PLOS Global Public Health · 8 authors, 2 centres
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This scoping review examined programs and evidence for nutritional care of children with feeding difficulties and disabilities in low- and middle-income countries, finding a significant lack of standardized policies, trained staff, and funding to support them, putting these children at risk of malnutrition.
A non-systematic scoping review of 127 documents and 42 expert interviews was conducted to map the evidence and programs for nutritional care of children with feeding difficulties and disabilities in low- and middle-income countries. The review found limited research, particularly high-quality studies on nutritional status, and a lack of standardized, universally implemented resources or trained staff. Key challenges identified include difficulties in identifying feeding difficulties and disabilities, a weak understanding of the link between them, and insufficient referral or specialized services. These gaps put children at risk of malnutrition and place high care demands on their families.
