Conceptualisation and measurement of child hunger: a rapid review

Objective Child hunger is a significant global health concern prioritised by multiple global public health organisations. In 2006, the United States Committee on National Statistics (CNSTAT) highlighted the need for clarity and consistency in the operationalisation and measurement of child hunger. This review examines whether these recommendations have been implemented in child nutrition programming over the past two decades. In addition, we explore how child hunger is currently conceptualised and measured across different contexts. Design We conducted a pre-registered rapid review of studies that define or measure ‘child hunger’. Six electronic databases (Web of Science, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Social Science Database, and ERIC) and websites of 20 public health organisations were searched for reports that mentioned the term “child hunger” or “child” near “hunger” published after 2006. Setting There were no restrictions on study settings. Participants Studies focusing on children under the age of 18 years were included. Results Sixty-seven articles measured child hunger and were therefore eligible for inclusion. Of these, only 23 provided a definition of child hunger. Definitions commonly described child hunger as a consequence of, or as a subcategory of household ‘food insecurity’. Most scales used in the included studies examined the quantity or amount of food intake by children, while few measures also assessed the quality of food consumed. The physiological dimension of hunger was not measured by any of the questionnaires. Conclusions The findings underscore the need for more comprehensive and standardised approaches that account for the multidimensional nature of child hunger.