Vartika Saxena

All India Institute of Medical Sciences, India

Abstract Title: Prevalence and Bio-Sociodemographic Determinants of the Family-Level Double Burden of Malnutrition: A Cross-Sectional Study in Rural Uttarakhand, India

Biography:

Dr. Vartika Saxena has Public Health experience of almost 27 years in India Ø Served 3 years as consultant Nutrition , Unicef Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh India and Dean Research at AIIMS Rishikesh( 2020-2023). She has Over 150 research publications.and Implemented more than 50 extramural and intramural projects funded by WHO, ICMR, DST, UCOST, DRDO etc. she has guided more than 20 PhD, MD, and MPH students. She has received Best Teacher Award, 2018 and 2020 and Best Researcher Award, 2023 by AIIMS Rishikesh.

Research Interest:

Family-level Double Burden of Malnutrition (DBM) is the coexistence of undernutrition with overweight, obesity, or diet-related Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) within families, driven by social, demographic, biological, environmental, and behavioural factors. Globally, one in three suffer malnutrition, including stunting, wasting, micronutrient deficiencies, and obesity. Family behaviors shape diet and activity, making family-level DBM a critical, yet understudied, challenge in India. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence of family-level DBM and its associated bio-sociodemographic factors. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural region of Uttarakhand, selecting 561 families. Family-level DBM was defined as coexistence of child undernutrition (weight-for-height, height-for-age), adult underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m²), with overweight/obesity (BMI-for-age 1-19 years; BMI >22.9 kg/m² for >19 years) or diet-related NCDs (hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer) within families. Data were analysed using SPSS v23, with chi-square/Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression applied to assess associations. Among 561 families, 33.3% experienced family-level DBM, with obesity highest in adults (36.3%) and older adults (39.9%). Illiterate families had increased DBM odds (OR = 4.7), while higher secondary education reduced the odds (OR=0.5). Economically vulnerable households holding Above Poverty Line and Below Poverty Line ration cards faced higher risks (OR = 11.2 and 2.3, respectively). Diluting milk for children under five was associated with a lower DBM risk (OR = 0.6), whereas infrequent fried food intake increased risk (OR = 1.5). Religion, caste, and hand hygiene showed no significant associations. These findings highlight the urgent need for holistic, family-focused nutrition and lifestyle interventions.