Direct and indirect family violence victimization and nutritional status in adolescents: A scoping review

Abstract

To review and synthesize peer-reviewed research in scientific journals related to violence against children and adolescents (direct) and/or witness IPV (indirect) associated with nutritional status in adolescents. Seven electronic databases were searched. There was no limitation on the period of publication. Articles published in English, Portuguese or Spanish were included. The selection, data extraction and quality analyses were performed by three reviewers. A search retrieved 1634 references, and after applying the inclusion and eligibility criteria, 15 studies were included in this review. All studies were published between 2007 and 2021. Almost all research took place in high-income countries. The sample size ranged from 136 to 105,759. Fourteen studies focused on direct family violence. Only four studies evaluated indirect violence by witnessing IPV. The literature is mixed in relation to the association between direct and indirect family violence victimization and inadequate nutritional status in adolescents. The findings differed between the study design, sample sizes, measurement instruments, social and cultural contexts. Analyzing the existing literature so far, we consider that there is not enough evidence to affirm the existence or absence of this association. Further studies are important to explore these relationships better.