Micronutrient deficiency among pregnant adolescents in South Asia: A Systematic Review

ObjectivesMicronutrient deficiency is an important global health concern with great impact on growth and development outcomes, which may lead to substantial losses in overall productivity and potential. The burden of micronutrient deficiency negatively impacts the health of vulnerable groups, including pregnant adolescents. Hence, this study will systematically review the available evidence on micronutrient deficiency among pregnant adolescents in South Asia. MethodsThis systematic review adhered to the 2015 Preferred Re-porting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A combination of selected keywords was used to search 8 computerized biblio-graphic databases: Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, PUBMED, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ProQuest, and Web of Science. Potential studies were imported into an Endnote library and screened for eligibility using pre-determined criteria. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) checklist. ResultThere is a dearth of studies on micronutrient deficiency among pregnant adolescents in South Asia. Of a total of 616 studies, five studies met the inclusion criteria. The factors associated with micronutrient deficiency among pregnant adolescents in South Asia were food (in)security, intake of dairy products, low maternal knowledge, and inadequate food intake. ConclusionOur review suggested that lack of awareness and knowledge of adequate micronutrient intake and household food insecurity were associated with micronutrient deficiency among pregnant adolescents. Hence, interventions targeting pregnant adolescents are needed in South Asia and such interventions could include cash transfers integrated with nutrition and health interventions.