Malnutrition in all its forms and socio-economic disparities in children under 5 years of age and women of reproductive age in Peru.

Abstract

To compare the distribution of malnutrition by socio-economic indicators (SEI) in Peruvian children under 5years and women of reproductive age (WRA). We analysed data from the National Demographic and Family Health Survey. WHO criteria were used to define malnutrition indicators (overweight/obesity combined (OW); wasting/underweight; stunting/short stature; anaemia). Linear combination test was used to compare the prevalence of malnutrition by SEI (wealth index as a proxy of socio-economic status (SES); education; ethnicity). Prevalence ratio (PR) was used to describe disparities and associations between malnutrition and SEI. Peru (2015). Children (n 22 833) under 5years and WRA (n 33 503; 5008 adolescents and 28 495 adults). The most prevalent form of malnutrition was anaemia (32·0 %) in children and OW in adolescent and adult WRA (31·3 and 65·1 %, respectively). Adjusted models showed that stunting and anaemia were significantly lower among children with high SES (PR = 0·25, 0·67), high-educated mothers (PR = 0·26, 0·76) and higher in indigenous children (PR = 1·3, 1·2); conversely, OW was higher among those with high SES and high-educated mothers (PR = 1·8, 1·6) compared with their lowest counterparts. In WRA, stunting/short stature was lower among those with high SES, high education and higher in indigenous adult women. OW in adolescents and adults was higher in high SES (PR = 1·4, 1·1), lower in indigenous adult women (PR = 0·84) and lower in high-educated adult women (PR = 0·86). In the studied population, the distribution of malnutrition was associated with SEI disparities. Effective policies that integrate actions to overcome the double burden of malnutrition and reduce disparities are needed.