Socio-Economic Inequalities in the Double Burden of Malnutrition among under-Five Children: Evidence from 10 Selected Sub-Saharan African Countries

Abstract

Background: Africa is unlikely to end hunger and all forms of malnutrition by 2030 due to public health problems such as the double burden of malnutrition (DBM). Thus, the aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of DBM and degree of socio-economic inequality in double burden of malnutrition among children under 5 years in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: This study used multi-country data collected by the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Program. Data for this analysis were drawn from the DHS women’s questionnaire focusing on children under 5 years. The outcome variable for this study was the double burden of malnutrition (DBM). This variable was computed from four indicators: stunting, wasting, underweight and overweight. Inequalities in DBM among children under 5 years were measured using concentration indices (CI). Results: The total number of children included in this analysis was 55,285. DBM was highest in Burundi (26.74%) and lowest in Senegal (8.80%). The computed adjusted Erreygers Concentration Indices showed pro-poor socio-economic child health inequalities relative to the double burden of malnutrition. The DBM pro-poor inequalities were most intense in Zimbabwe (−0.0294) and least intense in Burundi (−0.2206). Conclusions: This study has shown that across SSA, among under-five children, the poor suffer more from the DBM relative to the wealthy. If we are not to leave any child behind, we must address these socio-economic inequalities in sub-Saharan Africa.

The double burden of malnutrition in individuals: Identifying key challenges and re‐thinking research focus

“…Studies investigating the risk factors for DBM in individuals have identified associations with a number of factors. These include infant feeding practices, both affluence and poverty (Alaba et al, 2023), advanced maternal age, abdominal obesity in women and larger household sizes (Sunuwar et al, 2020). The interplay between nutritional deprivation and early-life infections contributes to metabolic changes, which we discuss in more detail later in this review, increasing susceptibility to obesity in adulthood (Leocádio et al, 2021).…”

Lecithin and cardiovascular health: a comprehensive review

“…Inadequate access to healthcare services, poor preventative measures and late diagnosis and treatment options significantly contribute to the high mortality rate from CVDs [ 62 – 64 ]. Socioeconomic disparities, including poverty, unemployment and restricted access to good food and physical activity, contribute to the escalating prevalence of CVD risk factors in Africa [ 65 – 67 ]. Furthermore, the lack of public awareness about CVDs and their risk factors hampers early diagnosis and intervention, leading to complications and increased mortality [ 68 , 69 ].…”

Efficacy of ready‐to‐use food supplement for treatment of moderate acute malnutrition among children aged 6 to 59 months

“…Malnutrition is a significant global public health burden, particularly for under‐fives. It is also a barrier to worldwide poverty eradication, productivity and economic expansion (Alaba et al, 2023 ). Undernutrition is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children, particularly in tropical regions where children frequently suffer from a combination of pre‐natal and post‐natal malnutrition (Makori et al, 2018 ).…”