DHS COMPARATIVE

REPORTS 47

ADOLESCENT NUTRITION 2000-2017:

DHS DATA ON ADOLESCENTS AGE 15-19

June 2018

This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The report was prepared by

Rukundo Kambarami Benedict, Allison Schmale, and Sorrel Namaste.

DHS Comparative Report No. 47 

Adolescent Nutrition 2000-2017: 

DHS Data on Adolescents Age 15-19 

Rukundo Kambarami Benedict1 

Allison Schmale2 

Sorrel Namaste1 

ICF 

Rockville, Maryland, USA 

June 2018 

1

 The DHS Program 

2 MEASURE Evaluation

Corresponding author: Rukundo Kambarami Benedict, International Health and Development, 

ICF, 530 Gaither Road, Suite 500, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; phone: +1 301–572–0537; 

fax: +1 301–5727–0211; email: rukundo.benedict@icfi.com
Acknowledgment: We would like to thank Erica Nybro and Sarah Yang for working with us to produce an 

adolescent nutrition story map visually summarizing the results from this report. Thanks also to Tom Fish 

for producing the maps, as well as Valene Bia, Aimee Bwiza, and Claudia Jamison for their assistance with 

data checks. The authors are grateful to Abigail Kaplan Ramage, Peggy Koniz-Booher, Sascha Lamstein, 

and Chessa Lutter for their suggestions on the scope of the report to inform the “Stakeholders Consultation 

on Adolescent Girls' Nutrition: Evidence, Guidance, and Gaps” hosted by the PAHO, USAID, and SPRING 

project. Special thanks for the technical review go to Deborah Kortso Collison and Abigail Kaplan Ramage. 

Finally, the authors would like to thank Erin Milner of USAID for her technical guidance and conceptual 

support of this report. 

Editor: Bryant Robey 

Document Production: Natalie Shattuck 

This report was carried out with support provided by the United States Agency for International 

Development (USAID) through The DHS Program (#AIDOAA-C-13-00095). The views expressed are 

those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government. 

The DHS Program assists countries worldwide in the collection and use of data to monitor and evaluate 

population, health, and nutrition programs. For additional information about the DHS Program contact: 

DHS Program, ICF, 530 Gaither Road, Suite 500, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; phone: +1 301-407-6500, 

fax: +1 301-407-6501, email: reports@dhsprogram.com, internet: www.dhsprogram.com. 

Recommended citation: 

Benedict, Rukundo K., Allison Schmale, and Sorrel Namaste. 2018. Adolescent Nutrition 2000-2017: DHS 

Data on Adolescents Age 15-19. DHS Comparative Report No. 47. Rockville, Maryland, USA: ICF.
iii 

CONTENTS 

TABLES ........................................................................................................................................................ v 

FIGURES .................................................................................................................................................... vii 

PREFACE .................................................................................................................................................... ix 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................. xi 

1 INTRODUCTION AND RATIONALE ............................................................................................... 1

2 DATA AND METHODS ................................................................................................................... 3 

2.1 DHS Survey Selection ........................................................................................................ 3 

2.2 Definitions of Data Used ..................................................................................................... 3 

2.3 Analysis ............................................................................................................................... 5 

3 RESULTS ........................................................................................................................................ 7 

3.1 BMI-for-Age ......................................................................................................................... 7 

3.1.1 World region data ................................................................................................... 7 

3.1.2 Country data ......................................................................................................... 10 

3.2 Stature ............................................................................................................................... 29 

3.2.1 World region data ................................................................................................. 29 

3.2.2 Country data ......................................................................................................... 31 

3.3 Childbearing ...................................................................................................................... 40 

3.3.1 Country data ......................................................................................................... 40 

3.4 Anemia .............................................................................................................................. 42 

3.4.1 World region data ................................................................................................. 42 

3.4.2 Country data ......................................................................................................... 46 

3.5 Iron Supplementation ........................................................................................................ 57 

3.5.1 World region data ................................................................................................. 57 

3.5.2 Country data ......................................................................................................... 59 

3.6 Women’s Dietary Diversity ................................................................................................ 64 

3.6.1 Country data ......................................................................................................... 64 

4 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION ............................................................................................... 69

REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................ 73 

APPENDICES (available at https://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/CR47/CR47.App.pdf) 

v 

TABLES 

Table 1 Total number of country surveys with data on adolescent nutrition 

by world region ............................................................................................................. 3 

Table 2 World Health Organization hemoglobin cutoffs used to define anemia ....................... 4 

Table 3 World Health Organization categories for adolescent BMI-for-age and 

short stature and adult BMI and short stature .............................................................. 4 

Table 4 List of countries included in each world region for BMI/BMI-for-age for girls 

and boys age 15-19 ...................................................................................................... 7 

Table 5 Comparison between BMI-for-age in non-pregnant girls age 15-19 and BMI 

in women age 20-49 ..................................................................................................... 9 

Table 6 Comparison between BMI-for-age in boys age 15-19 and BMI in men 

age 20-49 ................................................................................................................... 10 

Table 7 Comparison between HAZ<-2SD in girls age 15-19 and stature <145cm 

in women age 20-49 ................................................................................................... 30 

Table 8 List of countries by world region for childbearing among girls ................................... 40 

Table 9 List of countries included in each world region for anemia for girls and boys 

age 15-19 ................................................................................................................... 42 

Table 10 Anemia comparison between non-pregnant girls age 15-19 and non-pregnant 

women age 20-49 ....................................................................................................... 45 

Table 11 Anemia comparison between boys age 15-19 and men age 20-49 ........................... 46 

Table 12 List of countries by world region for iron supplementation among girls ..................... 58 

