| Concurrent child undernutrition indicators in Malawi: application of trivariate logistic regression |
| Authors: |
Tsirizani Mwalimu Kaombe |
| Source: |
Frontiers in Nutrition, 13 |
| Topic(s): |
Child feeding
Child health
Nutrition
|
| Country: |
Africa
Malawi
|
| Published: |
MAY 2026 |
| Abstract: |
BACKGROUND: The sub-Saharan Africa region faces a significant burden of child undernutrition. Indicators of child nutrition are often interrelated; however, previous research has typically analyzed them separately.
METHODS: This article investigated the risk of joint child stunting, underweight, and wasting in children under 5 years old in Malawi, utilizing trivariate logistic regression. The study used data from the 2024 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey. All computations were carried out using R software version 4.5.3.
RESULTS: The findings revealed that stunting and underweight frequently occurred together in children, sharing similar risk factors. However, the cases of simultaneous stunting and wasting, as well as underweight and wasting, could not be adequately explained by the available factors. The likelihood of experiencing both stunting and underweight was lower in children aged 12 months and above, those from middle- or high-income households, and those living in rural areas. Conversely, the risk of these two conditions was higher in children with higher birth orders.
CONCLUSION: Analyzing the risk factors associated with concurrent child undernutrition outcomes provides valuable data for developing child health policies aimed at eliminating multiple forms of undernutrition. |
| Web: |
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2026.1848833 |
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