BMJ Open · 3 authors, 2 centres
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This systematic review of 33 cross-sectional studies found wide variation in undernutrition prevalence among children under 5 in refugee camps, with a median global acute malnutrition prevalence of 7.1% based on weight-for-height z-score and a median stunting prevalence of 23.8%.
The study aimed to synthesize the prevalence of undernutrition indicators and evaluate data quality. Central results indicated a wide variation in prevalence estimates, with a median global acute malnutrition prevalence of 7.1% using weight-for-height z-score and 3.2% using mid-upper arm circumference, a median stunting prevalence of 23.8%, and a median underweight prevalence of 16.7%. The findings highlight that chronic malnutrition is a significant public health concern and that the diagnostic measure used affects prevalence estimates, with implications for screening protocols.