Table 13 Iron tablet receipt and consumption in girls age 15-19 and women age 20-49 ......... 59 

Table 14 List of countries by world region for women’s dietary diversity .................................. 64 

APPENDIX TABLES (available at https://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/CR47/CR47.App.pdf) 

Table A1.1 Included surveys from East Asia and Pacific 

Table A1.2 Included surveys from Europe and Central Asia 

Table A1.3 Included surveys from Latin America and Caribbean 

Table A1.4 Included surveys from Middle East and North Africa 

Table A1.5 Included surveys from South Asia 

Table A1.6 Included surveys from Sub-Saharan Africa 

Table A2.1 Comparison between BMI-for-age in non-pregnant girls age 15-19 and BMI 

in women age 20-49 

Table A2.2 Comparison between BMI-for-age in boys age 15-19 and BMI in men age 20-49 

Table A2.3 Percentage of non-pregnant girls age 15-19 according to BMI-for-age categories 

Table A2.4 Percentage of boys age 15-19 according to BMI-for-age categories 

Table A2.5 Percentage of non-pregnant girls age 15-19 according to BMI-for-age categories 

by residence 

Table A2.6 Percentage of boys age 15-19 according to BMI-for-age categories by residence 

Table A2.7 Percentage of non-pregnant girls age 15-19 according to BMI-for-age categories 

by wealth quintile 

Table A2.8 Percentage of boys age 15-19 according to BMI-for-age categories 

by wealth quintile 

Table A2.9 Percentage of non-pregnant girls age 15-19 according to BMI-for-age categories 

by education level 
vi 

Table A2.10 Percentage of boys age 15-19 according to BMI-for-age categories 

by education level 

Table A2.11 Percentage of non-pregnant girls age 15-19 according to BMI-for-age categories 

by employment status 

Table A2.12 Percentage of boys age 15-19 according to BMI-for-age categories 

by employment status 

Table A2.13 BMI-for-age country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19 

Table A2.14 BMI-for-age country trends for boys age 15-19 

Table A2.15 Percentage of girls age 15-19 according to adult BMI categories 

Table A2.16 Percentage of boys age 15-19 according to adult BMI categories 

Table A3.1 Comparison between HAZ<-2SD in girls age 15-19 and stature <145cm 

in women age 20-49 

Table A3.2 Percentage of girls age 15-19 according to short stature (HAZ<-2SD) 

by residence 

Table A3.3 Percentage of girls age 15-19 according to short stature (HAZ<-2SD) 

by education level 

Table A3.4 Percentage of girls age 15-19 according to short stature (HAZ<-2SD) 

by wealth quintile 

Table A3.5 Percentage of girls age 15-19 according to short stature (HAZ<-2SD) 

by employment status 

Table A3.6 Short stature country trends for girls age 15-19 

Table A4.1 Percentage of girls age 15-19 pregnant or childbearing 

Table A5.1 Anemia comparison between non-pregnant girls age 15-19 and women age 

20-49 

Table A5.2 Anemia comparison between boys age 15-19 and men age 20-49 

Table A5.3 Percentage of pregnant girls age 15-19 according to anemia status 

Table A5.4 Percentage of non-pregnant girls age 15-19 according to anemia status 

Table A5.5 Percentage of boys age 15-19 according to anemia status 

Table A5.6 Percentage of non-pregnant girls age 15-19 according to any anemia status 

by residence 

Table A5.7 Percentage of boys age 15-19 according to any anemia status by residence 

Table A5.8 Percentage of non-pregnant girls age 15-19 according to any anemia status wealth 

quintile 

Table A5.9 Percentage of boys age 15-19 according to any anemia status by wealth quintile 

Table A5.10 Percentage of non-pregnant girls age 15-19 according to any anemia status by 

education level 

Table A5.11 Percentage of boys age 15-19 according to any anemia status by education level 

Table A5.12 Percentage of non-pregnant girls age 15-19 according to any anemia status 

by employment status 

Table A5.13 Percentage of boys age 15-19 according to any anemia status by employment status 

Table A5.14 Anemia country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19 

Table A5.15 Anemia country trends for boys age 15-19 

Table A6.1 Iron supplementation comparison between girls age 15-19 and women age 20-49 

Table A6.2 Iron supplementation country trends for girls age 15-19 
vii 

FIGURES 

Figure 1(a) BMI-for-age among non-pregnant girls age 15-19, by world region ............................ 8 

Figure 1(b) BMI-for-age among boys age 15-19, by world region .................................................. 8 

Figure 2(a) Percentage of thinness among non-pregnant girls age 15-19, by country ................ 11 

Figure 2(b) Percentage of thinness among boys age 15-19, by country ...................................... 12 

Figure 3(a) Percentage of overweight/obesity among non-pregnant girls age 15-19, 

by country ................................................................................................................... 14 

Figure 3(b) Percentage of overweight/obesity among boys age 15-19, by country ..................... 15 

Figure 4(a) Percentage of thin non-pregnant girls age 15-19, by residence ............................... 17 

Figure 4(b) Percentage of thin non-pregnant girls age 15-19, by wealth quintile ........................ 17 

Figure 4(c) Percentage of thin non-pregnant girls age 15-19, by education level ........................ 18 

Figure 4(d) Percentage of thin non-pregnant girls age 15-19, by employment status .................. 18 

Figure 5(a) Percentage of overweight/obese non-pregnant girls age 15-19, by residence .......... 19 

Figure 5(b) Percentage of overweight/obese non-pregnant girls age 15-19, by wealth quintile .. 19 

Figure 5(c) Percentage of overweight/obese non-pregnant girls age 15-19, 

by education level ....................................................................................................... 20 

Figure 5(d) Percentage of overweight/obese non-pregnant girls age 15-19, 

by employment status ................................................................................................. 20 

