What Is the Impact of Nutrition Literacy Interventions on Children's Food Habits and Nutrition Security? A Scoping Review of the Literature

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Mar 24;19(7):3839. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19073839.

Abstract

Introduction: Nutrition literacy is a relatively new concept that seems to have a relevant role on the quality of people's diets; however, we do not know the role of nutrition literacy interventions on children's food habits and nutrition security.

Methods: We conducted a literature review on four databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane) and we considered studies describing the impact of interventions aimed at improving the quality of children's diet.

Results: A total of six articles were finally included. The total number of participants included in the studies was 4016, and the median study size was equal to 224 participants. Studies included in the review reflected a broad heterogeneity of interventions.

Conclusions: The results were contrasting and revealed that the most effective type of nutrition literacy interventions included the following characteristics: technological components, involvement with multiple modalities, duration of more than 4 weeks, and face to face sessions.

Keywords: food habits; intervention; nutrition literacy; nutrition security.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Diet
  • Feeding Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Literacy*
  • Nutritional Status