Household food insecurity (HFI) is a powerful stressor negatively associated with early childhood development (ECD). However, no comprehensive review has examined the association of HFI and ECD. Therefore, this systematic review and meta‐analysis investigated the association between HFI and ECD domains and subdomains in children under 5 years old. Peer‐reviewed and grey literature were systematically searched in electronic databases with no year or language restrictions. Studies were eligible if they assessed the association between HFI and one or more ECD domains. Data were extracted using a standard predefined protocol. Meta‐analysis was performed, and the heterogeneity across studies was explored. Nineteen studies were included in the systematic review and 14 in the meta‐analysis. Of the studies, 15 were from high income countries (HICs) and four from low–middle income countries (LMICs). For developmental risk and the cognitive/math and cognitive/school readiness and reading subdomains, the only studies available were conducted in HICs. The meta‐analysis showed that HFI was associated with developmental risk (OR 1.28; 95% CI [1.14, 1.45]), cognitive/vocabulary (OR 0.94; 95% CI [0.90, 0.98]), and cognitive/math (OR 0.84; 95% CI [0.73, 0.96]). HFI was marginally associated with cognitive/school readiness and reading (OR 0.91; 95% CI [0.82, 1.00]) and motor development (OR; 0.91, 95% CI [0.80, 1.04]). HFI was associated with poor ECD in children under 5 years old. Specifically, HFI was associated with developmental risk and poor math skills in studies conducted in HICs and with poor vocabulary skills in studies conducted in both HICs and LMICs. Prospective studies examining HFI and ECD are needed in LMICs.

Background: The Brazilian Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding Strategy—Estratégia Amamenta e Alimenta Brasil (EAAB) aims to promote optimal breastfeeding (BF) and complementary feeding (CF) practices through the training of primary health professionals. Competition among health priorities and programs is one of the organizational contextual barriers to consolidating the implementation of the EAAB. Methods: This case study included six Primary Health Units (PHU) certified in the EAAB. Documentary analysis, interviews, and surveys were conducted, which informed a conceptual logical model. Organizational context indicators (positive and negative) were identified across the logical model based on the Matus Triangle, and they were used to analyze the degree of implementation of the EAAB in the PHUs. Results: The logic model elucidated six stages of EAAB implementation, but none on post-certification monitoring. Ten indicators positively influenced the implementation, including having legislation that prioritizes BF and CF. Seven indicators exerted negative influence, especially the lack of specific funding resources for the EAAB. Only one PHU had a consolidated degree of implementation. Conclusions: Lack of specific funding, monitoring of BF and CF practices, and compliance with certification criteria are the main challenges for the EAAB’s sustainability.

The authors would like to make the following corrections to this paper