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Updated: May 24, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
09:36

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

Published on: February 2, 2017

Prevalence and factors associated with coexisting forms of malnutrition among Malaysian children in the SEANUTS II

See Meng Lim1,2, Giin Shang Yeo1,3, Shoo Thien Lee4

  • 1Centre for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Scientific Reports
|May 22, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Coexisting forms of malnutrition (CFM) affect 6.8% of children in Malaysia, with underweight and stunting being most common. Early childhood, low birth weight, Malay ethnicity, and maternal height are key associated factors.

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional Epidemiology
  • Pediatric Public Health
  • Childhood Malnutrition

Background:

  • Coexisting forms of malnutrition (CFM) present a significant health risk, exceeding the impact of individual malnutrition types.
  • Understanding the prevalence and determinants of CFM is crucial for targeted public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of individual-level CFM in children aged 0.5-12.9 years in Peninsular Malaysia.
  • To identify factors associated with CFM in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving 2973 children aged 0.5-12.9 years in Peninsular Malaysia (SEANUTS II Malaysia study).
  • Anthropometric data were analyzed to identify coexisting malnutrition (underweight, stunting, wasting, overweight).
  • Statistical analysis, including adjusted odds ratios (aOR), was used to determine associated factors.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of CFM was 6.8%, with underweight and stunting coexisting in 5.2% of children.
  • Factors associated with CFM included younger age (0.5-4.9 years), low birth weight (<2.5 kg), Malay ethnicity, and maternal height <150 cm.
  • CFM affects approximately 1 in 15 children in the region.

Conclusions:

  • CFM is a notable public health issue in Peninsular Malaysia, impacting a significant proportion of children.
  • Interventions should address identified risk factors, including early childhood nutrition, birth weight, and maternal health.
  • Public health policies must prioritize comprehensive child and maternal nutrition strategies to mitigate CFM.

Keywords:
ChildrenCoexistenceMalaysiaMalnutritionSEANUTS II

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