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Abstract
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.