scholarly journals Actions Targeting the Double Burden of Malnutrition: A Scoping Review

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Menon ◽  
José L. Peñalvo

Background: In many developing countries, nutritional and epidemiological transitions are contributing to continuous undernutrition and escalating overnutrition, resulting in coexisting forms of malnutrition often referred as the “double burden of malnutrition” (DBM). This complex phenomenon constitutes an unprecedented challenge to global public health and has been prioritized by international health organizations, prompting governments to swift action. Specifically, five years ago the World Health Organization (WHO) proposed a roadmap to tackle the DBM though so-called “double-duty actions”. The objective of this review was to synthesize the literature on interventions which address the DBM. Methods: We developed a scoping review to identify interventions addressing the DBM. We searched PUBMED for papers reporting interventions until December 2019. Articles examining interventions, government policies, or tools at the individual, household, or community level to address the DBM were included. Results: Seven articles met the inclusion criteria. Three were from sub-Saharan Africa, one was from Southeast Asia, and one was from Central America. Two were modelling studies, with one covering 24 low-income countries and the other focusing on Ghana. Conclusion: Notwithstanding the pressing issue of the DBM, there is a paucity of studies examining double-duty actions despite the attention that it has garnered within the global nutrition community. Whilst nutrient deficiencies may be curbed by poverty reduction measures, for obesity prevention nutrition, education and promotion of physical activity, along with the encouragement of local food production, may be instrumental.

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sehlisiwe R. Ndlovu ◽  
Desmond Kuupiel ◽  
Themba G. Ginindza

Abstract Background Paediatric cancers account for a minor fraction of deaths and hence receive little attention from policymakers. In low-income countries, the absence of comprehensive national paediatric strategies results in a lack of access for a majority of children with cancer. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the burden of childhood cancers is underestimated due to a lack of paediatric cancer registries, poor health care systems and competing healthcare needs. The objective of this study is to map evidence on the distribution of paediatric cancers in the SSA region. Method A scoping review will be conducted to map literature on the distribution of paediatric cancers in SSA. An electronic literature search will be conducted from the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCOhost (CINAHL and Health Source) and World Health Organization (WHO)/International Agency for Research in Cancer (IARC) (GLOBOCAN databases). We will also search the reference lists of included studies to source relevant literature. A pilot search was conducted to determine the feasibility of the study. Study selection will be guided by the inclusion and exclusion criteria. After charting the data, a descriptive overview of the studies will be presented in a narrative format. An account of the study characteristics will be described in this narrative. The analysis will be mainly based on mapping the country-specific outcomes emerging from the studies, and a numerical summary of these outcomes will be conducted. Tables, maps and charts will be produced and presented in the result section. Discussion This review study will identify existing research gaps for future research to influence policy implementation and to improve the availability of diagnosis and treatment of paediatric cancers in SSA.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Mulimba Were ◽  
SAVERIO STRANGES ◽  
Ishor Sharma ◽  
Juan-Camilo Vargas-Gonzalez ◽  
M. Karen Campbell

Introduction: The majority of the populations in Low-and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) are encountering the double burden of malnutrition (DBM): the coexistence of both undernutrition and overnutrition sequalae. With DBM being a new phenomenon in research, little is known about its etiology, operational definitions and risk factors influencing its manifestation. The proposed scoping review is aimed at mapping literature with regards to the DBM phenomenon among preschool children and women of reproductive age in LMICs who are among the most high-risk groups to encounter DBM. Methods: A comprehensive literature search will be conducted in the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, LILACS and ProQuest Dissertations & Thesis Global. Additionally, searches in other government and institutional sources (World Health Organization website and university repositories) and forward and backward citation tracking of seminal articles will also be done. Two reviewers will independently conduct title and abstract screening and full text screening. Similarly, data extraction and coding will independently be done by two reviewers. Information extracted from included literature will be analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis approach and reported as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Ethics and Dissemination: Ethical approval is not required for this study because the review is based on literature from publicly available sources. The dissemination of our findings will be done through presentations in relevant conferences and publication in a peer-reviewed journal.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kilee Kimmel ◽  
Teresia Mbogori ◽  
Mengxi Zhang ◽  
Jayanthi Kandiah ◽  
Youfa Wang

