What question did this study set out to answer?

This review aims to map research trends regarding dietary behaviors and nutrition education for individuals with developmental disabilities in Korea from 2015 to 2025.

March 7, 2026Open Access

Research trends in dietary behaviors and nutrition education among individuals with developmental disabilities in Korea: a scoping review (2015–2025)

Key Points

This review aims to map research trends regarding dietary behaviors and nutrition education for individuals with developmental disabilities in Korea from 2015 to 2025.
Conducted a scoping review using three major Korean academic databases.
Identified studies published from 2015 to September 2025 focusing on dietary behaviors and nutrition.
Achieved inclusion of 36 studies, analyzing design, population, disability type, topic, and publication period.
27.8% of studies were observational quantitative, while 36.1% were evidence synthesis.
Children and adolescents were the most studied populations (27.8%), followed closely by adults (25.0%).
Most studies (61.1%) targeted individuals with developmental disabilities as a combined group, revealing gaps in research on teachers and professionals.

Abstract

Objectives: We mapped trends in studies on dietary behaviors, nutritional status, and nutrition-related education among individuals with developmental disabilities in Korea over the past decade to identify research gaps and inform future research and policy development.Methods: A scoping review was conducted using three major Korean academic databases (RISS, KISS, and DBpia). Studies published between 2015 and September 2025 were identified using combinations of keywords related to developmental disabilities, dietary behavior, nutrition, and health-related interventions. Eligible studies included empirical studies and secondary research (e.g., systematic or scoping reviews) conducted in Korea that focused on dietary behaviors, nutrition, health promotion, or nutrition-related education for individuals with developmental disabilities. Thirty-six studies met our inclusion criteria and were analyzed based on study design, study population, disability type, research topic, and publication period.Results: Observational quantitative, qualitative, intervention-based experimental, and evidence synthesis accounted for 27.8%, 13.9%, 22.2%, and 36.1% of all included studies, respectively. Children and adolescents (27.8%) and adults (25.0%) were the most frequently studied populations, with limited studies focusing on professionals or teachers. Most studies targeted individuals with developmental disabilities as a combined group (61.1%), followed by those specifically targeting autism spectrum disorder. Research topics included dietary behaviors and nutritional status, nutrition-related education and interventions, health promotion, and medical or clinical issues, with many small-scale and shortterm intervention studies.Conclusion: Although research on dietary and nutrition-related issues among individuals with developmental disabilities in Korea has expanded in scope and methodology, significant limitations remain. Future research should adopt longitudinal and community-based approaches, incorporate diverse populations, and strengthen policy-oriented nutrition support systems to promote sustainable health and quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities.

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