact on nutritional status.