Determinants of overweight associated with stunting in preschool children of Yaounde, Cameroon.

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 Yaounde, 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 Yaounde are facing concomitant stunting and overweight. More studies are needed to better assess the impact of maternal factors.