Study Title
The effect of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions on the double burden of malnutrition in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review
Principal Investigator
Nora A Escher, Giovanna C Andrade, Suparna Ghosh-Jerath, Christopher Millett, Paraskevi Seferidi
Affiliation
Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, Imperial College London, UK; Centre for Epidemiological Studies in Health and Nutrition, University of São Paulo, Brazil; The George Institute for Global Health, India; NOVA National School of Public Health, Portugal
Start Date
Not specified
End Date
Not specified
Study Objective
To evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions on addressing both undernutrition and overnutrition in LMICs, and to assess the potential for double-duty actions.
Short Abstract
This systematic review analyzes 26 studies evaluating the impact of various nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions on undernutrition and overnutrition in low- and middle-income countries. The review found that while maternal and child health (MCH) interventions were often beneficial for undernutrition, they sometimes contributed to overnutrition. Behavioral school-based interventions showed promise for reducing both forms of malnutrition. The study emphasizes the importance of assessing both undernutrition and overnutrition outcomes in interventions targeting nutrition.
Study Design
Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and controlled trials
Population
General populations in LMICs, including pregnant women, children, and households
Sample Size
26 studies included
Inclusion Criteria
Studies evaluating nutrition-specific or nutrition-sensitive interventions addressing both undernutrition and overnutrition in LMICs
Exclusion Criteria
Studies focused on interventions that do not address both forms of malnutrition or did not meet study design criteria (non-comparative, cross-sectional, etc.)
Intervention/Exposure
Nutrition-specific interventions (e.g., maternal and child health programs, school-based nutrition programs) and nutrition-sensitive interventions (e.g., conditional cash transfers, social policies)
Outcome Measures
Undernutrition (e.g., stunting, underweight, anemia) and overnutrition (e.g., overweight, obesity)
Funding Source
President’s Scholarship (Imperial College London) and National Institute for Health and Care Research
Collaborating Institutions
Imperial College London, University of São Paulo, The George Institute for Global Health, NOVA National School of Public Health
Ethics Approval
Not applicable (systematic review)
Publication Status
Published in Lancet Global Health, March 2024
Keywords
Malnutrition, nutrition interventions, double burden of malnutrition, undernutrition, overnutrition, low-income countries, middle-income countries
Data Collection Methods
Systematic review of studies published from Jan 1, 2000, to Aug 14, 2023, using major databases such as MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, Web of Science, and grey literature sources
Primary Data Availability
Not applicable
Contact Information
Nora A Escher (