Experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) believe that childhood malnutrition is greatly influenced by kids fretting about the next meal or knowing what hunger really feels like - indications of what is called "food insecurity."
AAP released a policy statement, saying that during checkups, pediatricians should start to include health assessment questions pertaining to food insecurity, maybe including the straightforward query that is "Are you hungry?"
About 16 million children in the U.S. belong to households without continuous access to sufficient food. As per review of numerous risk factors, children who live in such households are more at risk of getting frequently sick, exude slow illness recovery periods and require more hospital admission.
The lack of ability to give the family adequate food ignites stress among families thus adding to feelings of depression and anxiety, which hinders efficient parenting, no matter what social class they belong in.
With the significantly high prevalence of food insecurity among families with children, as well as the identified possible health effects, pediatricians are urged to become aware of the resources that could ease up food insecurity. They should also know how best to refer the concerned families in childhood health programs. Programs that target child malnutrition could be of great benefit in terms of providing a sound physical body and mind.
Dr. Sarah Jane Schwarzenberg, co-author of the statement from the group's committee on nutrition said that food insecurity may be overlooked by medical professionals during routine checkups. She added that there are many reasons behind why the issue goes overlooked. For example, families may be embarrassed to report signs of food insecurity, no physical manifestations are observed or health care providers do not recognize the issue as an independent indicator of child health.
AAP now recommends pediatricians to include two questions to screen for possible food insecurity issues existing within the family of their patients. The two questions, which are both answerable by "yes" or "no" include whether they worry about not having enough food supply before they have money again to buy more, and whether their food actually did run out and have no money left to get more.
"Food insecurity is a complex issue that presents profound challenges for children and families," the report read [pdf]. Pediatricians are vital in recognizing food insecurity, implementing interventions and advocating the need to address food insecurities in the community.
The policy statement was published in the journal Pediatrics on Friday, Oct. 23.
Photo: Oğuzhan Abdik | Flickr
