Stunting and food insecurity among children from low socioeconomic family during COVID-19 pandemic in urban area in Selangor

• Published in: Medical Journal of Malaysia
• Main Author: Hamid S.B.A.; Denil N.M.; Ismail N.A.; Mauludyani A.V.R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Malaysian Medical Association 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85189573592&partnerID=40&md5=e7a1097baeb95ffff9cb4fd3d0b2a80d

Introduction: Food insecurity is often link with nutritional status. An increased rate of food insecurity can have a severe impact on children’s growth. During the COVID-19 outbreak, little is known regarding its effect on food security and nutritional status, especially concerning vulnerable groups such as children. The purpose of this study was to assess household food security status, children’s nutritional status along with their association, and the determinants of food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2022 in urban areas in Selangor among children aged less than two years old from B40 households using purposive sampling through both online surveys and face-to-face interviews. There were 112 children aged < 2 years old from B40 households participating in this study. The data obtained on maternal sociodemographic, Household Food Insecurity Scale (HFIAS), and children’s anthropometric measurements were analysed by using the WHO Anthro Survey, descriptive analysis, Person’s Chi-square test and Fischer’s exact test. Results: The prevalence of food insecurity was more significant than the prevalence of food secured, at 55.4% and 44.6% respectively. The stunting among the children rated at 34.8%, followed by 7.2% of the sample found underweight, 7.8% (BAZ) and 16.1% (BAZ) of them were wasted, and overweight & obese, proportionately. This study discovered that household size was the sole determinant of household food security status. This finding suggested that size of a household influenced the odds of a household being food insecure. Conclusion: The findings of this study provide insights into how the COVID-19 pandemic have an impact on children’s nutritional status especially those from low-income and bigger size households. Therefore, more thorough and effective interventions should be designed particularly targeting this urban poor community to enhance their nutritional status and health. © 2024, Malaysian Medical Association. All rights reserved.