Magnitude and determinants of double burden of malnutrition among married women in Africa: a multi-country analysis from 25 countries

The Double Burden of Malnutrition among women in Africa is a pressing public health issue. However, there is a lack of comprehensive evidence on this phenomenon and its determinants. This study aims to bridge this gap by exploring the determinants of the double burden of malnutrition, with a particular focus on women’s decision-making power.

This study analyzed data come from DHS datasets from 25 African countries. The analysis included 114,101 married non-pregnant women. Nutritional status was assessed using BMI. We conducted chi-squared tests for bivariate analysis and multilevel baseline category logit models for multivariable analysis. Results were presented as relative risk ratio (RRR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals.

This study found that 11.4% of women were underweight and 17.2% were overweight or obese. Socio-demographic factors such as residence, age, education, wealth status, and decision-making power were significantly associated with malnutrition. Rural residence and younger age groups were associated with higher underweight prevalence, while older age groups and urban residence exhibited increased overweight and obesity risks. Higher education and wealth quantile, health insurance, and economic decision making power were associated with higher overweight and obesity while breastfeeding was found to reduce the risk of obesity and obesity.

This study uncovers malnutrition challenges among women residing in 25 African countries. Addressing malnutrition requires diverse strategies, including food security, healthcare enhancement, encouraging breastfeeding with adequate support, implementing culturally sensitive interventions that acknowledge and integrate cultural beliefs and practices concerning nutrition and body image and empowering women.