Abstract Objectives Disease and lifestyle patterns have been changing rapidly worldwide including Africa due to recent changes in economic growth and urbanization. However, research related to the effects of these changes on nutrition status in Africa is limited. This study investigated the shifts in nutritional status (undernutrition, overweight, obesity) in children and adults in 4 carefully selected low-, middle- and high income countries in Africa, identified factors associated with the shifts, and provided recommendations for future work. Methods Malawi, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa were selected based on their economic status, population size, urbanization, etc. Nationally representative data was obtained from sources such as 2017 Global Nutrition Report, Demographic Health Surveys (DHSs), Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical Database (FAOSTAT), and World Health Organization (WHO). The prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity (ov/ob), and some ratios were assessed and compared across the countries between 1998 and 2016. Results Varied nutrition status and shifts were observed among the countries during 1998–2016. Countries with the higher economic status also had higher prevalence and faster increasing trends of ov/ob. South Africa had the highest GDP and highest ov/ob rates in children <5, children 5-18, and adults >18 (13.3%, 24.7%, and 51.9% respectively). Malawi, with the lowest GDP, had the highest stunting rate (37%). In each country, but most notably in South Africa, trends indicated the increasing ov/ob rate (11.8%) was much greater than the declining underweight rate (2.4%). Slight declines in overweight in children under 5 years were observed in Malawi, Kenya, and Ghana, which might be due to reduced stunting rates. Sex differences existed in older children and adults, with higher rates of ov/ob in females and undernutrition among males. Conclusions Nutrition shifts, heavily influenced by economic development, are rapidly occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. The double-burden of malnutrition posts prioritization challenges for policymakers. Because undernutrition is now a declining issue, the focus should be shifted towards prevention of obesity, at least in higher income countries in Africa. Funding Sources The study is funded in part by a center grant from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH, U54HD070725).


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e054673
Author(s):  
Jason Mulimba Were ◽  
Saverio Stranges ◽  
Ishor Sharma ◽  
Juan Camilo Vargas-Gonzalez ◽  
M. Karen Campbell

IntroductionThe majority of the populations in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) are encountering the double burden of malnutrition (DBM): the coexistence of both undernutrition and overnutrition sequalae. With DBM being a new phenomenon in research, little is known about its aetiology, operational definitions and risk factors influencing its manifestation. The proposed scoping review is aimed at mapping literature with regard to the DBM phenomenon among preschool children and women of reproductive age in LMICs who are among the most high-risk groups to encounter DBM.MethodsA comprehensive literature search will be conducted in the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, LILACS and ProQuest Dissertations and Thesis Global. Additionally, searches in other government and institutional sources (WHO website and university repositories) and forward and backward citation tracking of seminal articles will also be done. Two reviewers will independently conduct title and abstract screening and full-text screening. Similarly, data extraction and coding will independently be done by two reviewers. Information extracted from included literature will be analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis approach and reported as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required for this study because the review is based on literature from publicly available sources. The dissemination of our findings will be done through presentations in relevant conferences and publication in a peer-reviewed journal.


Author(s):  
Mayra M. Moura de Oliveira ◽  
Gabriela Arantes Wagner ◽  
Vera L. Gattás ◽  
Larissa de Souza Arruda ◽  
Monica Taminato

This scoping review responds to the appeal of the scientific community for collaboration between different entities for pharmacovigilance and active surveillance of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. The objective is to identify, systematically evaluate, and synthesize the best scientific evidence available on the indicators used in pharmacovigilance systems. Our results demonstrate that approximately 50% of the 25 studies used in this review have been carried out in the past 5 years. Of these, only four used the pharmacovigilance indicators proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Eighty-seven pharmacovigilance indicators were identified, of which seven (8.0%) related to signal detection. While the WHO advocates signal detection as routine pharmacovigilance, in special situations – such as accelerated clinical studies where adverse events are not yet well known – other indicators related to signal detection appear to be good options for maintaining quality pharmacovigilance and active surveillance in the development of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, the less robust pharmacovigilance systems in low-income countries will necessitate greater involvement of health professionals from public and private sectors, pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and the general public, to ensure information security and detection of signals for the COVID-19 vaccine.


Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanna Berhane ◽  
Eva-Charlotte Ekström ◽  
Magnus Jirström ◽  
Yemane Berhane ◽  
Christopher Turner ◽  
...  

Mothers carry the prime responsibility for childcare and feeding in low-income countries. Understanding their experiences in providing food for their children is paramount to informing efforts to improve the nutritional status of children. Such information is lacking in Sub-Saharan Africa. To understand what influences urban mothers’ food acquisition and their motivations for selecting food for their children, 36 in-depth interviews were carried out with mothers having children under five years of age. Interviews were conducted in the local language, audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis which led to the identification of four major themes: mothers give-in to a child-driven diet; quick-fix versus the privilege of planning; keen awareness on food safety, nutrition, and diet diversity; and social, familial, and cultural influences. The findings indicate that child feeding practices are influenced by interlinked social and environmental factors. Hence, nutrition education campaigns should focus on targeting not only families but also their children. Attention should also be given to food safety regulations, as well as to the much-needed support of mothers who are struggling to ensure their children’s survival in low-income countries.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Petmore Zibako ◽  
Mbuzeleni Hlongwa ◽  
Nomsa Tsikai ◽  
Sarah Manyame ◽  
Themba G. Ginindza

Abstract Background Cancer is a non-communicable disease and is the number 2 leading cause of death globally. Among all cancers, cervical cancer is the number 1 killer of women in low-income countries (LICs). Cervical cancer is a well understood preventable cancer. The rates of cervical cancer are very varied and inversely proportional to the effectiveness of disease management policies. Management of cervical cancer includes prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment. The main objective of this scoping review is to map the evidence on cervical cancer management in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to understand the coverage of cervical cancer prevention and treatment services and provide an opportunity to generate knowledge on the risk factors, attitudes and practices extendable globally. Methods and analysis This review will be guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s framework recommended for conducting scoping review studies. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-Scr) checklist will also be completed to ensure that the review adheres to the sound methodological rigour acceptable for scoping review studies. The following electronic databases will be searched for potentially eligible articles: PubMed, Ebsco Host, Scopus and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Study screening procedures recommended by Higgins and Deeks will be followed. A narrative synthesis will be used, with data synthesised and interpreted using sifting, charting and sorting based on themes and key issues. Discussion Cervical cancer can become a disease of the past with a proper control strategy in place. It is therefore imperative to map available evidence on the management of cervical cancer to inform policy and advocacy action. More knowledge on the status quo will guide policymakers in ensuring cancer management guiding policies are formulated/updated/revised accordingly. Systematic review registration Not registered with PROSPERO (not needed). Protocol and registration This scoping review was not registered.


2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adelheid W. Onyango ◽  
Juddy Jean-Baptiste ◽  
Betty Samburu ◽  
Tshimi Lynn Moeng Mahlangu

Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing the double burden of malnutrition (DBM) with high levels of undernutrition and a growing burden of overweight/obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Undernourishment in sub-Saharan Africa increased between 2010 and 2016. Although the prevalence of chronic undernutrition is decreasing, the number of stunted children under 5 years of age is increasing due to population growth. Meanwhile, overweight/obesity is increasing in all age groups, with girls and women being more affected than boys and men. It is increasingly recognized that the drivers of the DBM originate outside the health sector and operate across national and regional boundaries. Largely unregulated marketing of cheap processed foods and nonalcoholic beverages as well as lifestyle changes are driving consumption of unhealthy diets in the African region. Progress toward the goal of ending hunger and malnutrition by 2030 requires intensified efforts to reduce undernutrition and focused action on the reduction of obesity and diet-related NCDs. The World Health Organization is developing a strategic plan to guide governments and development partners in tackling all forms of malnutrition through strengthened policies, improved service delivery, and better use of data. It is only through coordinated and complementary efforts that strides can be made to reduce the DBM.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petmore Zibako ◽  
Mbuzeleni Hlongwa ◽  
Nomsa Tsikai ◽  
Sarah Manyame ◽  
Themba G Ginindza

Abstract BackgroundCancer is a non-communicable disease, and is the number two leading cause of death globally. Among all cancers, cervical cancer is the number one killer of women in Low-Income countries (LICs). Cervical cancer is a well understood preventable cancer. The rates of cervical cancer are very varied and inversely proportional to effectiveness of disease management policies. Management of cervical cancer includes: prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment. The main objective of this scoping review is to map evidence on cervical cancer management in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to understand the coverage of cervical cancer prevention and treatment services and provide an opportunity to generate knowledge on risk factors, attitudes and practices extendable globally.Methods and analysisThis review will be guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s framework recommended for conducting scoping review studies. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-Scr) checklist will also be completed to ensure that the review adheres to sound methodological rigour acceptable for scoping review studies. The following electronic databases will be search for potentially eligible articles: PubMed, Ebsco Host, Scopus and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Study screening procedures recommended by Higgins and Deeks will be followed.DiscussionCervical cancer can become a disease of the past with a proper control strategy in place. It is therefore imperative to map available evidence on management of cervical cancer to inform policy and advocacy action. More knowledge on the status quo will guide policy makers in ensuring cancer management guiding policies are formulated/updated/ revised accordingly.Scoping review registration: Not registered with PROSPERO (not needed).Protocol and registration: This scoping review was not registered.


Having broadly stabilized inflation over the past two decades, many policymakers in sub-Saharan Africa are now asking more of their monetary policy frameworks. They are looking to avoid policy misalignments and respond appropriately to both domestic and external shocks, including swings in fiscal policy and spikes in food and export prices. In many cases they are finding current regimes—often characterized as ‘money targeting’—lacking, with opaque and sometimes inconsistent objectives, inadequate transmission of policy to the economy, and difficulties in responding to supply shocks. At the same time, little existing research on monetary policy is targeted to low-income countries. What do we know about the empirics of monetary transmission in low-income countries? (How) Does monetary policy work in countries characterized by a huge share of food in consumption, underdeveloped financial markets, and opaque policy regimes? (How) Can we use methods largely derived in advanced countries to answer these questions? And (how) can we use the results to guide policymakers? This book draws on years of research and practice at the IMF and in central banks from the region to shed empirical and theoretical light on these questions and to provide practical tools and policy guidance. A key feature of the book is the application of dynamic general equilibrium models, suitably adapted to reflect key features of low-income countries, for the analysis of monetary policy in sub-Saharan African countries.


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