Gender Disparities in the Double Burden of Malnutrition (DBM) among Adolescents in Bangladesh

Aesa Nuraea Toma, Student
M Sheikh Giash Uddin, Jagannath University

Adolescence is a pivotal stage marked by significant physical and emotional changes. The double burden of malnutrition (DBM), the coexistence of underweight and overweight in the population, has become a global issue. This study aims to assess the prevalence of DBM and identify associated factors among adolescents in Bangladesh. Data from the Bangladesh Adolescent Health and Wellbeing Survey (BAHWS) 2019-20), conducted by the National Institute of Population Research and Training (NIPORT), were analyzed. The sample included 3885 female and 2741 male adolescents aged 15-19. A binary logistic regression model was used to explore the relationship between DBM and various key factors. The study found that 35.3% of female and 39.5% of male adolescents were underweight. Overweight was observed in 8.4% of female and 7.7% of male adolescents. For female adolescents, Increased likelihood of underweight was associated with living in the central region (OR: 1.52), second wealth (OR: 0.70) and overweight was more among incomplete secondary education (OR: 2.67) and consumed meat (OR: 1.27). For male adolescents, Higher likelihood was associated with being 16 years old (OR: 1.85) and consumed yellow vegetable (OR: 1.54). Addressing these issues through gender-responsive education and improved nutritional policies may enhance the nutritional status of adolescents.

Keywords: Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Health and Morbidity, Gender Dynamics, Data and Methods

See paper.