DOUBLE BURDEN OF MALNUTRITION IN 6–14-YEAR-OLD STUDENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN THAI NGUYEN CITY

DOI: 10.18173/2354-1059.2023-0034

Tóm tắt

The double burden of malnutrition is a significant issue that affects students’ health, academic performance, and overall well-being. This study was conducted to determine the status of the double burden of malnutrition among students in Thai Nguyen city. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,861 children who reside in Thai Nguyen city and are between the ages of 6 to 14 years old. The criteria for assessing nutritional status in children in this study involved a combination of the 2007 World Health Organization (WHO) standards and the International Obesity Task Force's (IOTF) standards. The study revealed a concerning situation of the double burden of malnutrition among this population. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was relatively high compared to previous surveys, with approximately 28.6% of students. On the other hand, the rate of thinness was also around 12.3% among students. The rate of overweight and obesity was higher in boys compared to girls, with 34.3% of male students compared to 22.4% of female students. The rate of thinness was higher in girls compared to boys, with 15.1% of female students compared to 9.9% of male students (P = 0.038). There were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of thinness, overweight, and obesity when compared between primary school and secondary school students. These findings suggest that Thai Nguyen city faces a complex nutritional challenge, with both overnutrition and undernutrition coexisting among students. By addressing the double burden of malnutrition, we can improve the overall health and well-being of the student population, setting the foundation for a healthier future generation.