Nutrition programs for individuals living with disadvantage in supported residential settings: A Scoping Review

Objective: Health inequities such as chronic disease are significantly higher among individuals living with disadvantage compared to the general population and many are reported to be attributable to preventable dietary risk factors. This study provides an overview of the current nutrition interventions for individuals living with extreme disadvantage, in supported residential settings, to develop insights into the development and implementation of policies and practices to promote long term nutritional health and wellbeing. Design: A scoping review searched Scopus, ProQuest, CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE and Web of Science databases using the terms \u27resident\u27, \u27nutrition\u27, \u27disadvantage\u27, \u27intervention\u27 and their synonyms, with particular emphasis on interventions in residential settings. Setting: Residential services providing nutrition provision and support Participants: People experiencing extreme disadvantage Results: From 5262 articles, seven were included in final synthesis. Most interventions focused on building food literacy knowledge and skills. Study designs and outcome measures varied however all reported descriptive improvements in behaviour and motivation. In addition to food literacy, it was suggested that interventions need to address behaviour and motivations, program sustainability, long term social, physical and economic barriers, and provide support for participants during transition into independent living. Socio-economic issues remain key barriers to long term health and wellbeing. Conclusions: In addition to food literacy education, future research and interventions should consider utilising an academic-community partnership, addressing nutrition-related mental health challenges, motivation and behaviour change and a phased approach to improve support for individuals transitioning into independent living