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Nutrition and Food Literacy in the MENA Region: A Review to Inform Nutrition Research and Policy Makers

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  • Hala Mohsen

    (Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology (DSST), Lebanese University, Hadath 1103, Lebanon
    Faculty of Public Health, Section 1, Lebanese University, P.O. Box 6573, Beirut 1105, Lebanon
    PHENOL Research Group (Public HEalth Nutrition prOgram Lebanon), Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, P.O. Box 6573, Beirut 1105, Lebanon
    Lebanese University Nutrition Surveillance Center (LUNSC), Lebanese Food Drugs and Chemical Administrations, Lebanese University, P.O. Box 6573, Beirut 1105, Lebanon)

  • Yonna Sacre

    (Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), P.O. Box 446, Jounieh 1200, Lebanon)

  • Lara Hanna-Wakim

    (Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering, School of Engineering, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), P.O. Box 446, Jounieh 1200, Lebanon)

  • Maha Hoteit

    (Faculty of Public Health, Section 1, Lebanese University, P.O. Box 6573, Beirut 1105, Lebanon
    PHENOL Research Group (Public HEalth Nutrition prOgram Lebanon), Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, P.O. Box 6573, Beirut 1105, Lebanon
    Lebanese University Nutrition Surveillance Center (LUNSC), Lebanese Food Drugs and Chemical Administrations, Lebanese University, P.O. Box 6573, Beirut 1105, Lebanon
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Hala Mohsen & Yonna Sacre & Lara Hanna-Wakim & Maha Hoteit, 2022. "Nutrition and Food Literacy in the MENA Region: A Review to Inform Nutrition Research and Policy Makers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-25, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:16:p:10190-:d:890480
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Donna Fingland & Courtney Thompson & Helen Anna Vidgen, 2021. "Measuring Food Literacy: Progressing the Development of an International Food Literacy Survey Using a Content Validity Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-17, January.
    2. Beatrice Velpini & Gabriele Vaccaro & Virginia Vettori & Chiara Lorini & Guglielmo Bonaccorsi, 2022. "What Is the Impact of Nutrition Literacy Interventions on Children’s Food Habits and Nutrition Security? A Scoping Review of the Literature," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-10, March.
    3. Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh & Mandy Taktouk & Radhouene Doggui & Zahra Abdollahi & Baseer Achakzai & Hassan Aguenaou & Moussa Al-Halaika & Salima Almamary & Rawhieh Barham & Ferima Coulibaly-Zerbo & Laila El Am, 2021. "Are Countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region on Track towards Meeting the World Health Assembly Target for Anemia? A Review of Evidence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-26, March.
    4. Garden Tabacchi & Giuseppe Battaglia & Giuseppe Messina & Antonio Paoli & Antonio Palma & Marianna Bellafiore, 2020. "Validity and Internal Consistency of the Preschool-FLAT, a New Tool for the Assessment of Food Literacy in Young Children from the Training-To-Health Project," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-15, April.
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