LEARN Lao PDR - Are dietary intake and nutritional status influenced by gender? The pattern of dietary intake in Lao PDR: a developing country

Abstract

Background: Recognition of discrepancies between men and women in nutritional intake is important to tackle

food and nutrition insecurity and the often-double burden of malnutrition. The purpose of this study was to assess

nutritional status and dietary intake of the Lao population, with a focus on possible influences of gender.

Methods: Dietary intake was assessed in a national cross-sectional study of 1771 randomized participants aged

from 1.01 to 89 years, using 24-h dietary recall. Dietary reference intakes were used to assess nutrient insufficiency.

Chi-square test was used to evaluate gender differences and multiple univariate logistic regression to examine

associations between gender, nutritional status, demographics and nutrient insufficiency.

Results: Nutrient insufficiencies were higher among pregnant and lactating women than other adult men and

women, especially for protein and micronutrients such as vitamin B3, B1, C and other vitamins. Dietary intake and

BMI were similar between men and women; all had insufficient intake of all types of nutrients, except sodium.

However, women had lower intake than men for almost all nutrients and age groups. The prevalence of

overnutrition was higher among those aged 18 years and over for both sexes. Among adult women (15–49.9 years

old) and older adult women (50 years old or above), the proportions were: underweight 8.6% (both groups),

overweight 18.4 and 20.5%, and obese 34.2 and 39.1%, respectively. Among pregnant and lactating women, the

rates of underweight were 7.5 and 1.4%, of overweight were 17.8 and 27.1%, and obese, 21.9 and 40.0%. Among

adult and older men, 3.2 and 8.3% were underweight; 21.0 and 18.6% were overweight and 28.2 and 27.6% were

obese. Multiple univariate logistic regressions revealed that the factors rural area, dry season and Northern-Lowland

region were associated with inadequate micronutrient intake among children, adolescents and adults of both

genders.

Conclusions: Dietary intakes were alarmingly micronutrient-insufficient. Macronutrient imbalance and double

burden of malnutrition were confirmed in both sexes. Gender differences were limited; men and women had

similarly insufficient intakes, but pregnant and lactating women were disproportionately affected.