Degree
Master of Science
Program
Geography
Collaborative Specialization
Global Health Systems in Africa
Supervisor
Creed, Irena F
2nd Supervisor
Stranges, Saverio
Co-Supervisor
3rd Supervisor
Luginaah, Isaac
Abstract
Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are experiencing the double burden of malnutrition (under- and over-nutrition) due to an on-going nutrition transition. Little research exists that explores the underlying causes of this double burden phenomenon within and across countries in SSA. This study examined potential causes among women in 34 countries, with an objective of identifying malnutrition groups and determining the key drivers of women nutritional status. Cross country analyses showed that fertility rate and gross domestic product were key drivers of nutrition transition. Within country analyses showed that age, wealth and parity were key drivers of women’s nutritional status. Parity was a risk factor for underweight in underweight burdened countries, and a risk factor for overweight in overweight and obese burdened countries. Based on the findings, the study suggests that policy makers and public health practitioners should consider linking nutritional programs with reproductive health services.
Recommended Citation
Were, Jason Mulimba, "The Transitioning Nutrition Status of Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa" (2018). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 5635.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/5635