SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS AND MID-UPPER ARM CIRCUMFERENCE–BASED RISK OF CHRONIC ENERGY DEFICIENCY AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Chronic energy deficiency (CED) remains a nutritional concern among women of reproductive age, shaped in part by socioeconomic circumstances and access to adequate food. Identifying CED risk through mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurement is particularly important during the preconception period. This review aimed to examine the associations of education, income, employment, and household food security with CED risk among non-pregnant women aged 15–35 years. A narrative literature review was conducted using eight primary research articles. Findings were descriptively analyzed and synthesized across four socioeconomic determinants, considering population characteristics, MUAC-based indicators, and variations in reported associations. Several studies reported significant associations between educational attainment, employment, household food security, and CED risk or low MUAC. Lower educational attainment and household food insecurity were generally associated with greater odds of CED, whereas findings regarding income varied across study settings. Differences in participant characteristics and outcome definitions limited direct comparisons of effect estimates. Socioeconomic factors are associated with CED risk among women of reproductive age, although the consistency of evidence varies across determinants. Preconception nutrition strategies should integrate nutrition literacy, economic circumstances, employment conditions, and household food access. Further research using more consistent population criteria and MUAC-based definitions is needed to strengthen the evidence specifically for non-pregnant women aged 15–35 years.