Food and nutrition security in persons with disabilities. A scoping review

Food and nutrition security (FNS) is achieved when food that is adequate in quantity, quality, safety and sociocultural acceptability is available, accessible and utilized satisfactorily by individuals to promote a healthy life. Persons with disabilities (PWD) are particularly vulnerable to food and nutrition insecurity, yet there seems to be a paucity of relevant research and policy. This scoping review identified 76 articles that met the criteria and describes the extent of research addressing FNS in PWD and categorizes studies according to the levels of social organization (individual to global). Literature is inadequate particularly regarding higher levels of social organization, national and global strategies for assessment and intervention, and indicators of FNS for people living with disabilities. More studies should explore intervention strategies that address FNS at community level.