Work

Mapping obesity in women and chronic malnutrition in children across the municipalities of Bolivia: Spatial clusters and regionalization

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This paper investigates the spatial distribution of two nutritional variables: obesity prevalence in women and chronic malnutrition prevalence in children across 339 municipalities in Bolivia in 2016. Using data from the Municipal Atlas of the Sustainable Development Goals Bolivia 2020, the study employs spatial analysis methods such as geographic distribution, spatial dependence, and regionalization to comprehend the role of space in nutritional challenges. The findings reveal strong spatial dependence for both obesity prevalence in women and chronic malnutrition prevalence in children in Bolivia. Specifically, high rates of obesity in women are observed in eastern municipalities and their neighboring areas, while a concentrated cluster of chronic malnutrition in children is identified in the western regions. Considering these differences, this investigation argues that, using cluster analysis, Bolivia can be regionalized into eighteen geographical zones based on the distribution of these two nutritional variables. Limitations and future research avenues are discussed.

Source: Regional Science Policy & Practice

DOI: 10.1016/j.rspp.2024.100129

Author: Katerine Restrepo Gómez

Institution: Nagoya University

Language: English

Topic: Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,596