Figure 6(a) Percentage of thin boys age 15-19, by residence ...................................................... 21 

Figure 6(b) Percentage of thin boys age 15-19, by wealth quintile ............................................... 21 

Figure 6(c) Percentage of thin boys age 15-19, by education level ............................................. 22 

Figure 6(d) Percentage of thin boys age 15-19, by employment status ....................................... 22 

Figure 7(a) Percentage of overweight/obese boys age 15-19, by residence ............................... 23 

Figure 7(b) Percentage of overweight/obese boys age 15-19, by wealth quintile ........................ 23 

Figure 7(c) Percentage of overweight/obese boys age 15-19, by education level ....................... 24 

Figure 7(d) Percentage of overweight/obese boys age 15-19, by employment status ................. 24 

Figure 8 BMI-for-age country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, East Asia 

and Pacific .................................................................................................................. 25 

Figure 9 BMI-for-age country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, Europe 

and Central Asia ......................................................................................................... 25 

Figure 10 BMI-for-age country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, Latin America 

and Caribbean ............................................................................................................ 26 

Figure 11 BMI-for-age country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, Middle East 

and North Africa .......................................................................................................... 26

Figure 12 BMI-for-age country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, South Asia ................ 27 

Figure 13 BMI-for-age country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, sub-Saharan Africa ... 28 

Figure 14 BMI-for-age country trends for boys age 15-19, all world regions ............................. 29 

Figure 15 Short stature among girls age 15-19, by world region ............................................... 30 

Figure 16 Percentage of short stature girls age 15-19, by country ............................................ 32 

Figure 17(a) Percentage of short stature girls age 15-19, by residence ......................................... 34 

Figure 17(b) Percentage of short stature girls age 15-19, by wealth quintile ................................. 34 

Figure 17(c) Percentage of short stature girls age 15-19, by education level ................................ 35 

Figure 17(d) Percentage of short stature girls age 15-19, by employment status .......................... 35 

Figure 18 BMI-for-age country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, East Asia 

and Pacific .................................................................................................................. 36 
viii 

Figure 19 BMI-for-age country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, Europe 

and Central Asia ......................................................................................................... 36 

Figure 20 BMI-for-age country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, Latin America 

and Caribbean ............................................................................................................ 37 

Figure 21 BMI-for-age country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, Middle East 

and North Africa .......................................................................................................... 37

Figure 22 BMI-for-age country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, South Asia ................ 38 

Figure 23 BMI-for-age country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, sub-Saharan Africa ... 39 

Figure 24 Percentage of pregnant/childbearing girls age 15-19, by country .............................. 41 

Figure 25(a) Anemia among non-pregnant girls age 15-19, by world region ................................. 43 

Figure 25(b) Anemia among pregnant girls age 15-19, by world region ......................................... 43 

Figure 26 Anemia among boys age 15-19, by world region ....................................................... 44 

Figure 27(a) Percentage of any anemia among non-pregnant girls age 15-19, by country ........... 47 

Figure 27(b) Percentage of any anemia among boys age 15-19, by country ................................. 48 

Figure 28(a) Percentage of anemic non-pregnant girls age 15-19, by residence .......................... 50 

Figure 28(b) Percentage of anemic non-pregnant girls age 15-19, by wealth quintile ................... 50 

Figure 28(c) Percentage of anemic non-pregnant girls age 15-19, by education level .................. 51 

Figure 28(d) Percentage of anemic non-pregnant girls age 15-19, by employment status ............ 51 

Figure 29(a) Percentage of anemic boys age 15-19, by residence ................................................ 52 

Figure 29(b) Percentage of anemic boys age 15-19, by wealth quintile ......................................... 52 

Figure 29(c) Percentage of anemic boys age 15-19, by education level ........................................ 53 

Figure 29(d) Percentage of anemic boys age 15-19, by employment status ................................. 53 

Figure 30 Anemia country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, East Asia and Pacific ....... 54 

Figure 31 Anemia country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, Europe 

and Central Asia ......................................................................................................... 54 

Figure 32 Anemia country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, Latin America 

and Caribbean ............................................................................................................ 55 

Figure 33 Anemia country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, South Asia ....................... 55 

Figure 34 Anemia country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, sub-Saharan Africa .......... 56 

Figure 35 Anemia country trends for boys age 15-19, all world regions .................................... 57 

Figure 36 Iron tablet receipt and consumption among childbearing girls age 15-19, 

by world region ........................................................................................................... 58

Figure 37 Iron tablet receipt and consumption country trends for childbearing girls 

age 15-19, East Asia and Pacific ............................................................................... 60 

Figure 38 Iron tablet receipt and consumption country trends for childbearing girls 

age 15-19, Latin America and Caribbean ................................................................... 61 

Figure 39 Iron tablet receipt and consumption country trends for childbearing girls 

age 15-19, Middle East and North Africa ................................................................... 61 

Figure 40 Iron tablet receipt and consumption country trends for childbearing girls 

age 15-19, South Asia ................................................................................................ 62 

Figure 41 Iron tablet receipt and consumption country trends for childbearing girls 

age 15-19, sub-Saharan Africa .................................................................................. 63 

Figure 42 Mean diet diversity score among girls age 15-19 ....................................................... 65 

Figure 43(a) Percentage of girls age 15-19 who consumed eggs .................................................. 66 

Figure 43(b) Percentage of girls age 15-19 who consumed meat, poultry, or fish ......................... 66 

Figure 44 Percentage of girls age 15-19 who consumed sugary foods ..................................... 67 
ix 

PREFACE 

The Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Program is one of the principal sources of international data 

on fertility, family planning, maternal and child health, nutrition, mortality, environmental health, 

HIV/AIDS, malaria, and provision of health services. 

