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Nutrition and Food Literacy in the MENA Region: A Review to Inform Nutrition Research and Policy Makers.
Mohsen, Hala; Sacre, Yonna; Hanna-Wakim, Lara; Hoteit, Maha.
  • Mohsen H; Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology (DSST), Lebanese University, Hadath 1103, Lebanon.
  • Sacre Y; Faculty of Public Health, Section 1, Lebanese University, P.O. Box 6573, Beirut 1105, Lebanon.
  • Hanna-Wakim L; PHENOL Research Group (Public HEalth Nutrition prOgram Lebanon), Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, P.O. Box 6573, Beirut 1105, Lebanon.
  • Hoteit M; Lebanese University Nutrition Surveillance Center (LUNSC), Lebanese Food Drugs and Chemical Administrations, Lebanese University, P.O. Box 6573, Beirut 1105, Lebanon.
Int J Environ Res Public Health ; 19(16)2022 08 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2023658
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Improving food and nutrition literacy is fundamental to tackling the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region's enormous challenges, including malnutrition and food insecurity. To direct initiatives, it is crucial to assess the region's food and nutrition literacy. Thus, we aimed to review studies on food/nutrition literacy status in the MENA countries and illuminate the region's research gaps in these areas, in terms of assessment, policy, and program implementation.

METHODS:

PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched between 18 December and 8 May 2022, to identify relevant articles published up to 2022 in the MENA region.

RESULTS:

Twelve studies were included in this review. Lebanon, Palestine, and Iran are the only three MENA countries where nutrition and/or food literacy were assessed. People in these countries mostly had inadequate food and/or nutrition literacy levels, especially in the skills rather than the cognitive domain. Food and/or nutrition literacy showed associations with food habits, food-label use, food-consumption patterns, school performance, food security, dietary diversity, and nutrient adequacy. The MENA countries developed no policies or programs to address food and nutrition literacy.

CONCLUSION:

This review is a wake-up call for researchers and policymakers to develop a robust approach to combat food and nutrition literacy concerns in the MENA region.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Nutritional Status / Literacy Type of study: Reviews Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Africa / Asia Language: English Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Ijerph191610190

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Nutritional Status / Literacy Type of study: Reviews Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Africa / Asia Language: English Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Ijerph191610190