Abstract
BackgroundThe coexistence of overweight/obesity and undernutrition is often referred to as the double burden of malnutrition (DB). DB was shown to exist in many developing countries, especially in urban areas. Much less is known about DB in rural areas of developing countries. Also, the exact definition of DB varies between studies, making comparison difficult. The objective of this study is to analyse DB problems in rural Kenya, using and comparing different DB definitions and measurement approaches.MethodsFood intake and anthropometric data were collected from 874 male and female adults and 184 children (< 5 years) through a cross-section survey in rural areas of Western Kenya. DB at the individual level is defined as a person suffering simultaneously from overweight/obesity and micronutrient deficiency or stunting. DB at the household level is defined as an overweight/obese adult and an undernourished child living in the same household, using underweight, stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiency as indicators of child undernutrition.ResultsDB at the individual level is found in 19% of the adults, but only in 1% of the children. DB at the household level is relatively low (1–3%) when using wasting or underweight as indicators of child undernutrition, but much higher (13–17%) when using stunting or micronutrient deficiency as indicators.ConclusionVarious forms of DB problems exist in rural Kenya at household and individual levels. Prevalence rates depend on how exactly DB is defined and measured. The rise of overweight and obesity, even in rural areas, and their coexistence with different forms of undernutrition are challenges for food and nutrition policies.
Highlights
The coexistence of overweight/obesity and undernutrition is often referred to as the double burden of malnutrition (DB)
Adults in the sample have an average age of 46.2 years, whereas children have an average age of 35.5 months
Results indicate that DB problems exist in rural Kenya, even though the magnitude varies depending on the concrete definition used
Summary
The coexistence of overweight/obesity and undernutrition is often referred to as the double burden of malnutrition (DB). DB was shown to exist in many developing countries, especially in urban areas. Much less is known about DB in rural areas of developing countries. The objective of this study is to analyse DB problems in rural Kenya, using and comparing different DB definitions and measurement approaches. Various nutritional problems exist in developing countries. Rates of overweight and obesity are increasing rapidly in many places [1,2,3]. The coexistence of undernutrition and overweight/obesity in the same countries, communities, and households is known as the double burden of malnutrition (DB) [4]. Many existing studies analyse DB within households by looking at pairs of overweight mothers and undernourished children. Reported prevalence rates of this type of DB problem within households range from less than 5% in sub-
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