One of the objectives of The DHS Program is to provide policymakers and program managers in low- and 

middle-income countries with easily accessible data on levels and trends for a wide range of health and 

demographic indicators. DHS Comparative Reports provide such information, usually for a large number 

of countries in each report. These reports are largely descriptive, without multivariate methods, but when 

possible they include confidence intervals and/or statistical tests. 

The topics in this series are selected by The DHS Program in consultation with the U.S. Agency for 

International Development. 

It is hoped that the DHS Comparative Reports will be useful to researchers, policymakers, and survey 

specialists, particularly those engaged in work in low- and middle-income countries. 

Sunita Kishor 

Director, The DHS Program 

xi 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

Adolescence is an important stage in the lifecycle for growth and development. During this time, 

adolescents achieve 15%-20% of their adult height, up to 60% of their skeletal mass, and half their adult 

body weight (Spear 2002). To support their rapid growth and development, adolescents have an increased 

need for energy, protein, iron, and other micronutrients (Spear 2002). The period of adolescence also 

presents an opportunity to lay a positive foundation for healthy offspring from early childhood on to 

adulthood (Prentice et al. 2013). 

This report summarizes information on nutrition for adolescent girls and boys age 15-19, using data from 

Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), conducted in 65 low-income and 22 middle-income countries. 

The report describes the current prevalence of anthropometric measurements, childbearing, anemia, iron 

supplementation, and women’s dietary diversity. It compares nutritional indicators for adolescents with 

those for adults. It also examines nutritional trends from 2000-17 and describes the prevalence of key 

nutrition variables stratified by education level, employment, residence, and wealth. 

The findings show that a double burden of malnutrition is prevalent, both for non-pregnant girls and for 

boys. For girls, more than 10% were overweight and obese in almost half of the countries studied. Moreover, 

in most countries, overweight and obesity were a larger problem than thinness. For boys, more than 10% 

were thin in over half of countries, and thinness was a larger problem than overweight and obesity. 

Compared with girls and boys, adults were more likely to be overweight and obese, highlighting the 

importance of preventing overweight and obesity during adolescence. Short stature in girls was prevalent 

across all regions, but most prevalent in South Asia, likely reflecting the influence of childhood stunting as 

well as inadequate nutrition in adolescence. Short stature and low body mass index (BMI) place girls at 

higher risk of complications during pregnancy. Given that childbearing during adolescence is prevalent 

across all countries, preventing adolescent pregnancy and improving adolescent nutrition is warranted. 

Anemia is a severe public health problem (>40%) for non-pregnant girls in almost half of countries, and 

for boys in over a quarter of countries. Further, in most regions, anemia prevalence is higher among 

pregnant girls than non-pregnant girls. The high prevalence of anemia in both girls and boys indicates a 

need for interventions to address anemia in ways that effectively reach all adolescents, including boys as 

well as girls. The findings on iron supplementation among childbearing girls show that about one-fifth of 

girls consumed iron tablets for at least 90 days during their last pregnancy. Data on dietary diversity was 

limited to a few countries, but it showed that girls’ diets lacked diversity. 

More data on adolescent nutrition are needed to inform policies and programs, including data on early 

adolescence (age 10-14). Particularly lacking is information on micronutrient status and diet, as well as 

coverage of adolescent nutrition interventions. Some progress has been made in developing policy 

guidelines that support adolescent nutrition at the global and country levels (WHO 2018), and with better 

data these guidelines could be strengthened. Further, in many cases the need for coverage data is hindered 

by a lack of interventions or their scale-up for adolescents. Continued collection of diverse nutrition data 

among adolescents is required to ensure that adolescents receive optimal nutrition to support their growth 

and development. 

1 

1 INTRODUCTION AND RATIONALE 

Adolescents currently comprise one-sixth of the world’s population, and over 90% of adolescents live in 

sub-Saharan Africa and in South and Southeast Asia (UNFPA and WHO 2017; WHO 2017). Adolescents, 

defined as young people age 10-19, have increased macro and micronutrient requirements to support 

pubertal growth and development (Das et al. 2017; WHO 2017). Approximately 15-20% of adult height, 

up to 60% of skeletal mass, and 50% of adult body weight is gained during the adolescent period (Spear 

2002). Poor nutrition during this time can result in adverse health conditions later in life and poor 

reproductive health outcomes (WHO 2018). 

Anthropometric measurements, including body mass index (BMI)-for-age and height-for-age, are used to 

monitor the changes in pubertal growth during adolescence (Spear 2002). Over-nutrition and undernutrition 

are both major public health problems, with the former increasing the risk for noncommunicable diseases 

such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and the latter resulting in damage to tissue and organs (NCD 

Risk Factor Collaboration 2017; Rome 2003; WHO 2013). Further, although underweight and short stature 

or stunting are major concerns for children under age 5, evidence suggests that adequate nutrition during 

adolescence may present another window of opportunity for catch-up growth from nutritional deficiencies 

suffered during early childhood (Prentice et al. 2013). For girls, low BMI and short stature during 

childbearing years increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes and obstetric complications (Black et 

al. 2013). 

Anemia is a leading cause of morbidity among adolescents; it can be caused by several factors, including 

nutritional deficiencies, infections, and genetic conditions (GBD 2013 Collaboration 2016; Kassebaum et 

al. 2014; Mokdad et al. 2016). During adolescence, in addition to increased energy needs, girls and boys 

also have increased protein and nutrient needs, including iron, to support their own growth (Spear 2002). 

Insufficient iron stores during adolescence and other micronutrient deficiencies are a cause of concern for 

girls as they enter the childbearing years, due to higher nutrient demands during pregnancy and lactation 

(Steer 2000). 

