scholarly journals Systematic evidence and gap map of research linking food security and nutrition to mental health

Author(s):  
Thalia Sparling ◽  
Megan Deeney ◽  
Bryan Cheng ◽  
Xuerui Han ◽  
Chiara Lier ◽  
...  

Abstract Connections between food security and nutrition (FSN) and mental health have been analytically investigated, but conclusions are difficult to draw given the breadth of literature. Furthermore, there is little guidance for continued research. We searched three databases for analytical studies linking FSN to mental health. Out of 30,896 records, we characterized and mapped 1945 studies onto an interactive Evidence and Gap Map (EGM). Anthropometry (especially BMI) and diets were most linked to mental health (predominantly depression). There were fewer studies on infant and young child feeding, birth outcomes and nutrient biomarkers related to anxiety, stress and mental wellbeing. Two-thirds of studies hypothesized FSN measures as the ‘exposure’ influencing mental health outcomes. Studies were overwhelmingly observational, followed by systematic reviews. One-third of studies were from low- and middle-income countries. This map visualizes the extent and nature of analytical studies relating FSN to mental health, guides further research, and solidifies strategic planning.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alinoor Mohamed Farah ◽  
Tahir Yousuf Nour ◽  
Bilal Shikur Endris ◽  
Seifu Hagos Gebreyesus

AbstractBackgroundNutrition transition in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has led to childhood nutritional outcomes to shift from a predominance of undernutrition to a dual burden of under- and overnutrition. Yet, Infant and young child feeding programs in Ethiopia mainly focus on undernutrition. It is therefore crucial to assess the prevalence and determinants to better inform infant young child feeding programs.MethodsWe analyzed anthropometric, sociodemographic and dietary data of children aged 6-23 months from 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). A total of 2,674 children were included in the current study. Concurrent of Stunting and Overweight/Obesity (CSO) prevalence was estimated by distal, intermediate and proximal factors. To identify factors associated with CSO, we conducted hierarchical logistic regression analyses.ResultsThe overall prevalence of CSO was 2.45%. The odds of CSO was significantly higher in children of low household wealth category, compared to their counter parts in the richest category (AOR=2.07, 95%CI=1.06–4.03, P=0.033). In boys, the likelihood of CSO was 1.60 times that of girls (95%CI =1.03–2.49, P=0.038). Above 12months of age was significantly associated with a higher odd of CSO, compared to below 12months of age (AOR=1.76, 95% CI=1.07– 2.88, P=0.026).Small birth size was significantly associated with a higher odd of CSO, compared to large birth size (AOR=2.53, 95%CI=1.45–4.41, P=0.001). Children who did not take vitamin A supplement within the previous six months had a higher odd of CSO, compared to those who took (AOR=1.91, 95%CI =1.19–3.07, P =0.007).ConclusionOur study provided evidence on the co-existence of stunting and overweight/obesity among infants and young children in Ethiopia. CSO was associated with various factors originating from community and child levels. Therefore, identifying children at risk of growth flattering and excess weight gain provides IYCF programs in Ethiopia and beyond with an opportunity of earlier interventions.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 722 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zohra S. Lassi ◽  
Fahad Rind ◽  
Omar Irfan ◽  
Rabia Hadi ◽  
Jai K. Das ◽  
...  

Undernutrition is associated with 45% of total infant deaths, totalling 2.7 million globally per year. The vast majority of the burden is felt in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This review aims to assess the effectiveness of infant and young child feeding (IYCF) interventions. We searched multiple databases including Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE. Title/abstract screening and full-text screening and data extraction filtered 77 studies for inclusion. Breastfeeding education interventions (n = 38) showed 20% increase in rates of early initiation of breastfeeding, 102% increase in exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) at 3 months and 53% increase in EBF at 6 months and 24% decreases in diarrheal diseases. Complementary feeding education intervention (n=12) showed a 0.41 standard deviation (SD) increase in WAZ, and 0.25 SD in HAZ in food secure setting. Complementary food provision with or without education (n=17) showed a 0.14 SD increase in HAZ and 36% decrease in stunting. Supplementary food interventions (n=12) showed a significant 0.15 SD increase in WHZ. Subgroup analyses showed healthcare professional led interventions were largely more effective, especially on breastfeeding outcomes. We believe this is a comprehensive review of the existing literature on IYCF studies in LMICs. Though breastfeeding education is well supported in its effectiveness on breastfeeding practices, limited evidence exists for growth outcomes. Supplementation interventions seem to have better effects at improving growth. However, more research is required to reach more substantial conclusions.


Author(s):  
Rafael Pérez-Escamilla ◽  
Elizabeth Yakes Jimenez ◽  
Kathryn G Dewey

Abstract Responsive feeding (RF) involves reciprocal nurturing feeding practices between the caregiver and the child that encourage the child to develop preferences for healthy foods and beverages and to eat autonomously. In this Perspective, we summarize RF-related findings from a recent U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (National Academies) consensus study report examining consistency in infant and young child feeding (IYCF) recommendations in guidelines from high income countries, and we discuss implications for future IYCF guidelines. Although existing guidelines included generally consistent messages about several RF behaviors, such as the importance of encouraging self-feeding and self-regulation in infants and toddlers, they generally did not present the recommendations as part of a cohesive RF interdisciplinary framework. Moving forward, evidence-based RF recommendations should be routinely incorporated and identified in dietary guidance for IYCF based on a consensus definition of RF grounded in sound responsive parenting and feeding frameworks. We recommend replicating the National Academies’ scoping review in low- and middle- income countries and mixed-methods implementation science research to improve our understanding of how best to disseminate and implement RF-related recommendations across settings (e.g., home and early care and education centers), taking the social determinants of health into account.


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