Urbanization in Peru is inversely associated with double burden of malnutrition: Pooled analysis of 92,841 mother–child pairs

What is it about?

►This pooled cross-sectional analysis of 92,841 mother– child pairs from the Demographic and Health Survey (2009 to 2016) shows that DBM in Peru is inversely as-sociated with the degree of urbanization. ► The prevalence of DBM is greatest in the least-urbanized settings, in rural and peri-urban areas, and, in particu-lar, in areas where population density is under 2,500 inhabitants/km2. ►Beyond this density level, the prevalence of DBM seems to remain lowest across more urbanized areas.

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Photo by hao wang on Unsplash

Photo by hao wang on Unsplash

Why is it important?

►Our findings may inform policies in Peru and similar countries, enabling them to be tailored and targeted at less urbanized settings, where the prevalence of DBM is highest. ► Further exploration of factors explaining changes in DBM in rural and peri-urban areas could help with de-signing more effective interventions. ►This could provide the basis for similar research in other countries undergoing the nutrition transition, to see if this relationship is specific to Peru or more widely observable.