2024, VOL. 10 ISSUE 3, PART D
Abstract:Nutritional status and dietary awareness determine populations' overall health and well-being. This review examines the current literature on assessing nutritional status and dietary awareness among households across various socioeconomic and geographic settings. The review explores methods to evaluate nutritional intake, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical markers to assess health status. It also investigates the impact of household awareness on dietary practices, highlighting the role of education, socio-cultural influences, and access to information in shaping food choices.
Key findings from global and regional studies indicate significant disparities in nutritional status, particularly in low- and middle-income households, where malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent. The review further underscores the role of dietary awareness as a determinant of household nutritional health, noting that higher awareness levels are often linked to better health outcomes. However, gaps in knowledge, limited access to nutritional education, and socio-economic barriers remain challenges.
The paper concludes by discussing the implications for public health policies and interventions aimed at improving nutritional status and promoting dietary awareness at the household level. Recommendations for future research focus on developing culturally appropriate, sustainable strategies to enhance nutrition education and address existing health inequities.