Adolescence provides a unique period in the lifecycle to address nutrition. In low and middle countries, 

dietary intake data for adolescents is limited. Several interventions can halt the rise of malnutrition in 

adolescents, including promoting a healthy diet and supplementing the diet with micronutrients (WHO 

2018c). Data on nutrition coverage is limited, however. While data exist on iron supplementation during 

pregnancy, the focus has not been in adolescents. 

There has been an increased focus on adolescent nutrition in recent years (Patton et al. 2016). This is an 

important step in improving the wellbeing of adolescents and of future generations. Yet, the lack of 

nationally representative data on adolescent nutrition impedes countries’ ability to guide policy and 

programs. To address this gap we used Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data to describe the status 

of nutrition indicators among adolescent girls and boys age 15-19 at the country and world region levels. 

The objectives are to: (1) characterize the magnitude and trends of adolescent malnutrition, defined as 

thinness, overweight and obesity, short stature, and anemia; (2) describe dietary intake and the coverage of 

iron supplementation; (3) describe variations in outcomes by sex, wealth, residence, and education; and (4) 

compare nutritional indicators between adolescents and adults. The report is intended to provide 

policymakers and program implementers with information on the state of adolescent nutrition around 

the world. 

3 

2 DATA AND METHODS 

2.1 DHS Survey Selection 

The study included all DHS surveys conducted from 2000-17 with availability of data for girls or boys age 

15-19 on anemia, anthropometry, iron supplementation, or women’s diet diversity score. In addition, data 

were included on adolescent childbearing from the most recent country survey between 2000-17. A 

summary of the total number of country surveys included for each outcome is found in Table 1, and all 

country surveys are listed in Appendix 1. The data for age group 15-19 are nationally representative. A few 

surveys included only ever-married women1

 rather than all women. The inferences from ever-married 

respondents limit the interpretation of certain indicators as they apply to all adolescents. 

Table 1 Total number of country surveys with data on adolescent nutrition by world region 

Region 

Adolescent 

childbearing Anemia Anthropometry 

Iron 

supplementation 

Women’s diet 

diversity 

Girls 

N 

Girls 

N 

Boys 

N 

Girls 

N 

Boys 

N 

Girls 

N 

Girls 

N 

Total Surveys 65 98 32 138 22 136 18 

East Asia and Pacific 4 6 0 6 0 8 2 

Europe and Central Asia 7 7 1 9 2 6 2 

Latin America and Caribbean 9 17 3 22 1 22 4 

Middle East and North Africa 4 7 0 11 0 9 1 

South Asia 6 5 2 13 4 9 0 

sub-Saharan Africa 35 56 26 77 15 82 9 

Total Most Recent Surveys 65 48 22 62 17 62 18 

East Asia and Pacific 4 3 0 3 0 4 2 

Europe and Central Asia 7 5 1 7 2 6 2 

Latin America and Caribbean 9 6 2 9 1 8 4 

Middle East and North Africa 4 3 0 4 0 4 1 

South Asia 6 3 1 5 3 5 0 

sub-Saharan Africa 35 28 18 34 11 35 9 

2.2 Definitions of Data Used 

Outcome variables

Adolescent childbearing. Among women age 15-19, the percentage who have given birth or are currently 

pregnant with their first child. 

Anemia. Hemoglobin concentrations measured using the HemoCue® machine (Pullum et al. 2017). Anemia 

categories (Table 2) defined using the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended cutoffs for 

hemoglobin concentrations adjusted for altitude and smoking according to age, sex, and pregnancy status 

(WHO 2011). In this report, we present anemia status among non-pregnant girls in the main body of the 

 

1

 DHS surveys that sampled ever-married women include Afghanistan 2015, Bangladesh 2014, Egypt 2014, Jordan 

2012, Maldives 2009, Pakistan 2012-13, and Turkey 2003-04. 
4 

report. Anemia status among pregnant girls is limited to pooled world region data in the main body of the 

report, while individual estimates are in the appendix, due to sample-size limitations in several surveys. 

Table 2 World Health Organization hemoglobin cutoffs used to define anemia 

Anemia measured by hemoglobin (g/dL) 

Population Any anemia Mild Moderate Severe 

Non-pregnant women 

(15 years and above) 

<12.0 11.9-11.0 10.9-8.0 <8.0 

Pregnant women <11.0 10.9-10.0 9.9-7.0 <7.0 

Men (15 years and above) <13.0 12.9-11.0 10.9-8.0 <8.0 

Anthropometry. Height and weight measurements are taken using a Shorr Board and SECA digital scale, 

respectively (ICF 2012). Short stature, thinness, and overweight and obesity were characterized using both 

Body Mass Index (BMI) adult cutoffs and BMI-for-age based on the WHO child and adolescent growth 

standards (de Onis et al. 2007) (Table 3). BMI was not calculated for pregnant women or women who had 

given birth in the two months before the survey due to the weight changes as a result of pregnancy. BMIfor-age z-scores and height-for-age z-score outside of -5SD and +5SD and -6 and +6SD, respectively, were 

considered implausible and omitted in the analyses (de Onis et al. 2007). 

In this report we present all anthropometry outcomes using the WHO growth references for adolescents in 

the main body of the report and present the WHO adult cutoffs, as is currently standard for the DHS, in 

Appendix 2. 

