Double Burden of Malnutrition among The College Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Bankura, India

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the nutritional status and socio-demographic factors affecting college students in Bankura, West Bengal, India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 220 college students selected through simple random sampling with proportional allocation. Nutritional status was assessed using World Health Organization cutoff points for underweight and overweight. Statistical analyses included Student’s t-test, ANOVA for continuous variables and chi-square for categorical data with significance set at p<0.05. Further analysis applied Dunnett's post hoc test for specific group comparisons. Results: Among students aged 18-22, 27.3% were underweight and 10.9% were overweight. Binary logistic regression revealed that per capita income was significantly associated with chronic energy deficiency. The model showed significance underscoring a double burden of malnutrition linked to socio-demographic factors. Conclusion: The study highlights a high prevalence of underweight and overweight status among college students with socio-demographic factors. Family income has a significant role in chronic energy deficiency. This study underscores the need for targeted nutritional interventions in this population. Keywords: body mass index, nutritional status, malnutrition, students, socioeconomic factors, India