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540 reports · page 54 of 54

Peer-reviewed articleOpenAlex9 Sept 2026

Effects of Climate-Related Disasters on Child Nutrition and Feeding Practices in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Narrative Review

Climate-related disasters are becoming increasingly frequent and severe, posing major threats to child health and nutrition, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These events disrupt food systems, health services, water and sanitation infrastructure, and caregiving practices, increasing the risk of undernutrition among children under five years of age. This narrative review synthesised current evidence on the effects of climate-related disasters on child nutrition and infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices in LMICs. A narrative review of peer-reviewed literature published up to June 2025 was conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies were eligible if they examined the association between climate-related disasters including droughts, floods, cyclones, and climate variability and nutritional outcomes or feeding practices among children under five years in LMICs. Findings were synthesised narratively because of substantial heterogeneity in study designs, exposures, and outcome measures. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Most were conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Droughts and floods were the most frequently investigated climate-related disasters and were consistently associated with increased risks of stunting, wasting, and underweight. Several studies also reported disruptions to breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices, worsening household food insecurity, increased maternal psychological distress, and reduced access to essential health and nutrition services following disasters. Children living in rural and resource-constrained settings were consistently identified as the most vulnerable. Climate-related disasters adversely affect child nutrition through multiple interconnected pathways, including reduced food availability, increased infectious diseases, disruption of feeding practices, and weakened health systems. Strengthening climate-resilient nutrition programmes, protecting infant and young child feeding during emergencies, and integrating nutrition into disaster preparedness and climate adaptation policies are essential to improve child health outcomes in LMICs.

Peer-reviewed articleCrossref12 Sept 2024

Prevalence and determinants of stunting in children under the age of five, in Bisho, South Africa

Childhood stunting is the most prevalent form of chronic malnutrition, affecting 149 million children under the age of five worldwide. As the determinants of stunting are complex and multicausal, it is important to look at area specific determinants and determine whether these are similar to the general determinants. This study investigated the prevalence and determinants of stunting in children under the age of five, visiting Bisho Hospital clinic in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. A cross-sectional, qualitative design was used. All children under the age of five, visiting Bisho Hospital’s clinic during the data collection period, and whose mothers provided consent, were included in the sample of 219 participants. An interview-administered questionnaire was used to determine possible factors that may play a role in stunting. Anthropometrical measurements (height, weight and mid-upper arm circumference) were used to calculate z-scores for the children. IBM SPSS Statistics 26 (version 24.0) was used for statistical analysis. Dietary diversity was calculated with a seven food group classification. The prevalence of stunting was 47.5 %, of which 57.7 % were classified as moderately stunted, and 42.3 % severely stunted. There was a significant correlation between the participants’ main form of sanitation and stunting in all age groups (p = 0.007; Cramer’s V = 0.413 and p = 0.04; Cramer’s V = 0.326, respectively). A statistical significance was found between the child support grant and stunting (p = 0.032) in children younger than six months, but not in the older group. No statistical significance was found between other determinants of stunting that were analysed. As stunting is multi-causal, it requires a combination of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions, together with strong political and financial commitment from stakeholders to eradicate stunting in children. Keywords: Stunting, Children, Sanitation, Infections, Breastfeeding

Janine Beyleveld1, Annelie Gresse2

SurvivalZARead at source

Peer-reviewed articleOpenAlex18 Sept 2026

Sociocultural family determinants and secondhand smoke exposure with respiratory disorders, stunting in children: Scoping review

Background: Exposure to cigarette smoke indoors remains a concern among children in developing countries. Smoking poses serious health risks to children, as no safe level of secondhand smoke exposure exists. Family sociocultural determinants play a crucial role in shaping household smoking behaviors, thereby influencing children’s respiratory health and nutritional status. However, evidence remains fragmented and incomprehensively mapped. Objective: This study aimed to map evidence on family sociocultural determinants of household tobacco smoke exposure and their association with respiratory disorders and stunting among children aged 0–59 months in developing countries. Methods: This scoping review searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar for original studies published in English between 2015 and 2025 in developing countries. Eligible studies involved children aged 0–59 months or their caregivers/households exposed to cigarette smoke and examined family sociocultural determinants of smoking related to respiratory and nutritional outcomes. Irrelevant studies were excluded, and data were descriptively analyzed. Results: Eleven articles were included: 10 country-specific and 1 multi-country study, representing 9 unique countries. Country-specific studies were from India (4), Indonesia (2), South Africa (1), Albania (1), Malaysia (1), and Turkey (1), while the multi-country study included Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, and Timor-Leste. Studies showed that family sociocultural determinants influence children's exposure to secondhand smoke and increase the risk of respiratory disorders and stunting. Evidence on family-based interventions remains limited. Conclusion: Family sociocultural determinants shape tobacco smoke exposure and its adverse effects on children’s respiratory and nutritional health. These findings support culturally appropriate health promotion strategies and community midwifery policies.