Table 3 World Health Organization categories for adolescent BMI-for-age and short stature and adult 

BMI and short stature 

Adolescent Adult 

Body Mass Index (BMI) Categories 

Thin or underweight (adults) BMI-for-age z-score < -2SD BMI <18.5 kg/m2

Normal BMI-for-age z-score -2SD - +1SD BMI 18.5 kg/m2 - 24.9 kg/m2

Overweight/obese BMI-for-age z-score > +1SD BMI ≥25 kg/m2

Stature 

Short stature Height-for-age z-score of < -2SD <145 cm 

Iron supplementation. Among women age 15-49 with a child born within the last five years, the receipt of 

iron supplementation and the number of days women took iron tablets or syrup during their last pregnancy. 

Therefore, iron supplementation was categorized as no receipt of iron tablets or syrup, consumption of iron 

tablets or syrup for 1-89 days, and consumption of iron tablets or syrup for 90 days or more. 

Women’s dietary diversity. Among women age 15-49, with a child under age 3 living with them, the 

percentage consuming foods from nine food groups in the 24 hours preceding the survey. The nine food 

groups included: grains, roots, and tubers; legumes, beans, nuts, and seeds; dairy products; eggs; organ 

meat; flesh foods; vitamin-A-rich dark green leafy vegetables; other vitamin A-rich vegetables and fruits; 

and other fruits. The mean number of food groups consumed was calculated to give the Women’s Dietary 

Diversity Score (FAO 2013). In addition to the nine food groups, consumption of sugary snack foods such 
5 

as chocolates, sweets, candies, pastries, and cakes/biscuits in the 24 hours preceding the survey is also 

presented. 

Household and respondent characteristics

Education level. Categories of respondent’s level of educational attainment, commonly defined as none, 

primary, secondary, and higher, but can vary between surveys. Using this list, we created a dichotomous 

variable “none/primary” and “secondary/higher.” 

Occupation. Respondent’s employment status in the 12 months before the survey was classified by 

occupation and type of agricultural land worked. Using the list of occupation types, we created a 

dichotomous variable “employed” and “not working.” 

Residence. Country census definitions were used to characterize rural and urban residence. 

Wealth index. A composite measure of a household’s cumulative living standard divided into quintiles. 

Using the wealth quintile data, we created a dichotomous variable defined as “poorer (q1 to q3) and 

wealthier” (q4 and q5). 

2.3 Analysis 

All statistical analyses were conducted using Stata 15.0 (StataCorp.2017.Statistical Software: Release 15. 

College Station, TX: StataCorp LP). 

For world region estimates, we used only the most recent country survey. Countries were grouped according 

to the World Bank classification system (The World Bank Group 2018). Sampling weights from country 

surveys were denormalized. First, a total country population of women and men was obtained from the 

United Nations World Population Prospects and matched to the survey year (United Nations Population 

Division 2017). Then a denormalization factor was calculated by dividing the total country population of 

women or men age 15-49 in the survey year by the total number of women or men interviewed in the survey. 

Subsequently, this factor was multiplied by the survey sampling weight. Sampling errors were calculated, 

and regional sample sizes and estimates are presented at the aggregate level. 

For individual survey estimates, the ‘svy’ command was used to allow for the cluster sampling design of 

the surveys, and sampling weights were included to achieve nationally representative samples. 

Prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for adolescent childbearing, anemia, 

BMI-for-age, iron supplementation, short stature, and women’s diet diversity. The prevalence estimates 

were stratified by the demographic covariates, and differences >5% are reported. For comparisons between 

adolescents and adults the absolute percentage point difference in prevalence was calculated. No statistical 

tests for differences were performed for the analyses. 

7 

3 RESULTS 

3.1 BMI-for-Age 

3.1.1 World region data 

For girls, the world region estimates included the most recent survey from 62 countries (Table 4). There 

were three surveys from East Asia and Pacific covering 20% of the region; seven surveys from Europe and 

Central Asia covering 32% of the region; nine surveys from Latin America and Caribbean covering 23% of 

the region; four surveys from Middle East and North Africa covering 21% of the region; five surveys from 

South Asia covering 63% of the region; and 34 surveys from sub-Saharan Africa covering 72% of the 

region. For boys, the world region estimates included the most recent surveys from 17 countries (Table 4). 

There were no surveys from East Asia and Pacific; two surveys from Europe and Central Asia; one survey 

from Latin America and Caribbean; no surveys from Middle East and North Africa; three surveys from 

South Asia; and 11 surveys from sub-Saharan Africa covering 23% of the region. 

Table 4 List of countries included in each world region for BMI/BMI-for-age for girls and boys age 15-19 

World region Countries (girls) Countries (boys) 

East Asia and Pacific Cambodia, Myanmar, Timor-Leste none 

Europe and Central Asia Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyz Republic, 

Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkey 

Albania, Azerbaijan 

Latin America and 

Caribbean 

Bolivia, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, 

Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Peru 

Guyana 

Middle East and 

North Africa 

Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Yemen None 

South Asia Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan Bangladesh, India, Nepal 

sub-Saharan Africa Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, 

Comoros, Congo, Congo Democratic Republic, 

Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, 

Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, 

Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, 

Rwanda, São Tomé and Principe, Senegal, Sierra 

Leone, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, 

Zambia, Zimbabwe 

Ethiopia, Ghana, Lesotho, Namibia, Rwanda, São 

Tomé and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, 

Swaziland, Uganda, Zimbabwe 

Prevalence of BMI-for-age 

Figure 1(a) and 1(b) shows the prevalence of thinness and overweight and obesity across world regions for 

girls and boys, respectively. Among girls, prevalence of overweight and obesity is greater than thinness in 

Europe and Central Asia (11% versus 2%), Latin America and Caribbean (23% versus 1%), Middle East 

and North Africa (15% versus 5%), and sub-Saharan Africa (9% versus 4%). Different patterns are seen in 

East Asia and Pacific, where prevalence of thinness is the same as for overweight and obesity, and in South 

