Multi-Level Correlates of the Nutritional Status of Nigerian Women of Reproductive Age

Abstract

Poor nutrition compromises the capacity of women to perform their vital roles as mothers and productive workers in their families, communities and society. Using a conceptual framework developed by the United Nations Children’s Fund, this study determines individual-, household- and community-level factors associated with the nutritional status of Nigerian women of reproductive age. A secondary analysis of pooled data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) for 2003, 2008, 2013 and 2018 was conducted involving 82,734 non-pregnant women aged 15–49 years. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine predictors of nutritional status. Study results show that a significant proportion of the women had poor nutritional status; the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity were 12.1%, 16.8% and 7.2% respectively. Statistically significant factors associated with poor nutritional status were found at all three levels, highlighting the need for effective multidimensional, multisectoral policy interventions to address the double burden of malnutrition among women in Nigeria.