Abstract
Purpose: In addition to Afghanistan being one of the most dangerous countries for children due to military conflicts, malnutrition contributes to nearly 50% of deaths for children <5 years old. Malnutrition also hinders physical growth and impairs cognitive development—either by specific nutrient or vitamin deficiencies, or through starvation. Thus, we explored the breadth of literature investigating pediatric malnutrition in Afghanistan, including supplementation programs that aim to address it.
Methods: We conducted a literature search of PubMed for peer-reviewed articles pertaining malnourishment in Afghanistan published between January 1, 2015 through 7/23/2024. The resulting articles were assessed for relevance to the research question and included in the literature review.
Results: Among 19 included articles, pediatric malnourishment themes included stunting, wasting, and vitamin D and iron deficiency, with reasoning of armed conflict, inclement weather, and natural disasters being discussed. Studies highlighted the weakened healthcare infrastructure and workforce—hindering efforts to confront the problems which include provisions of micronutrient supplements for toddlers and commodity micronutrient fortification. Several gaps and challenges were identified including a scarcity of studies evaluating micronutrient deficiencies.
Conclusions: The burden of malnutrition in Afghanistan is a complex problem with many contributing factors and no simple solution. This study revealed that although many issues must be resolved to address childhood malnutrition, it is also important to assess current plans and projects aimed at childhood malnutrition. Efforts at gathering precise and accurate data about nutrition programs previously implemented should be prioritized to understand foundational efforts and guide future endeavors.
Methods: We conducted a literature search of PubMed for peer-reviewed articles pertaining malnourishment in Afghanistan published between January 1, 2015 through 7/23/2024. The resulting articles were assessed for relevance to the research question and included in the literature review.
Results: Among 19 included articles, pediatric malnourishment themes included stunting, wasting, and vitamin D and iron deficiency, with reasoning of armed conflict, inclement weather, and natural disasters being discussed. Studies highlighted the weakened healthcare infrastructure and workforce—hindering efforts to confront the problems which include provisions of micronutrient supplements for toddlers and commodity micronutrient fortification. Several gaps and challenges were identified including a scarcity of studies evaluating micronutrient deficiencies.
Conclusions: The burden of malnutrition in Afghanistan is a complex problem with many contributing factors and no simple solution. This study revealed that although many issues must be resolved to address childhood malnutrition, it is also important to assess current plans and projects aimed at childhood malnutrition. Efforts at gathering precise and accurate data about nutrition programs previously implemented should be prioritized to understand foundational efforts and guide future endeavors.
Original language | American English |
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Pages | 47 |
State | Published - 13 Sep 2024 |
Event | 2024 Symposium on Tribal and Rural Innovations in Disparities and Equity for Health - Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah, United States Duration: 13 Sep 2024 → 13 Sep 2024 |
Conference
Conference | 2024 Symposium on Tribal and Rural Innovations in Disparities and Equity for Health |
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Abbreviated title | STRIDE 2024 |
Country/Territory | United States |
City | Tahlequah |
Period | 13/09/24 → 13/09/24 |
Keywords
- children
- malnutrition
- Afghanistan
- vitamin
- mineral
- deficiency