Introduction:

The least developed countries exhibit significantly higher levels of stunting in children under 5 years of age, as well as anemia in women aged 15 to 49 years. In 2022, stunting affected 22,3 % of children under 5 years of age worldwide.

Objective:

to update the knowledge and state of the art of biopsychosocial factors associated with undernutrition of children under 5 years of age.

Methodology:

Scientific articles in Spanish and English, describing the factors associated with undernutrition were searched in the Medline, Embase, and ScienceDirect databases.

Results:

A total of 81 studies were selected of which 80,25 % were cross-sectional observational studies. Food insecurity is a factor affecting the health of children. Improving maternal education has a positive impact on the nutrition of children under five years of age.

Discussion:

Children suffering from undernutrition become lethargic and passive, and are deprived of the stimulation necessary for their proper mental and social development.

Conclusion:

Understanding the multicausality of undernutrition in children under 5 years of age is necessary to improve human capital in communities.

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