Asia, where prevalence of thinness is double that of overweight and obesity. For boys, overweight and 

obesity prevalence is greater than thinness in Europe and Central Asia (22% versus 3%) and Latin America 

(14% versus 12%), whereas prevalence of thinness is greater than overweight and obesity in South Asia 

(22% versus 6%) and sub-Saharan Africa (9% versus 2%). 
8 

Figure 1(a) BMI-for-age among non-pregnant girls age 15-19, by world region 

Note: Thin: BMI-for-age <-2SD; Normal: BMI-for-age -2SD to +1SD; Overweight/obese: BMI-for-age > +1SD 

Figure 1(b) BMI-for-age among boys age 15-19, by world region 

Note: Thin: BMI-for-age <-2SD; Normal: BMI-for-age -2SD to +1SD; Overweight/obese: BMI-for-age > +1SD 

5.0 2.2 1.3 4.9

10.9

3.8

89.6

86.6

75.8

80.2

84.2

87.3

5.4

11.3

22.9

15.0

5.0 8.9

East Asia & Pacific Europe & Central

Asia

Latin America &

Caribbean

Middle East &

North Africa

South Asia sub-Saharan Africa

Thin Normal Overweight or obese

3.1

11.8

21.6

9.0

75.1

74.0

72.8

88.8

21.8

14.2

5.6 2.1

Europe & Central Asia Latin America & Caribbean South Asia sub-Saharan Africa

Thin Normal Overweight or obese
9 

Comparisons between BMI-for-age in adolescents and BMI in adults 

The study compared BMI-for-age for adolescents with BMI for adults. Table 5 shows that the absolute 

percentage point (pp) difference in thinness between girls and adult women is negative, indicating women 

are thinner than girls in South Asia (-18.5pp), sub-Saharan Africa (-6.9pp), Latin America and Caribbean 

(-1.3pp), and Europe and Central Asia (-0.9pp). There is one exception, for thinness in Middle East and 

North Africa (+1.0pp), which suggests that adolescents in this region are slightly thinner than adults. For 

most countries the patterns are similar to regional patterns (Appendix A2.1). For overweight and obesity, 

the percentage point difference between girls and women is also negative in Middle East and North Africa 

(-54.3pp), Europe and Central Asia (-40.9pp), Latin America and Caribbean (-33.1pp), sub-Saharan Africa 

(-16.2pp), and South Asia (-13.1pp). Country patterns are consistent with regional patterns indicating that 

women are also more overweight and obese than girls. The magnitude of the differences between girls and 

women in overweight and obesity are greater than the differences in thinness. 

Table 5 Comparison between BMI-for-age in non-pregnant girls age 15-19 and BMI in women age 20-49 

World region BMI category 

Prevalence 15-19 yrs Prevalence 20-49 yrs 

Percentage 

point 

difference 

(15-19 yrs – 

N % LB UB N % LB UB 20-49 yrs) 

East Asia and 

Pacific 

Thin 5,535 5.0 4.0 6.3 27,811 13.4 12.6 14.2 -8.4 

Normal 89.6 87.7 91.2 59.9 58.8 60.9 29.7 

Overweight/Obese 5.4 4.3 6.7 26.7 25.7 27.9 -21.3 

Europe and 

Central Asia 

Thin 7,126 2.2 1.8 2.6 38,528 3.1 2.8 3.4 -0.9 

Normal 86.6 84.8 88.2 44.7 43.5 46.0 41.9 

Overweight/Obese 11.3 9.7 13.1 52.2 50.9 53.4 -40.9 

Latin America and 

Caribbean 

Thin 27,825 1.3 1.1 1.5 117,322 2.6 2.5 2.7 -1.3 

Normal 75.8 75.1 76.5 41.4 41.0 41.9 34.4 

Overweight/Obese 22.9 22.2 23.7 56.0 55.5 56.4 -33.1 

Middle East and 

North Africa 

Thin 7,485 4.9 4.3 5.5 53,380 3.9 3.7 4.2 1.0 

Normal 80.2 78.9 81.4 26.8 26.1 27.4 53.4 

Overweight/Obese 15.0 13.8 16.2 69.3 68.5 70.0 -54.3 

South Asia Thin 102,825 10.9 10.6 11.2 118,932 29.4 28.8 30.0 -18.5 

Normal 84.2 83.8 84.5 52.5 52.0 52.9 31.7 

Overweight/Obese 5.0 4.7 5.2 18.1 17.6 18.7 -13.1 

sub-Saharan Africa Thin 47,594 3.8 3.5 4.2 198,456 10.7 10.4 11.0 -6.9 

Normal 87.3 86.7 87.8 64.2 63.8 64.7 23.1 

Overweight/Obese 8.9 8.4 9.3 25.1 24.6 25.6 -16.2 

LB and UB refer to the lower and upper bounds of the 95% confidence interval. 

Samples exclude pregnant women and women with birth in the preceding 2 months. 

Estimates for world regions were population-weighted. N includes the total number for all BMI categories (thin, normal, and 

overweight/obese). 

Table 6 shows that the absolute percentage point difference in thinness between boys and adult men is 

positive in South Asia (+6.2pp), Latin America and Caribbean (+3.8pp), Europe and Central Asia (+2.6pp), 

and sub-Saharan Africa (+1.9pp). For overweight and obesity, the percentage point difference between boys 

and men is negative in Europe and Central Asia (-28.0pp), Latin America and Caribbean (-22.8pp), South 

Asia (-15.4pp), and sub-Saharan Africa (-12.9pp). The patterns for thinness and overweight and obesity are 
10 

consistent among countries and indicate that boys are thinner than men, and that men are more overweight 

and obese than boys (Appendix A2.2). 

