Mental Health and Psychosocial Well-Being among Children in Severe Food Shortage Situations

This paper provides information on the mental health and the psychosocial well-being among children in food shortage situations.

A severe food shortage threatens the nutritional status of communities. This can cause malnutrition among affected populations including micronutrient de?ciencies. Such de?ciencies can inhibit intellectual and physical potential and cause lifelong disability.

Many caregivers are unavailable or unable to provide psychosocial stimulation to their children during food crises due to their own poor physical or mental health. A lack of psychosocial stimulation has adverse consequences for children's development (cognitive, motor, language) and mental health.