Household Double Burden of Malnutrition in Kuala Lumpur: Prevalence,Subtypes,and Associated Factors in Low-Cost Housing Communities

Abstract

The household double burden of malnutrition (DBM), where maternal overnutrition coexists with child undernutrition, is a concern in Malaysia, as adult obesity rises alongside child undernutrition. Local evidence focused on rural and indigenous populations, lacking studies in vulnerable urban communities. This study determined the prevalence, subtypes, and factors associated with household DBM among residents of low-cost housing communities in Kuala Lumpur. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from April to July 2024 among 346 households of children attending public early childhood education centres, using cluster random sampling. Data on sociodemographics, food security, dietary diversity, and anthropometry were collected and analysed with SPSS 29. Household DBM prevalence was 11.0%, predominantly among underweight children. Risk was higher with maternal short stature (aOR 2.80, 95% CI [1.01-7.76]) and higher child birth order (aOR 2.03, 95% CI [1.15-3.59]), while older maternal age was protective (aOR 0.84, 95% CI [0.74-0.96]). These findings support the need for integrated maternal and child nutrition strategies, guided by local data.