سلسله همایش های بین المللی کرامت انسانی

صفحه اصلی / سومین کنگره بین المللی حقوق سلامت ( حقوق تغذیه و امنیت غذایی )

Exploring Vulnerable Populations and Foodborne Illness: Examining Disparities and Intervention Strategies — A Systematic Review

نویسندگان :

Fatemeh Farajtabar¹

1- دانشگاه علوم پزشکی شهید بهشتی

کلمات کلیدی :

Foodborne Illness،Vulnerable Populations،Health Disparities،Food Safety،Public Health Interventions

چکیده :

Background Foodborne illness disproportionately affects certain populations, exacerbating existing health disparities. This systematic review aims to identify vulnerable groups at increased risk of foodborne illness, explore the underlying factors contributing to these disparities, and evaluate the effectiveness of intervention strategies targeting these populations. Materials and Methods A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and grey literature databases, using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies were included if they reported data on the incidence, prevalence, or risk factors for foodborne illness in specific vulnerable populations, or evaluated interventions designed to reduce foodborne illness risk in these groups. Data extraction included population characteristics, foodborne pathogens of concern, risk factors, intervention strategies, and outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using established tools. Results Vulnerable populations identified included pregnant women, young children, older adults, immunocompromised individuals, racial and ethnic minorities, low-income communities, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Community-based interventions, including food safety education programs, regulatory improvements, and initiatives aimed at enhancing food access, have demonstrated moderate success in reducing foodborne disease rates among at-risk populations . Factors contributing to disparities included compromised immune function, limited access to healthcare and food safety education, inadequate food handling practices, and exposure to contaminated food sources. Effective interventions encompassed culturally tailored food safety education programs, improved access to safe food sources, enhanced food handling training for food service workers, and targeted public health campaigns. Conclusion The review highlights foodborne illness disparities among vulnerable populations, emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions and equitable food safety policies, despite systemic barriers like socioeconomic inequalities and limited food access.