A recent study by Okyere et al. (2024) titled “Mother-child dyads of overnutrition and undernutrition in sub-Saharan Africa” published in the Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition shows a significant prevalence of mother-child dyads where the mother is overweight or obese and the child is undernourished in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Prevalence of mother-child malnutrition dyads in sub-Saharan Africa, influenced by maternal, child, and contextual factors.– Okyere et al. 2024
The article examines the prevalence and determinants of malnutrition among mother-child pairs in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the dual burden of overnutrition (overweight or obese mothers) and undernutrition (stunted, underweight, or wasted children) within the same household. Various factors contribute to these nutritional disparities, including maternal characteristics such as age, education, marital status, employment, and breastfeeding practices, as well as child-related factors like age, birth weight, and health conditions. The study highlights that older, educated, and divorced mothers are more likely to belong to overnutrition-undernutrition dyads, whereas working mothers and those who breastfeed face lower odds. Male children and those born later in birth order are at greater risk of these nutritional imbalances. Regional variations were also identified, with some sub-regions experiencing higher or lower prevalence rates. The findings underscore the importance of multidimensional strategies to address malnutrition in the region. Empowering women through education and economic opportunities, alongside implementing and reinforcing comprehensive multisectoral nutrition policies, is critical. Coordinated efforts are essential to combat the complex and interrelated challenges of malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa.
The authors also discuss the factors influencing Dyads, which include:
Maternal Factors: A higher likelihood of these dyads was found among older women (aged 45-49), those with primary or secondary education, and divorced women. Conversely, lower odds were observed among women who were working and those who were breastfeeding.
Child Factors: Female children were less likely to be part of these dyads compared to male children. Children of all age groups (except those under 1 year) were more likely to be part of these dyads. Other significant factors included low birth weight, having diarrhea, and higher birth order.
Contextual Factors: Children from households using unimproved toilet facilities, those living in rural areas, and those from Central, Eastern, and Western sub-Saharan Africa were less likely to be part of these dyads.
Regional Differences: The study highlighted regional differences in the prevalence of these dyads, suggesting that addressing this issue requires tailored policies and interventions that consider regional contexts.
How the Study was Conducted
The study employed data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) of 25 sub-Saharan African countries. The authors analyzed a sample of 125,280 mother-child dyads to explore the prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition among these pairs. The study focused on the coexistence of overnutrition (overweight or obese mothers) and undernutrition (stunted, underweight, or wasted children) within the same households. Various factors influencing these nutritional disparities were identified, including maternal age, education, marital status, employment, breastfeeding practices, and child characteristics such as age, birth weight, and health conditions. In addition, the authors employed statistical methods to analyze the data and identify significant associations between these factors and the prevalence of overnutrition-undernutrition dyads. The study also examined regional differences in the prevalence of these dyads across sub-Saharan Africa.
What the Authors Found
The study found significant prevalence of mother-child dyads where the mother is overweight or obese and the child is undernourished in sub-Saharan Africa. This includes combinations such as overweight/obese mothers with stunted, underweight, or wasted children.
Why is this important?
Public Health: Malnutrition remains a significant public health issue globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding the prevalence and factors associated with mother-child dyads of overnutrition and undernutrition can help in developing targeted interventions to address these issues.
Policy and Interventions: The study highlights the need for multidimensional policies and interventions that empower women through education and economic engagement. By identifying the factors influencing these dyads, policymakers can design more effective strategies to combat malnutrition.
Regional Differences: The research underscores regional differences in the prevalence of these dyads, suggesting that tailored policies and interventions are necessary to address the specific needs of different regions within sub-Saharan Africa.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The findings are crucial for achieving SDG 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030. Addressing the double burden of malnutrition is essential for meeting these global targets.
Economic Impact: Malnutrition has significant economic implications, including increased healthcare costs, reduced productivity, and a negative impact on economic development. By addressing malnutrition, countries can improve their economic outcomes and overall development.
Empowerment and Education: The study emphasizes the importance of empowering women through education and economic opportunities. Educated and economically empowered women are better equipped to provide for their families and ensure their children receive adequate nutrition.
Comprehensive Nutrition Plans: The research calls for comprehensive and coordinated efforts to implement and strengthen multisectoral nutrition plans across sub-Saharan Africa. Sharing best practices and lessons learned can enhance the effectiveness of nutrition interventions and reduce the prevalence of malnutrition.
What the Authors Recommended
- The authors emphasize the need for policies and interventions that empower women through education and economic engagement. This approach can help address the root causes of malnutrition.
- The authors call for comprehensive and coordinated efforts to implement and strengthen multisectoral nutrition plans across sub-Saharan Africa. This includes sharing best practices and lessons learned to improve the effectiveness and comprehensiveness of nutrition interventions.
- The study highlights the importance of considering regional differences in the prevalence of mother-child dyads of overnutrition and undernutrition. Tailored policies and interventions that take into account regional contexts are necessary to effectively address malnutrition.
- Empowering women through education is crucial. Educated women are better equipped to provide for their families and ensure their children receive adequate nutrition.
- Economic engagement of women is also essential. Women who are economically empowered can make better decisions regarding their family’s nutrition and health.
In conclusion, the study by Okyere et al. (2024) sheds critical light on the dual burden of malnutrition among mother-child dyads in sub-Saharan Africa, emphasizing the urgent need for multidimensional and region-specific strategies. By addressing the interplay of maternal, child, and contextual factors, empowering women through education and economic opportunities, and fostering coordinated multisectoral nutrition policies, stakeholders can make significant strides toward eradicating malnutrition. This research not only aligns with global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals but also underscores the importance of holistic and inclusive approaches to improving public health and fostering sustainable development in the region.
Cite this article as (APA format):
AR Managing Editor (2024). Mother-Child Malnutrition Dyads in Sub-Saharan Africa: Prevalence, Determinants, and Policy Insights. Retrieved from https://www.africanresearchers.org/mother-child-malnutrition-dyads-in-sub-saharan-africa-prevalence-determinants-and-policy-insights/
The African Research (AR) Index is a comprehensive scholarly directory and database focused explicitly on journal publishers that publish and disseminate African research.
