Underweight among returned adults after internal displacement in Gezira, Central Sudan: a community-based...

Underweight and thinness are major global health problems, especially in Africa. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with underweight among Sudanese adults in Central Sudan.

A multistage community-based survey was conducted in Central Sudan. Sociodemographic data were collected using a face-to-face questionnaire. Body mass index (kg/m2) was recorded and multivariable multinomial logistic regression was performed.

Of 914 adults, 445 (48.6%) had a normal weight, 209 (22.9%) were underweight, 163 (18.4%) were overweight and 92 (10.1%) were obese. Univariate multinomial analysis showed that age was inversely associated with underweight (odds ratio [OR] 0.98 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.97 to 0.99]). Being unmarried (OR 1.50 [95% CI 1.07 to 2.12]) was associated with underweight. In the multivariable multinomial logistic regression, none of the factors were associated with underweight. Being married was associated with overweight (adjusted OR [aOR] 2.20 [95% CI 1.31 to 3.67]) and obesity (aOR 2.79 [95% CI 1.07 to 7.27]). Female sex (aOR 2.79 [95% CI 1.07 to 7.27]) was associated with obesity.

These findings confirm the high prevalence of underweight among adults in Central Sudan. Therefore, nutritional education and public health programs are urgently needed to address the postwar situation.