PLOS ONE · 6 authors, 2 centres
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This meta-ethnography of 19 qualitative European studies synthesized perspectives from caregivers and children, finding that food insecurity adversely impacts children's physical, psychological, and social wellbeing, and that children are aware of and actively cope with family resource limitations.
The study is a systematic review and meta-ethnography of qualitative research focusing on families' perceptions of food insecurity and its effect on children in European high-income countries post-2008. The methods included a comprehensive search of six electronic databases and grey literature, identifying 19 publications involving 813 participants. Data were synthesized using Noblit & Hare's meta-ethnography approach, yielding four key themes: food and eating practices, awareness, fragility, and networks of care. The central finding is that food insecurity is an adverse physical, psychological, and social experience for children, who are aware of family constraints and engage in coping behaviors. Limitations include potential publication bias, diverse study contexts that may limit generalizability, and reliance on published interpretations rather than raw data. The review highlights research gaps, particularly for minoritised ethnic communities, children in temporary accommodation, and infants.
