Double Burden of Malnutrition among Freshman University Students: Determinants and Correlates

Abstract

Background: The double burden of malnutrition (DBM) is marked by simultaneous presence of obesity and undernutrition or non-communicable diseases within persons, families, and/or communities. The concept that freshmen experience significant weight gain upon entering a university setting along with exacerbation of bad dietary habits can be alarming. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of dyslipidemia, anemia and elevated blood pressure, over-weight and obesity as indicators of DBM-among a sample of freshman students in Pharos University in Alexandria (PUA) and identify associated factors. Method: A sample of 214 students' volunteers was surveyed using a questionnaire to gather information about demographic and lifestyle data. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were taken and after 12 hours of fasting collected blood samples were assayed for blood count (CBC), lipid profile and fasting plasma glucose. Results: Overweight and obesity 44% (35% & 9% respectively), and abdominal obesity 25.2% were found with no significant differences between sexes. Prevalence of anemia among females was (27.3%) compared to (4%) in males. Prevalence of overall dyslipidemia was 21%, high TC 13.3%, high TG 1.4%, a high LDL 12.5%, and a low HDL 19.6%. Elevated blood pressure showed a prevalence of 30%, and was significantly associated with added salt. Conclusion: DBM at individual and community levels was prevalent in the current study, in the form of anemia with overweight / obesity and some cardiovascular risk factors among this community with disproportionate affection of females with reference to anemia.