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Investigating the Association between Nutrient Intake and Food Insecurity among Children and Adolescents in Palestine
Radwan Qasrawi1,2, Sabri Sgahir3, Maysaa Nemer4
1Department of Computer Sciences, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem P.O. Box 20002, Palestine.
Insights
Food insecurity impacts children globally, particularly in low-income nations. This study links food insecurity in Palestinian children to poor nutrient intake and socioeconomic factors, highlighting urgent public health needs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
- Machine Learning Applications
Background:
- Food insecurity is a significant global public health issue affecting children.
- Low- and middle-income countries face a disproportionate burden of childhood food insecurity.
- Understanding the link between food insecurity and nutrient intake is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To employ machine learning to identify associations between food insecurity and nutrient intake in children aged 5-18.
- To analyze the relationship between sociodemographic factors and food insecurity.
- To investigate nutrient deficiencies linked to food insecurity in the study population.
Main Methods:
- Utilized machine learning algorithms to analyze data from 1040 children in the West Bank, Palestine (2022).
- Assessed food insecurity prevalence and its correlation with nutrient intake and sociodemographic variables.
- Identified specific nutrients with inadequate consumption below recommended dietary allowances in food-insecure children.
Main Results:
- 18.2% of children experienced food insecurity, significantly associated with sociodemographic factors (age, gender, income, location).
- A strong correlation exists between inadequate intake of protein, vitamins A, B1, B5, B12, C, fiber, manganese, and copper, and food insecurity.
- Children in refugee camps showed markedly higher rates of food insecurity.
Conclusions:
- Food insecurity in children is complex, influenced by socioeconomic status and location.
- Nutrient deficiencies are prevalent among food-insecure children, necessitating tailored interventions.
- Addressing both nutritional gaps and socioeconomic determinants is vital for improving child health and well-being.
Abstract:
Food insecurity is a public health concern that affects children worldwide, yet it represents a particular burden for low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to utilize machine learning to identify the associations between food insecurity and nutrient intake among children aged 5 to 18 years. The study's sample encompassed 1040 participants selected from a 2022 food insecurity household conducted in the West Bank, Palestine. The results indicated that food insecurity was significantly associated with dietary nutrient intake and sociodemographic factors, such as age, gender, income, and location. Indeed, 18.2% of the children were found to be food-insecure. A significant correlation was evidenced between inadequate consumption of various nutrients below the recommended dietary allowance and food insecurity. Specifically, insufficient protein, vitamin C, fiber, vitamin B12, vitamin B5, vitamin A, vitamin B1, manganese, and copper intake were found to have the highest rates of food insecurity. In addition, children residing in refugee camps experienced significantly higher rates of food insecurity. The findings emphasize the multilayered nature of food insecurity and its impact on children, emphasizing the need for personalized interventions addressing nutrient deficiencies and socioeconomic factors to improve children's health and well-being.
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