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.


OBJECTIVE
The study aimed to identify the factors associated with concurrent stunting and overweight in urban preschool children of Yaounde, Cameroon.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
Poor preschool children of Yaounde are facing concomitant stunting and overweight. More studies are needed to better assess the impact of maternal factors.
Said-Mohamed
Rihlat
R
CNRS/MNHN, Paris, France.
Allirot
Xavier
X
Sobgui
Makamto
M
Pasquet
Patrick
P
D015992:Body Mass Index; D002163:Cameroon; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009752:Nutritional Status; D050177:Overweight / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D012885:Skinfold Thickness; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors