Food preferences and associated factors of children aged 7–12 living in temporary shelters after the 2023 earthquake in Turkey: A cross-sectional study

Following an earthquake, there is a probability of disruption in food security that may deteriorate the nutritional status of individuals, particularly children and adolescents residing in the impacted region. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status and associated factors of children aged 7 to 12 residing in temporary shelters in Malatya province, an area significantly impacted by a major earthquake. This study included 317 children aged 7 to 12 years residing in temporary shelters affected by the earthquake. A quantitative method was employed to evaluate nutritional status and its related malnutrition factors, whereas a qualitative approach was used to explore, triangulate, and gather comprehensive information concerning food safety, water hygiene, sanitation, and health in the post-earthquake context. The mean age of the children was 9.42 ± 1.98 years. They were living in temporary shelters for 8.97 ± 1.24 months. Individuals had mild food insecurity due to the earthquakes. Following the earthquake, there was a notable reduction in the consumption of fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and dairy products (P < .05). In the study area, 35.64% were underweight, 21.76% were stunted, and 17.35% exhibited very low weight for height. Gender, family size, father's employment status, average monthly income, parental education levels, and duration of residence in temporary shelters significantly influenced the body weight of underweight children (P < .05). It shows that in order to ensure food security after a major disaster, socioeconomic conditions should be improved, assistance for adequate and balanced nutrition for children should be increased, and occupancy rates of emergency shelters should be limited.