Anthropometric nutritional status of children (0-18 years) in South Africa 1997-2022: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of the available literature on the anthropometric nutritional status of South African infants and children, 0-18 years old and to report on trends of changes in nutritional status over the period 1997-2022.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Setting: Review of the available literature on the anthropometric nutritional status of South African infants and children, 0-18 years old, over the period 1997-2022.

Participants: South African infants and children, 0-18 years old.

Results: Only quantitative data from ninety-five publications that described the nutritional status in terms of anthropometry were included. Most recent studies applied the WHO 2006 and 2007 definitions for malnutrition among children 0-5 years old and 5-19 years old, respectively. Meta-analysis of all prevalence data shows the highest stunting prevalence of 25·1 % among infants and preschool children, compared to 11·3 % among primary school-age children and 9·6 % among adolescents. Furthermore, the overweight and obesity prevalence was similar among children younger than 6 years and adolescents (19 %), compared to 12·5 % among primary school-age children. In national surveys, adolescent overweight prevalence increased from 16·9 % in 2002 to 23·1 % in 2011. Meta-regression analysis shows a decrease in stunting among children 6-18 years old and an increase in combined overweight and obesity in the 10-19 years age group.

Conclusion: The double burden of malnutrition remains evident in South Africa with stunting and overweight/obesity the most prevalent forms of malnutrition among children.