Objectives
To assess the magnitude of double burden of malnutrition and its associated factors among in-school adolescents in Arba Minch town, Southern Ethiopia.
Methods
School based, Cross-sectional study was conducted among 634 adolescents in Arba Minch town from March to April, 2015.Stratified multi-stage sampling method was used. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic, food insecurity and physical activity data. Anthropometric measurements [weight, height, waist circumference and hip circumference] were performed by using calibrated equipments and standardized techniques. Finally bivariate and multivariate analysis was done using multinomial regression model using SPSS, version21 and WHO Anthro-Plus software, version 1.0.4 for classifying nutritional status of adolescents.
Results
The magnitude of underweight, normal and overweight and/or obesity were 19.7% (95%CI: 16.5%, 23.2%), 69.2% (95%CI: 66.2%, 72.2%) and 11.2% (95%CI: 8.7%, 13.7%), respectively. Respondents whose family size of five or less were 80% times less likely to be underweight [AOR=0.2; 95% CI= 0.12 to 0.4] compared to those whose family size of more than 5, whereas, the odds of being overweight and/or obesity was 79% times lower in participants who spent 9 hours and less in sitting than those who spent in sitting above 9 hours per day [AOR=0.21; 95% CI=0.1 to 0.4)].
Conclusions
This study revealed the coexistence of double burden of malnutrition among in-school adolescents. Parentsâ education, family size and wealth index were some significantly associated factors.
