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TL;DR
The study found a high burden of underweight and stunting, with poverty and low empowerment being key risk factors for undernutrition.
BMJ Open · 6 authors, 3 centres
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The study found a high burden of underweight and stunting, with poverty and low empowerment being key risk factors for undernutrition.
The primary outcomes were BMI categories (underweight, normal, overweight/obese) and stunting. The prevalence of underweight was high at 36.9%, and stunting affected 9.2% of participants. Multivariable hierarchical models were used to evaluate associations between malnutrition and socioeconomic, health, and empowerment factors. Key findings showed that impoverishment was strongly associated with an increased risk of undernutrition, while higher wealth and food security were linked to being overweight/obese. Increased education and food security were associated with reduced stunting risk. The study is limited by its cross-sectional design, reliance on self-reported data, and specific focus on a rural Pakistani context.