Abstract Context Childhood malnutrition persists at alarming rates globally despite the existing preventative and therapeutic evidence-based interventions. Various financial relief strategies such as cash transfers and food vouchers have been evaluated for their effectiveness in improving access to and quality of effective interventions for improving the nutritional status of children. Objective In this review, we aimed to assess the impact of community-based financial relief interventions to prevent wasting among children up to 5 years at risk of wasting and nutritional oedema. Data sources We searched 9 databases from database conception until April 13, 2023, and included 5 studies (10 articles) evaluating the impact of community-based financial relief interventions for preventing wasting among children up to 5 years. Data extraction Two review authors independently extracted data, and discrepancies were resolved through discussion until consensus or by consulting a third reviewer if required. Data analysis Three studies assessed the impact of conditional cash transfers; 2 studies evaluated unconditional cash transfers, and 1 study assessed the impact of food vouchers. We found that the impact of conditional cash transfers on the prevalence of wasting, weight-for-height z score (WHZ), weight-for-age z score, and underweight is uncertain; however these cash transfers probably reduce the prevalence of severe wasting (odds ratio OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.94-1.0; 1 study; Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation GRADE: moderate certainty evidence). The impacts of unconditional standard cash provision on the prevalence of wasting and severe wasting are uncertain; however, unconditional double-cash provisions may reduce wasting with little or no impact on severe wasting, WHZ, and mid-upper arm circumference. For food vouchers, the evidence suggests an uncertain impact on the prevalence of wasting and severe wasting. Conclusions Evidence on the effectiveness of community-based financial relief interventions in preventing wasting among children is scarce. Some positive impact of conditional cash transfers and unconditional double cash provision on the prevalence of wasting has been demonstrated; however, relative effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability need further exploration. Systematic review registration PROSPERO registration No. CRD42021277429
Salam et al. (Fri,) studied this question.
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