Risk Factors of Malnutrition among In-School Children and Adolescents in Developing Countries: A Scoping Review

Mustapha Amoadu; Susanna Aba Abraham; Abdul Karim Adams; William Akoto-Buabeng; Paul Obeng; John Elvis Hagan Jr

doi:10.3390/children11040476

Risk Factors of Malnutrition among In-School Children and Adolescents in Developing Countries: A Scoping Review

Children (Basel). 2024 Apr 15;11(4):476. doi: 10.3390/children11040476.

Authors

Mustapha Amoadu¹, Susanna Aba Abraham², Abdul Karim Adams¹, William Akoto-Buabeng³, Paul Obeng¹, John Elvis Hagan Jr^{1

4}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast PMB TF0494, Ghana.
² Department of Public Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast PMB TF0494, Ghana.
³ Department of Education and Psychology, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast PMB TF0494, Ghana.
⁴ Neurocognition and Action-Biomechanics-Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Sports Science, Bielefeld University, Postfach 10 01 31, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany.

Abstract

Malnutrition among in-school children is a complex issue influenced by socio-economic, environmental, and health-related factors, posing significant challenges to their well-being and educational trajectories in developing countries. This review synthesized evidence on the multifaceted aspects of child malnutrition within the educational setting in developing countries. This review followed the six steps outlined by Arksey and O'Malley's framework. Four main databases (PubMed, CENTRAL, JSTOR, and Scopus) were searched. Additional searches were conducted in WHO Library, ProQuest, HINARI, Google Scholar, and Google. Reference lists of eligible papers were checked. This review found that low family income, varying family sizes, parental employment status, and educational levels significantly impact malnutrition among in-school children and adolescents. Environmental elements, including rural/urban residence, household sanitation, and living conditions, also influence malnutrition. In addition, nutrition knowledge, dietary habits, nutrient deficiencies, physical activity, and prevalent health conditions compound the risk of malnutrition. This study underscores the extensive health impact of malnutrition on general health, specific nutrient deficiencies, fetal/maternal health concerns, and overall morbidity. Also, malnutrition affects school performance and attendance, impacting cognitive abilities, and academic achievements. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive policy actions aligned with Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing poverty alleviation, health literacy, and gender equity.

Keywords: developing countries; education; health; in-school children; malnutrition; risk factors.

Publication types

Review

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding. However, the authors sincerely thank Bielefeld University, Germany, for providing financial support through the Institutional Open Access Publication Fund for the article processing charge (APC).