Determinants of overweight associated with stunting in preschool children of Yaoundé, Cameroon

• Published in: Annals of human biology Vol. 36; no. 2; pp. 146 - 161
• Main Authors: Said-Mohamed, Rihlat, Allirot, Xavier, Sobgui, Makamto, Pasquet, Patrick
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Informa UK Ltd 01.01.2009; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: Body Mass Index; Cameroon; Central Africa; Child, Preschool; Female; Growth Disorders - epidemiology; Growth Disorders - etiology; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; maternal factors; Nutritional Status; overweight; Overweight - epidemiology; Overweight - etiology; preschool children; Skinfold Thickness; Socioeconomic Factors; stunting; Cameroon
• ISSN: 0301-4460; 1464-5033; 1464-5033
• DOI: 10.1080/03014460802660526

Background: Nutrition transition in developing countries has been associated with higher prevalence of overweight. Aim: The study aimed to identify the factors associated with concurrent stunting and overweight in urban preschool children of Yaoundé, Cameroon. Subjects and methods: 169 preschool children of both sexes were recruited according to their nutritional status: Stunted, overweight, stunted-overweight, and non-stunted-non-overweight. Factors associated with concurrent stunting and overweight were investigated through interviewer-administered questionnaires. A binary logistic regression model was used to determine the relation between nutritional statuses and associated factors. Results: A low-income family and a low maternal educational level are independent risk factors for a child to be stunted-overweight [odds ratios (95% CI): 3.81 (13.32-1.08), 2.90 (7.82-1.07), respectively]. Mother under-evaluation of child's weight is a factor associated with stunting-overweight and overweight in children [odds ratios (95% CI): 3.42 (8.72-1.33), 6.52 (18.09-2.34), respectively]. Being overweight is also related to higher birth weight. Unlike stunted children, stunted-overweight children live with both their parents and have an older mother. Short maternal stature and mother's over-evaluation of her child's height are independent factors associated with stunting. Conclusion: Poor preschool children of Yaoundé are facing concomitant stunting and overweight. More studies are needed to better assess the impact of maternal factors.