Domestic Double Burden of Malnutrition in Manisa, Turkey: A Cross-Sectional Study in Two Primary Care Health Centers

Background Child growth and development are profoundly influenced by postnatal nutrition. Despite global efforts, malnutrition and obesity remain pressing issues. In Turkey, child stunting and maternal obesity are significant concerns, with emerging cases of double burden of malnutrition (DBM), where households face both undernutrition and obesity. Aims and objectives This study aims to determine the prevalence of DBM at the household level in Manisa, Turkey, and identify associated factors. Objectives include assessing the nutritional status of children and mothers and exploring sociodemographic and lifestyle factors related to DBM. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 385 women and their children (0-5 years) from two family health centers. Data were collected via interviews and anthropometric measurements. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were performed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 23.0; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY) to evaluate DBM prevalence and associated factors. Results The study highlights that 63.2% of mothers are overweight or obese, with significant associations with lower education levels, inadequate health insurance, and financial instability. Among children, 7.8% were obese and 15.1% were stunted, with significant links to age, birth weight, and breastfeeding practices. The double DBM, where both maternal obesity and child malnutrition coexist, was present in 15.9% of households. Migration patterns, economic challenges, and price increases affected dietary choices and overall health. Notably, birth order and type of health insurance were significant predictors of the double DBM. Conclusion The study underscores the interplay between socioeconomic factors and nutritional status in both mothers and children. High rates of maternal obesity and child malnutrition, including stunting and obesity, are linked to education, income, and health insurance status. Addressing these socio-economic disparities and improving access to healthcare and nutrition is essential to mitigate the double DBM and enhance overall health outcomes.