Supa Pengpid1,2, Karl Peltzer3,4. 1. ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. 2. Department of Research Administration and Development, University of Limpopo, Turfloop, Mankweng, South Africa. 3. Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. kfpeltzer@gmail.com. 4. Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan. kfpeltzer@gmail.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The study aimed to estimate the prevalence and correlates of underweight and overweight/obesity among adults in Afghanistan. METHODS: National cross-sectional survey data of 3779 persons aged 18-69 years were analysed. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate factors associated with underweight and overweight/obesity relative to normal weight. RESULTS: In all, 7.8% of the study sample was underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), 49.5% had normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2), 25.5% overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m2), and 17.2% obesity. In adjusted multinomial logistic regression, factors negatively associated with underweight were male sex (adjusted relative risk ratio (ARRR): 0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.15-0.58) and hypertension (ARRR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.27-0.95) and factors positively associated with underweight were sedentary behaviour (ARRR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.11-3.10) and current tobacco use (ARRR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.08-6.16). Factors positively associated with overweight/obesity were aged 30-44 years (ARRR: 2.00, CI: 1.51-2.66) and aged 45-69 years (ARRR: 1.58, CI: 1.09-2.31) (compared to 18-29 years) (ARRR: 1.28, CI: 1.14-2.18), hypertension (ARRR: 2.74, CI: 1.89-3.96), and type 2 diabetes (ARRR: 1.82, CI: 1.13-2.94), and high physical activity (ARRR: 0.70, CI: 0.50-0.98) was negatively associated with overweight/obesity. CONCLUSION: Almost one in ten adult respondents were underweight and more than two in five were overweight/obese, confirming a dual burden of malnutrition in Afghanistan.
BACKGROUND: The study aimed to estimate the prevalence and correlates of underweight and overweight/obesity among adults in Afghanistan. METHODS: National cross-sectional survey data of 3779 persons aged 18-69 years were analysed. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate factors associated with underweight and overweight/obesity relative to normal weight. RESULTS: In all, 7.8% of the study sample was underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), 49.5% had normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2), 25.5% overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m2), and 17.2% obesity. In adjusted multinomial logistic regression, factors negatively associated with underweight were male sex (adjusted relative risk ratio (ARRR): 0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.15-0.58) and hypertension (ARRR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.27-0.95) and factors positively associated with underweight were sedentary behaviour (ARRR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.11-3.10) and current tobacco use (ARRR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.08-6.16). Factors positively associated with overweight/obesity were aged 30-44 years (ARRR: 2.00, CI: 1.51-2.66) and aged 45-69 years (ARRR: 1.58, CI: 1.09-2.31) (compared to 18-29 years) (ARRR: 1.28, CI: 1.14-2.18), hypertension (ARRR: 2.74, CI: 1.89-3.96), and type 2 diabetes (ARRR: 1.82, CI: 1.13-2.94), and high physical activity (ARRR: 0.70, CI: 0.50-0.98) was negatively associated with overweight/obesity. CONCLUSION: Almost one in ten adult respondents were underweight and more than two in five were overweight/obese, confirming a dual burden of malnutrition in Afghanistan.
Entities:
Keywords:
Adulthood; Body weight; Health behaviour; Health status