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Dual Burden of Malnutrition Among Mother-Child Dyads in Mozambique: Findings from the Demographic and Health Survey 2022-2023

Shakurun N, Andre F, Muhajarine N · 10 Aug 2026

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Nutritional challenges are a global public health concern, especially among children under five in sub-Saharan African countries. The coexistence of an overweight/obese mother and an underweight child in the same household is recognized as a dual burden of malnutrition (DBM). Our study aimed to examine the prevalence and associated factors of DBM among mother-child dyads in Mozambique. Methods We used nationally representative, cross-sectional data from the Mozambique Demographic and Health Survey 2022-2023 (n=3,605 mother-child dyads). The children’s undernutrition condition and maternal BMI status were calculated using the WHO standard reference guidelines. The outcome variable, dual burden of malnutrition, was then created if the children had any undernutrition condition (stunting, wasting, or undernutrition) and the corresponding mother was overweight/obese. Multivariable binary logistic regression, Erreygers’s concentration index, and concentration curve were analyzed to determine associated factors and social inequalities. Results The prevalence of the dual burden of malnutrition was about 5.51%. Mothers aged ≥ 34 years [aOR (95% CI): 4.01(1.44, 11.14); p<0.05] and mothers with four or more children [aOR (95% CI): 2.68(1.29, 5.57); p<0.05] had higher odds of DBM. Rural residence and using unimproved toilet facilities (latter an indicator) were also significantly associated with experiencing DBM. Additionally, maternal age modified the association between women’s empowerment and mother-child DBM. Women aged 15–19 years at the lowest and highest empowerment levels were more likely to experience DBM compared to women 20 years or older. A positive and statistically significant concentration index indicates that wealth-related inequalities exist, with DBM more concentrated among wealthier mother-child dyads. Conclusion Our study highlights the persistence of household-level DBM in Mozambique. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions addressing social and economic inequalities, including poor sanitation marker of broader household deprivation. Prioritizing integrated maternal-child nutrition interventions within national strategies is essential to improving equity in nutrition and health outcomes.