Temporal socio-economic inequalities in the double burden of malnutrition (DBM) among under-five Children: An analysis of within- and between-group disparities in 20 sub-Saharan African countries (2004–2024)
Background: The double burden of malnutrition (DBM) in sub-Saharan Africa is a pressing public health issue, particularly among children under five years old. DBM encompasses both undernutrition (stunting) and overnutrition (overweight) within the same population, often shaped by socio-economic disp...
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KeAi Communications Co., Ltd.
2025-01-01
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| author | Akim Tafadzwa Lukwa Denis Okova Paidamoyo Bodzo Sikelela Charles Maseko Melisa Bhebe Folahanmi Tomiwa Akinsolu Abodunrin Olunike Emmanuella Nzeribe Aggrey Siya Admire Nyabunze Charles Hongoro Plaxcedes Chiwire |
| author_facet | Akim Tafadzwa Lukwa Denis Okova Paidamoyo Bodzo Sikelela Charles Maseko Melisa Bhebe Folahanmi Tomiwa Akinsolu Abodunrin Olunike Emmanuella Nzeribe Aggrey Siya Admire Nyabunze Charles Hongoro Plaxcedes Chiwire |
| author_sort | Akim Tafadzwa Lukwa |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background: The double burden of malnutrition (DBM) in sub-Saharan Africa is a pressing public health issue, particularly among children under five years old. DBM encompasses both undernutrition (stunting) and overnutrition (overweight) within the same population, often shaped by socio-economic disparities. Addressing DBM in early childhood is vital, as malnutrition can lead to long-term health, cognitive, and developmental challenges. Methods: Using nationally representative data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) across 20 sub-Saharan African countries, this study examines temporal socio-economic inequalities in DBM. Countries include Zimbabwe, Kenya, Nigeria, and Mozambique, among others. DBM was defined using anthropometric measures, while socio-economic status (SES) was categorized as poor, middle, or rich. Temporal trends were analyzed, and inequalities were quantified using Erreygers Normalized Concentration Indices (ENCI) and Theil indices to explore within- and between-group disparities by SES and urban/rural residence. Results: DBM prevalence across countries ranged from 0.2 % to 4.6 %. Declines were noted in Zimbabwe and Kenya. Socio-economic inequalities were significant, with overnutrition increasingly concentrated in wealthier households, while undernutrition remained prevalent among poorer populations. Theil index analyses revealed within-group disparities as the primary drivers of overall inequality, particularly in urban wealthier populations, though rural and low-SES groups also contributed significantly in countries like Senegal and Mali. Conclusion: DBM is still present in sub-Saharan Africa and is driven by socio-economic inequalities. Targeted interventions focusing on improving access to nutritious food, healthcare, and education for vulnerable populations, particularly in rural and low-SES groups, are essential to reduce malnutrition disparities. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-dec5f2b97b894e72b8495e234c034432 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2589-7918 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | KeAi Communications Co., Ltd. |
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| series | Global Transitions |
| spelling | doaj-art-dec5f2b97b894e72b8495e234c0344322025-08-20T03:55:22ZengKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.Global Transitions2589-79182025-01-01726227510.1016/j.glt.2025.04.008Temporal socio-economic inequalities in the double burden of malnutrition (DBM) among under-five Children: An analysis of within- and between-group disparities in 20 sub-Saharan African countries (2004–2024)Akim Tafadzwa Lukwa0Denis Okova1Paidamoyo Bodzo2Sikelela Charles Maseko3Melisa Bhebe4Folahanmi Tomiwa Akinsolu5Abodunrin Olunike6Emmanuella Nzeribe7Aggrey Siya8Admire Nyabunze9Charles Hongoro10Plaxcedes Chiwire11Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Family Medicine, Family, Community and Emergency Care (FaCE), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Corresponding author. Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town. South Africa.Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Corresponding author.Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South AfricaHealth Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South AfricaHealth Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South AfricaCenter for Reproduction and Population Health Studies (CeRPHS), Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Public Health, Faculty of Basic Medical and Health Sciences, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, NigeriaCenter for Reproduction and Population Health Studies (CeRPHS), Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, PR ChinaSydani Institute for research and Innovation, Sydani Group, Plot 1422 Independence Avenue, Central Business District, Abuja, NigeriaUganda Wildlife Research and Training Institute, P.O. Box 173, Kasese, Uganda; Makerere University School of Public Health, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala UgandaZimbabwe National Statistics Agency, Statistician (Macroeconomics Division), Kaguvi Building, Cnr Central Avenue/Fourth Street, Causeway, P.O. Box CY 342, Harare, ZimbabweDevelopmental, Capable and Ethical State, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, 0001, Gauteng Province, South Africa; School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, Gauteng Province, South AfricaWestern Cape Department: Health, Western Cape Province, P.O. Box 2060, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa; Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, 6200 MD, Maastricht, the NetherlandsBackground: The double burden of malnutrition (DBM) in sub-Saharan Africa is a pressing public health issue, particularly among children under five years old. DBM encompasses both undernutrition (stunting) and overnutrition (overweight) within the same population, often shaped by socio-economic disparities. Addressing DBM in early childhood is vital, as malnutrition can lead to long-term health, cognitive, and developmental challenges. Methods: Using nationally representative data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) across 20 sub-Saharan African countries, this study examines temporal socio-economic inequalities in DBM. Countries include Zimbabwe, Kenya, Nigeria, and Mozambique, among others. DBM was defined using anthropometric measures, while socio-economic status (SES) was categorized as poor, middle, or rich. Temporal trends were analyzed, and inequalities were quantified using Erreygers Normalized Concentration Indices (ENCI) and Theil indices to explore within- and between-group disparities by SES and urban/rural residence. Results: DBM prevalence across countries ranged from 0.2 % to 4.6 %. Declines were noted in Zimbabwe and Kenya. Socio-economic inequalities were significant, with overnutrition increasingly concentrated in wealthier households, while undernutrition remained prevalent among poorer populations. Theil index analyses revealed within-group disparities as the primary drivers of overall inequality, particularly in urban wealthier populations, though rural and low-SES groups also contributed significantly in countries like Senegal and Mali. Conclusion: DBM is still present in sub-Saharan Africa and is driven by socio-economic inequalities. Targeted interventions focusing on improving access to nutritious food, healthcare, and education for vulnerable populations, particularly in rural and low-SES groups, are essential to reduce malnutrition disparities.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589791825000209Double burden of malnutrition (DBM)Socio-economic inequalitiesStuntingWastingOverweightUnder-five children |
| spellingShingle | Akim Tafadzwa Lukwa Denis Okova Paidamoyo Bodzo Sikelela Charles Maseko Melisa Bhebe Folahanmi Tomiwa Akinsolu Abodunrin Olunike Emmanuella Nzeribe Aggrey Siya Admire Nyabunze Charles Hongoro Plaxcedes Chiwire Temporal socio-economic inequalities in the double burden of malnutrition (DBM) among under-five Children: An analysis of within- and between-group disparities in 20 sub-Saharan African countries (2004–2024) Global Transitions Double burden of malnutrition (DBM) Socio-economic inequalities Stunting Wasting Overweight Under-five children |
| title | Temporal socio-economic inequalities in the double burden of malnutrition (DBM) among under-five Children: An analysis of within- and between-group disparities in 20 sub-Saharan African countries (2004–2024) |
| title_full | Temporal socio-economic inequalities in the double burden of malnutrition (DBM) among under-five Children: An analysis of within- and between-group disparities in 20 sub-Saharan African countries (2004–2024) |
| title_fullStr | Temporal socio-economic inequalities in the double burden of malnutrition (DBM) among under-five Children: An analysis of within- and between-group disparities in 20 sub-Saharan African countries (2004–2024) |
| title_full_unstemmed | Temporal socio-economic inequalities in the double burden of malnutrition (DBM) among under-five Children: An analysis of within- and between-group disparities in 20 sub-Saharan African countries (2004–2024) |
| title_short | Temporal socio-economic inequalities in the double burden of malnutrition (DBM) among under-five Children: An analysis of within- and between-group disparities in 20 sub-Saharan African countries (2004–2024) |
| title_sort | temporal socio economic inequalities in the double burden of malnutrition dbm among under five children an analysis of within and between group disparities in 20 sub saharan african countries 2004 2024 |
| topic | Double burden of malnutrition (DBM) Socio-economic inequalities Stunting Wasting Overweight Under-five children |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589791825000209 |
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