Cross-sectional study reveals regional disparities in adolescent malnutrition, highlighting the need for zone-specific health interventions.
Key Points
To assess the prevalence, socio-demographic determinants, and spatial distribution of underweight, stunting, and overweight/obesity among adolescents, alongside scenario-based regional risk predictions.
Analyzed individual-level cross-sectional data from the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS, 2016–18) comprising 35,830 adolescents aged 10–19 years categorized into four geographic zones.
Applied multivariable logistic regression and calculated marginal predicted probabilities to model determinants and simulate scenario-based future malnutrition risks.
Underweight prevalence reached 30.25% in Zone 4, stunting peaked at 33.29% in Zone 3, and overweight/obesity reached 36.90% in Zone 4, largely driven by household wealth and education disparities.
Scenario-based risk models projected the highest malnutrition risk in Zone 1 (>0.4) due to poverty and healthcare access gaps, followed by Zone 3 (0.3–0.4) and Zone 4 (<0.2).