Economic development and associations with growth of preschool children in the Middle East and North African Region

Abstract

ObjectivesGlobally, populations are experiencing major economic and social changes, which are coinciding with increasing prevalence of obesity, even as under‐nutrition has not been fully eliminated. In this study, we investigate the associations between growth patterns among young children and economic development in the Middle East and North African(MENA) Region, a region demonstrating these rapid changes and experiencing high levels of obesity in adult populations.MethodsWe used nationally representative data from the most recent Demographic and Health Survey (2001–2014) in the seven countries of the MENA region (n=47,998) with available data (Azerbaijan, Egypt, Jordan, Mauritania, Morocco, Turkey, and Yemen). Survey‐adjusted multinomial logistic regression was used to quantify predictors of child growth measured in terms of stunting, thinness, and overweight. Measures of economic development were quantified Gross Domestic Product and Human Development Index and change therein during the previous 5‐years.ResultsAdjusting for child and household characteristics, children in countries categorized as low HDI were more likely to be stunted (1.80[1.54,2.03]). Children in countries categorized as high HDI were less likely to be stunted (0.37[0.34,0.40]) or thin (0.18[0.15,0.21]) but were not more likely to be overweight (0.27[0.23,0.30]). A 1000 USD change in GDP in the past 5 years was associated with a higher prevalence of overweight (15.6%) compared to no change (5%) and a 2000 USD change (4.8%).ConclusionsAs HDI increases, children are less likely to be stunted. Rapid economic change is associated with child over‐nutrition. National economic indicators are associated with child growth patterns even after accounting for household and individual characteristics.