Work

Coexistence of Under- and Overnutrition among Under Five Indigenous (Orang Asli) Children in Terengganu, Malaysia

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: The coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition—known as the double burden of malnutrition (DBM)—poses a growing public health concern, particularly among children in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. In Malaysia, indigenous (Orang Asli, OA) children are especially vulnerable due to persistent socio-eco-nomic and environmental disadvantages. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of undernutrition, overnutri-tion, and their coexistence among under-five OA children in Terengganu, and to identify associated biological and socio-demographic factors. Methods: A total of 94 eligible OA children aged 6 to 59.9 months were purposively recruited from two settlements in Terengganu. Data were collected through anthropometric measurements and struc-tured caregiver interviews. Nutritional status was assessed using the WHO Child Growth Standards and classified into undernutrition (stunting, underweight, wasting) and overnutrition (overweight/obesity). Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with nutritional outcomes. Results: Undernutrition was highly prevalent, with 42.6% of children stunted, 30.8% underweight, and 7.4% wasted. Overnutrition, indicated by overweight or obesity, affected 10.7% of children, while 2.1% experienced DBM, characterised by concurrent stunting and overweight in the same individual. Higher birth weight was significantly associated with lower odds of undernutrition (AOR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.87) but higher odds of overnutrition (AOR: 14.98, 95% CI: 1.88, 119.35). Conclusion: Findings reveal a complex nutritional landscape among OA children in Terengganu, underscoring the dual challenge of un-der- and overnutrition. These results highlight the urgent need for culturally responsive, multisectoral interventions (i.e., maternal and antenatal care) addressing both forms of malnutrition and the broader structural determinants influencing OA child health.

Source: Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences

DOI: 10.47836/mjmhs.22.s2.9