Abstract
This study aimed to examine the impact of a wide range of demographic, socioeconomic, and community factors on the double burden of malnutrition among women of reproductive age using longitudinal data. We used data about 11,348 women of reproductive age who participated in the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), a longitudinal survey, between 1989 and 2015. Nutritional outcomes were categorized into four groups, namely underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity, with normal weight as reference. A multinomial logit model was fitted due to geographic clustering and repeated observations of individuals. The prevalence of underweight decreased over time from 1991 but has tended to rise again since 2004, while the prevalence of overweight/obesity continued to rise between 1991 and 2015. Improved individual factors, socioeconomic status, and community urbanization reduced the risk of underweight but elevated the risk of overweight and obesity. The medium levels, rather than the highest levels, of household income and community urbanization are associated with a higher risk of overweight and obesity. The notable increase in underweight prevalence is a cause for concern to be addressed along with efforts to curb the rising tide of overweight. In order to enhance the nutritional status of women of reproductive age, it is essential to improving the community environment, levels of education, and living environment from a wider context. Long-term and targeted plans are urgently needed for nutrition improvements among the different populations.
Highlights
The nutritional status of women of reproductive age has a crucial influence on the health of women in the pre-pregnancy period and has implications for pregnancy outcomes and health for the generation [1]
Recent studies have shown that about 20% of maternal deaths are caused by anemia, which is a risk factor that accounts for 50% of all maternal deaths [5]
The results indicated that household/individual level sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors, including marital status, education level, medical insurance, and household income per capita, are significant predictors of women’s nutritional status
Summary
The nutritional status of women of reproductive age has a crucial influence on the health of women in the pre-pregnancy period and has implications for pregnancy outcomes and health for the generation [1]. It is closely related to nutritional reserves and status throughout pregnancy [2], as well as the development of the fetus and newborn [3]. 15–49 (30% of women’s population) are suffering from anemia worldwide, with the highest proportion in Africa (48–57%) and the largest number of them in Southeast Asia (182 million of childbearing age and 18 million in the state of pregnancy) [4]. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia caused by inadequate iron intake and storage in the body. It is the most common nutritional disorder in the world and is affecting many children and women in developing countries [6]. It is essential to note that iron deficiency anemia is usually preventable and highly treatable [7]
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