Pascoela da Costa de Jesus Xavier, Dewi Rokhanawati, Ismarwati Ismarwati

SurvivalZARead at source

Peer-reviewed articleCrossref15 Jun 2026

Family well-being in crisis: Interdisciplinary responses1 to child neglect, gender-based violence, and paternal absence in South Africa

The South African family well-being is compromised by issues of child neglect, paternal absence, and gender-based violence (GBV), among other issues. The institution of family and its well-being are undergoing significant transformations globally, and South Africa is not exempt from these changes and challenges. Furthermore, the impacts of globalisation and urbanisation have forced many families to relocate from their native communities, driven by economic, political, and social motivations. From a Christian theological perspective God ordains families for flourishing; love, unity, and provision reflect His will through care (Psalm 127:1; Joshua 24:15; Ephesians 5:25). As familial structures and dynamics develop, their well being may adapt to remain relevant to societal needs, deliver effective care, and function as a social buffer against these detrimental and destructive issues. This research explored these realities through an interdisciplinary lens, recognising that improving family well-being requires collaboration between different disciplines. Drawing on contemporary theories and frameworks, it highlighted culturally responsive, contextually grounded, and strength-based approaches to understanding and supporting families in crisis. The discussion emphasised the importance of integrating professional practice, community-based support, and policy reform to promote protective and nurturing environments for children. Situating the South African experience within a global perspective, the research offered insights into how evidence-informed and collaborative interventions can enhance resilience, restore family functioning, and build more equitable systems of care. Ultimately, it called for collective responsibility and innovative, multidisciplinary responses to address the persistent social and structural factors threatening South African children and families’ well-being.

Fazel Ebrihiam Freeks, Elzahne Simeon-De Jager

ProtectionZARead at source

Peer-reviewed articleOpenAlex22 Sept 2026

Rural women as place-makers through informal waste collection in QwaQwa, South Africa

Purpose This study aims to investigate the livelihood approaches, socio-economic effects and challenges related to informal waste collection, focusing on informal women waste collectors in rural QwaQwa, South Africa. It addresses gaps in gender and rural–urban divides by positioning these women as active place-makers who, through their daily practices, transform marginalised rural spaces into cleaner, more functional and resilient environments. This spatial agency supports household survival, inclusive rural development, and reduced vulnerability while advancing circular economy principles. Design/methodology/approach Grounded in the sustainable livelihood framework (SLF) and place-making theory, the study adopted a qualitative case study design. Data were collected through focus group discussions, interviews, field observations and secondary sources and analysed thematically. Findings Informal waste collection serves as a vital livelihood strategy for women in rural QwaQwa, driven by poverty and unemployment. Leveraging social networks, local knowledge and child collaboration, these women generate income and contribute to sustainable waste management. Critically, their everyday practices of waste recovery actively reshape rural landscapes, reducing illegal dumping, improving public spaces and fostering environmental stewardship, positioning them as unrecognised place-makers. However, earnings remain insufficient for resilient livelihoods, and they face significant challenges including resource scarcity, institutional neglect, social stigma, child labour concerns and exposure to violence. Research limitations/implications This research examines rural QwaQwa as a case study, limiting the generalisability of its findings to other rural areas in South Africa and beyond. Nonetheless, it provides insights into women’s roles in informal waste collection, its impact on livelihoods and the relevance of the SLF in analysing gendered livelihood systems. The integration of SLF and place-making theory provides a novel lens for understanding how marginalised women exercise spatial agency to build more sustainable rural places. Practical implications The study highlights the need for policy changes to integrate women who collect waste informally into formal waste management systems. Providing equipment, infrastructure and capacity-building programmes enhances their income, productivity and safety while reducing exploitation. Empowering these women supports rural livelihoods and promotes poverty alleviation, gender equity and environmental stewardship through initiatives like formal registration and participatory policy forums. Social implications The results highlight significant societal issues like stigma, gender inequality and child labour. Addressing these through awareness campaigns, social protection programmes and inclusive governance can enhance the dignity and well-being of women in the informal sector. Originality/value This study makes a novel contribution by foregrounding rural contexts and demonstrating the interconnectedness of informal waste collection, gender, livelihoods and place-making in QwaQwa. Guided by the SLF and place-making theory, it reveals how women transform passive survival strategies into active processes of spatial transformation, generating income alongside broader social and environmental value. This nexus offers a framework for reducing vulnerability and promoting inclusive rural development.

Melokuhle Nomlindelo Nxumalo, Regis Musavengane

ProtectionZARead at source

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Effects of Climate-Related Disasters on Child Nutrition and Feeding Practices in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Narrative Review

Caregiving experiences, challenges and needs of mothers for their young children who are HIV exposed and uninfected from Worcester, South Africa – A qualitative exploration through the nurturing care framework

Prevalence and determinants of stunting in children under the age of five, in Bisho, South Africa

Body composition of children born HIV-exposed uninfected in rural Zimbabwe

Growth Outcomes After 48 Weeks of Dolutegravir in Children and Adolescents with HIV-1 in IMPAACT P1093 and IMPAACT 2019

Sociocultural family determinants and secondhand smoke exposure with respiratory disorders, stunting in children: Scoping review

Racial Diversity, Child Stunting and Underweight: Policies Design and Promotion in South Africa

The COVID-19 restrictions, child services and the well-being of children in South Africa

Family well-being in crisis: Interdisciplinary responses1 to child neglect, gender-based violence, and paternal absence in South Africa

Rural women as place-makers through informal waste collection in QwaQwa, South Africa

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