# Influence of Emergency Situations on Maternal and Infant Nutrition: Evidence and Policy Implications from Hurricane John in Guerrero, Mexico

## TL;DR

This study shows how a hurricane in Mexico disrupted maternal and infant nutrition, highlighting the need for better emergency policies to protect vulnerable populations.

## Contribution

The study provides new evidence on how emergency situations like hurricanes impact maternal and child nutrition practices and outcomes in a specific region.

## Key findings

- Breastfeeding rates dropped significantly among infants aged 0–6 months after the hurricane.
- Malnutrition increased in children under two years of age based on weight and arm circumference measurements.
- A significant proportion of pregnant women had either excessive or insufficient pre-pregnancy weight.

## Abstract

In emergencies, the maternal and child populations face increased risk of morbidity and mortality, often exacerbated by malnutrition. Breastfeeding, adequate complementary feeding, and appropriate prenatal care can mitigate these risks. This descriptive cross-sectional study compared data collected before and after Hurricane John related to maternal, infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices and the nutritional status of pregnant women and children under two years of age. Data were collected in December 2024 from the two provinces most affected in Guerrero, Mexico. Surveys were completed for 239 children through caregivers and 76 pregnant women, alongside anthropometric assessments. After the disaster, findings showed a significant decline in breastfeeding among 0–6-month-olds (88.7% to 71.1%) and an increase in dietary diversity in complementary feeding (3.6 ± 2.1 vs. 4.5 ± 1.5 food groups). Malnutrition, based on weight-for-length z-scores, was observed in 4.8% of children aged 0–6 months and 2.6% of those aged 6–24 months. According to mid-upper arm circumference, 8.4% of children aged 0–6 months presented malnutrition. Among pregnant women, based on body mass index, 41.5% had excessive pre-pregnancy weight, while 12.3% were underweight. These findings underscore the urgent need to integrate maternal and child nutrition into emergency preparedness and response strategies to protect vulnerable populations in Mexico.