A review on tackling malnutrition and strengthening the defense system of refugee children under the age of five years living in refugee camps- a scoping literature review

Abstract

A review on tackling malnutrition and strengthening the defense system of refugee children under the age of five years living in refugee camps- a scoping literature review 82 pages, 3 appendices Winter 2025 Diaconia University of Applied Sciences Bachelor of Social Services

Food insecurity, poor access to healthcare and inadequate living conditions increases the vulnerability of the refugee children below five years to dangers of malnutrition. A scoping literature review, was undertaken for this research thesis to better understand the various strategies that are being used in order to tackle malnutrition and strengthen the defense systems of children below five years among refugee communities in refugee camps. To explore the existing evidence and best practice, this study utilized a scoping literature review methodology adopting a systematic and comprehensive approach to examine relevant scholarly articles. The articles were retrieved from databases including EBSCO Academic Research Premier, ProQuest Health Research Premium Collection and CINAHL Ultimate. The review included sixteen articles which met the criteria of inclusion in the study. Literature review findings demonstrate the necessity of a comprehensive approach to malnutrition, which acknowledges that optimal intervention entails action from all relevant factors such as health professionals, humanitarian agencies and government bodies amongst others in concert with community members. The report reveals that the most alarming statistic from this study would be about malnutrition among refugee children under five years of age, as it is within those between three and four-and-a-half-years-old where prevalence rates peak. The study confirms that this makes these children more susceptible to malnutrition related risks like stunting, wasting and even obesity. Apart from the immediate threats to their survival, such living conditions have serious health implications that will in turn impair their long-term growth and productivity.

In conclusion, malnutrition remains not only a threat to life but also may have life-long health consequences that may have a significant impact on their future productivity. Moreover, these challenges can alter the course of physical and cognitive development in early life that impacts a child and therefore influencing their societal contribution when they grow up. There is need to craft strategies to curb this rising trend, by focusing on both short-term and long-term strategies to deter its further effects.

Keywords: Refugee, Refugee camps, Malnutrition, Undernutrition, Overnutrition, Obesity.