Investigating the Association between Nutrient Intake and Food Insecurity among Children and Adolescents in Palestine Using Machine Learning Techniques

Bibliographic Data

ID15718445
AuthorsRadwan Qasrawi (0000-0001-8671-7026, Al-Quds University, corresponding author), Sabri Sgahir (Hebron University), Maysaa Nemer (0000-0002-3156-4701, Birzeit University), Mousa Halaikah (Nutrition Department, Ministry of Health, Ramallah P.O. Box 4284, Palestine), Manal Badrasawi (0000-0003-4803-1052, An-Najah National University), Malak Amro (Al-Quds University), Stephanny Vicuna Polo (0000-0002-8308-6801, Al-Quds University), Diala Abu Al-Halawa (0000-0001-5422-9781, Al-Quds University), Doa’a Mujahed (Hebron University), Lara Nasreddine (0000-0003-3707-8218, American University of Beirut), Ibrahim Elmadfa (0000-0002-6042-3238, University of Vienna), Siham Atari (0009-0008-9035-0552, Al-Quds University), Ayoub Al‐Jawaldeh (0000-0001-7387-8277, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume11
Issue6
Pages625-625
Publication date2024-05-23
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueChildren (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2227-9067 • E-ISSN: 2227-9067
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/children11060625
PMID38929205
OpenAlexW4398233818
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited46

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

Agriculture · Biology · Environmental health · Food insecurity · Food security · Geography · Malnutrition · Nutrient · Palestine · Population · Psychological intervention · Socioeconomic status · Vitamin · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations · Medicine · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet

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