Tripartite of Malnutrition: Co-existence of Underweight, Overweight and Micronutrient Deficiency Among Children in Kisumu County, Kenya

OBJECTIVES: This study aim was to assess the status of underweight, overweight and micronutrient deficiency among children in Kisumu County, Kenya. Challenges facing Kenyan government include childhood underweight, overweight and micronutrient deficiencies. These forms of malnutrition have existed in several regions of the world with their consequences spreading to old age. A total of 11% of Kenyan children are underweight while 4% are overweight. Micronutrient deficiency affects 2 billion people worldwide with iron and Vitamin A Deficiency affecting 60% and 70% of children in Sub Saharan Africa respectively. Only 72% of Kenyan children consume diets rich in Vitamin A. METHODS: Cross sectional study was used that recruited 384 children aged less than 2 years. Anthropometric measurements assessed nutritional status while food frequency questionnaire assessed nutrient intake of children. STATA V.14 analyzed data. Bivariate analysis linked outcome and independent variables while multinomial logistic regression assessed factors influencing malnutritional status of children. RESULTS: A total of 23% of children were underweight while 30% were overweight. Only 10% consumed carbohydrate adequate diets while 31% consumed foods rich in iron. Children aged between 19 and 24 months had 80% higher risks of being overweight compared to those aged below 6 months while those living in permanent houses had 40% lower risks of being overweight compared to those living in temporary houses. Those with inadequate carbohydrate and iron intake had 20% and 80% lower risks respectively of being overweight compared to those with adequate intake. CONCLUSIONS: In Kisumu county, 23% of children were underweight while 30% were overweight. Only 31% consumed diets rich in iron sources. Mothers’ income, type of housing and micronutrient intake were associated with nutritional status of children. Interventions and policies to target this early age as is window period of opportunity. FUNDING SOURCES: This research was supported by the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa “CARTA”.