Poor Nutritional Status of Disadvantaged Groups Since COVID-19
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified socioeconomic inequalities worldwide, disproportionately affecting disadvantaged populations. Rising unemployment, reduced household income, and financial insecurity have limited access to nutritious foods, increasing the risk of poor nutritional status among vulnerable groups.
Review: This review discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nutritional well-being of disadvantaged populations, including older adults, people with disabilities, homeless individuals, migrants, minorities, and children without parental care. Economic hardship has reduced the affordability of healthy foods, leading many low-income households to rely on less nutritious, inexpensive alternatives. School closures have also disrupted nutrition assistance programs, limiting access to balanced meals for children. These factors have increased the risk of malnutrition, impaired physical development, and poorer overall health outcomes, particularly among individuals who were already nutritionally vulnerable before the pandemic.
Discussion: The review emphasizes that food insecurity during the pandemic is closely linked to broader social determinants of health, including unemployment, discrimination, and income inequality. Poor nutrition may further exacerbate physical, cognitive, and behavioral health problems, widening existing health disparities. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated public health and social welfare interventions to improve food accessibility and affordability.
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly worsened nutritional inequalities among disadvantaged populations. Strengthening nutrition assistance programs, expanding community food distribution initiatives, and providing greater financial support to vulnerable groups are essential strategies to improve nutritional status and reduce health disparities during and beyond the pandemic.
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