1Postgraduate, Department of Community Medicine, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu, India
2Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu, India
3*Postgraduate, Department of Community Medicine, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu, India
Email: ka3230@srmist.edu.in
4Professor, Department of Community Medicine, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu, India
5Professor, Department of Community Medicine, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu, India
Background: The epidemiological transition in low- and middle-income countries has resulted in the coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition, referred to as the double burden of malnutrition. Adolescence represents a critical period of growth and development during which nutritional imbalances can have long-term health consequences. Orphaned adolescents may be particularly vulnerable due to social, economic, and caregiving disadvantages. However, evidence comparing the nutritional status of orphaned and non-orphaned adolescents remains limited.
Objectives: To assess and compare the prevalence of the double burden of malnutrition among school-going adolescent orphans and non-orphans in Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu, and to identify selected biosocial and behavioral correlates associated with malnutrition.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 240 school-going adolescents aged 10–19 years, comprising 120 orphans and 120 non-orphans, selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire capturing socio-demographic, dietary, and lifestyle characteristics. Anthropometric measurements were obtained using standardized techniques, and nutritional status was assessed using BMI-for-age Z-scores based on WHO 2007 growth reference standards. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize variables, and associations were assessed using chi-square tests and multinomial logistic regression, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Overall, 50.0% of adolescents were affected by some form of malnutrition. Undernutrition was significantly higher among orphans (43.3%) compared to non-orphans (22.5%) (p = 0.001). Severe thinness was observed in 15.0% of orphans and 6.7% of non-orphans. Overnutrition affected 16.7% of orphans and 17.5% of non-orphans, indicating a comparable burden across groups (p = 0.021). Normal nutritional status was more prevalent among non-orphans (60.0%) than orphans (40.0%). Multinomial logistic regression identified religion as the only factor significantly associated with undernutrition, while other socio-demographic and behavioral variables were not significantly associated. Mean anthropometric measurements were lower among orphans, although differences were not statistically significant.
Conclusion: The study demonstrates a pronounced double burden of malnutrition among school-going adolescents, with significantly higher undernutrition among orphans and comparable overnutrition across both groups, highlighting the need for integrated adolescent nutrition strategies.
Keywords: Double burden of malnutrition, adolescent nutrition, orphaned adolescents, school-going adolescents, undernutrition, overweight and obesity, BMI-for-age, nutritional transition, India.
How to cite this article: Sathyapriya T, Glannie AR, Kaarunya A, Logaraj M, Anantharaman VV. Assessment of the Double Burden of Malnutrition Among School-Going Adolescent Orphans and Non-Orphans in Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu - A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(6s): 853-864; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.6s.112
Source of support: None
Conflict of interest: None