Differences in risk factors associated with single and multiple concurrent forms of undernutrition (stunting, wasting or underweight) among children under 5 in Bangladesh: a nationally representative cross-sectional study

Objectives- The study aims to differentiate the risk factors of single and multiple concurrent forms of undernutrition among children under 5 in Bangladesh. Design- A nationally representative cross-sectional study. Setting- Bangladesh. Respondents- Children age under 5 years of age. Outcome measure- This study considered two dichotomous outcomes: single form (children without single form and with single form) and multiple concurrent forms (children without multiple forms and with multiple forms) of undernutrition. Statistical analysis- Adjusted OR (AOR) and CI of potential risk factors were calculated using logistic regression analysis. Results- Around 38.2% of children under 5 in Bangladesh are suffering from undernutrition. The prevalence of multiple concurrent forms and single form of child undernutrition was 19.3% and 18.9%, respectively. The key risk factors of multiple concurrent forms of undernutrition were children born with low birth weight (AOR 3.76, 95% CI 2.78 to 5.10); children in the age group 24–35 months (AOR 2.70, 95% CI 2.20 to 3.30) and in the lowest socioeconomic quintile (AOR 2.57, 95% CI 2.05 to 3.23). In contrast, those children in the age group 24–35 months (AOR 1.94, 95% CI 1.61 to 2.34), in the lowest socioeconomic quintile (AOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.45 to 2.21) and born with low birth weight (AOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.08) were significantly associated with a single form of undernutrition. Parental education, father’s occupation, children’s age and birth order were the differentiating risk factors for multiple concurrent forms and single form of undernutrition. Conclusion- One-fifth of children under 5 years of age are suffering multiple concurrent forms of undernutrition, which is similar to the numbers suffering the single form. Parental education, father’s occupation, children’s age and birth order disproportionately affect the multiple concurrent forms and single form of undernutrition, which should be considered to formulate an evidence-based strategy for reducing undernutrition among these children.