Double burden of malnutrition in children aged 24 to 59 months by socioeconomic status in five South Asian countries: evidence from demographic and health surveys.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the socioeconomic inequalities in the burden of underweight and overweight among children in South Asia. We also examined other factors that were associated with these outcomes independently of household's socioeconomic status.

Design

Nationally-representative surveys.

Settings

Demographic and Health Surveys from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Maldives and Nepal, which were conducted between 2009 and 2016.

Participants

Children aged 24 to 59 months with valid measurement for height and weight (n=146 996).

Primary exposure and outcome measures

Primary exposures were household's wealth index and level of education. Underweight and overweight were defined according to the WHO and International Obesity Task Force definitions,

SUBMITTER: Hossain FB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7076246 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature