Nutritional Status and Dietary Behaviors of Children with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Nora A AlFaris,1 Naseem M Alshwaiyat,2 Jozaa Z ALTamimi,1 Reham I Alagal,3 Saleh M AlSalehi,4 Raed I Al Zarah,5 Razan F Alfaiz,5 Ameera I Alhariqi,5 Dalal F Alshamri,6 Noura A AlSouan,6 Lujain A AlMousa3 1Department of Physical Sports Sciences, College of Sports Sciences & Physical Activity, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan; 3Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 4Child Development Center, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAAUH), Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 5Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAAUH), Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 6Department of Clinical Nutrition, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAAUH), Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Lujain A AlMousa, Email [email protected]: Children with intellectual or developmental disabilities are susceptible to malnutrition. This systematic review was conducted to assess the nutritional status and dietary behaviors of children with intellectual or developmental disabilities in Saudi Arabia. The target population was children from Saudi Arabia aged 18 years or younger and diagnosed with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Appropriate research studies that were published from inception up to December 2023 were obtained and reviewed. The outcomes of interest, including anthropometric data, laboratory data, dietary intake data, and dietary behaviors data, were collected and organized in relevant tables. The methodological quality and bias risk for the involved studies were evaluated. Out of 286 screened articles, 31 research articles were selected. The review results show that the rates of overweight and obesity were significantly higher among children with intellectual or developmental disabilities compared to typically developing children. The laboratory data revealed that they were more likely to have nutritional deficiencies. Low intake of energy, protein, and several micronutrients is frequently reported among them. Moreover, they are anticipated to have unhealthy dietary behavior. In conclusion, the findings suggested that children with intellectual or developmental disabilities were at higher risk of malnutrition including deploying obesity and nutritional deficiencies. Healthy and balanced nutrition that considers dietary requirements and food preferences is critical to maintaining the optimal development of these children. This review could invite researchers and policy-makers in Saudi Arabia to put more effort into integrating individuals with disability into the healthcare system and community. Further research is required to determine the types of intervention measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of malnutrition. Additional action is needed to monitor the implementation of national policies and programs that target this part of society.Keywords: nutritional status, dietary behaviors, intellectual or developmental disabilities, children, Saudi Arabia

Keywords

• nutritional status
• dietary behaviors
• intellectual or developmental disabilities
• children
• saudi arabia