Dual burden of individual malnutrition in children 1-4 years: Findings from the Colombian nutritional health survey ENSIN 2015.

Background: To date there are no studies with estimation of multiple types of double burden of individual malnutrition (DBIM) and evaluation of associated determinants.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence and social determinants associated with the double burden of individual malnutrition in children aged 1-4 years.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from Colombian nutritional heath survey ENSIN 2015. Global DBIM was analysed on the basis of excess weight and the presence of one or more micronutrient deficiencies (vitamin A, D, zinc, or iron) and/or stunting. Specific DBIM pairs were also analysed. Logistic regression was used to evaluate variables associated with DBIM.

Results: The sample consisted of 6807 children. The overall DBIM prevalence was 4%. The prevalence of DBIM in children affected by overweight or obesity was 75%. Male sex was associated with global DBIM (OR 2.19 (1.52-3.16) p = 0.000), indigenous children presented 6 times the DBIM due to stunting (OR 6.17 (1.67-22.7) p = 0.007). Children from the Atlantic (OR 3.95 (1.23-12.61) p = 0.021), central (OR 8.80 (2.38-32.49) p = 0.001) and Pacific (OR 4.19 (1.21-14.49) p = 0.024) regions, had a higher chance of DBIM due to iron deficiency. Children from east region (OR 3.03 (1.12-8.16) p = 0.029) and Bogotá city (OR 4.15 (1.65-12.32) p = 0.004) were associated with DBIM due to vitamin D deficiency.

Conclusions: Children with overweight or obesity had a high likelihood of presenting micronutrients deficiencies or stunting. Ethnicity, male sex and country region of residence were variables associated with overall DBIM or specific DBIM.