Table 6 Comparison between BMI-for-age in boys age 15-19 and BMI in men age 20-49 

World region BMI category 

Prevalence 15-19 Prevalence 20-49 

Percentage 

point 

difference 

(15-19 yrs – 

N % LB UB N % LB UB 20-49 yrs) 

Europe and 

Central Asia 

Thin 897 3.1 1.5 6.3 4,049 0.5 0.3 1.0 2.6 

Normal 75.1 70.3 79.3 49.6 46.7 52.6 25.5 

Overweight/Obese 21.8 17.9 26.3 49.8 46.9 52.8 -28.0 

Latin America and 

Caribbean 

Thin 567 11.8 8.8 15.6 2,567 8.0 6.6 9.6 3.8 

Normal 74.0 69.2 78.3 55.0 52.5 57.5 19.0 

Overweight/Obese 14.2 11.2 17.8 37.0 34.4 39.7 -22.8 

South Asia Thin 16,426 21.6 20.6 22.6 86,021 15.4 15.0 15.8 6.2 

Normal 72.8 71.7 73.9 63.6 63.0 64.2 9.2 

Overweight/Obese 5.6 5.0 6.2 21.0 20.5 21.6 -15.4 

sub-Saharan Africa Thin 11,032 9.0 8.0 10.1 39,025 7.1 6.6 7.6 1.9 

Normal 88.8 87.6 90.0 77.9 76.8 78.9 10.9 

Overweight/Obese 2.1 1.7 2.8 15.0 14.0 16.0 -12.9 

LB and UB refer to the lower and upper bounds of the 95% confidence interval. 

ND, not displayed, when the percentage is based on less than 25 unweighted cases. 

Estimates for world regions were population-weighted. N includes the total number for all BMI categories (thin, normal, and 

overweight/obese). 

3.1.2 Country data 

Prevalence of BMI-for-age 

Figure 2(a) and 2(b) shows a map of the prevalence of thinness for girls and boys, and Appendix A2.3 and 

A2.4 provide the prevalence estimate figures. Among girls, in 62 countries, the prevalence of thinness is 

less than 2% in 48% of countries, 2-10% in 48% of countries, and over 10% in 3% of countries. The three 

countries with the highest prevalence of thinness in girls are Senegal (9%), Yemen (10%), and India (11%). 

Among boys, in 17 countries, the prevalence of thinness is less than 2% in 11% of countries, 2-10% in 48% 

of countries, and over 10% in 41% of countries. The three countries with the highest prevalence of thinness 

in boys are Namibia (22%), Senegal (25%), and Ethiopia (28%).
11 

Figure 2(a) Percentage of thinness among non-pregnant girls age 15-19, by country 
12 

Figure 2(b) Percentage of thinness among boys age 15-19, by country 
13 

Figure 3(a) and 3(b) shows a map of the prevalence of overweight and obesity for girls and boys, and 

Appendix A2.3 and A2.4 provide the prevalence estimate figures for girls and boys respectively. Among 

girls, in 62 countries, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is less than 2% in 5% of countries, 2-10% 

in 42% of countries, and over 10% in 53% of countries. The three countries with the highest prevalence of 

overweight and obesity in girls are Guatemala (27%), Jordan (39%), and Egypt (51%). For boys, in 17 

countries, the prevalence is less than 2% in 29% of countries, 2-10% in 53% of countries, and over 10% in 

18% of countries. The three countries with the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity in boys are 

Guyana (14%), Azerbaijan (20%) and Albania (28%).
14 

Figure 3(a) Percentage of overweight/obesity among non-pregnant girls age 15-19, by country 
15 

Figure 3(b) Percentage of overweight/obesity among boys age 15-19, by country 
16 

Prevalence of BMI-for-age by demographic variables 

Patterns in the prevalence of thinness and overweight and obesity vary by residence, education, wealth, and 

employment status in girls (Figure 4(a)-(d) and Figure 5(a)-(d)) and boys (Figure 6(a)-(d) and Figure 7(a)-

(d)). Differences in the prevalence of thinness and overweight and obesity by covariate are noted if the 

difference is at least 5%, and countries are noted if there are five or fewer countries with this difference 

(Appendix A2.5-12). 

• Among girls, prevalence of thinness in rural areas is similar to urban areas in all 58 countries 

studied. Conversely, in 23 of the countries, girls in urban areas have higher prevalence of 

overweight and obesity compared with rural areas. 

• Among boys in Ethiopia, Namibia, and Nepal, thinness is more prevalent in rural areas than urban 

areas. In all countries overweight and obesity among boys is similar by urban and rural residence. 

• Thinness is more prevalent among girls with secondary or higher education in Guyana, while in 

Nepal it is higher among girls with primary or no education. In many countries prevalence of 

overweight and obesity is higher among girls with secondary or higher education (17 of 55 

countries). The opposite pattern is observed in Bolivia, Colombia, Egypt, Jordan, and Peru, where 

overweight and obesity is more prevalent among girls with primary or no education. 

• Thinness is more prevalent among boys with primary or no education in Ethiopia, Namibia, and 

Senegal. Similarly in Albania, prevalence of overweight and obesity is higher among boys with 

primary or no education. 

• Among girls, prevalence of thinness is similar by wealth levels in all countries. In contrast, in 

several countries, overweight and obesity is more prevalent among girls in wealthier households 

(16 of 56 countries). An exception is Egypt, where girls in poorer households have higher 

prevalence of overweight and obesity. 

• Among boys, thinness is more prevalent in wealthier households in Guyana, but in Namibia it is 

higher among boys in poorer households. Prevalence of overweight and obesity is higher among 

boys in wealthier households in Guyana, India, and Nepal. 

• Among girls, prevalence of thinness is similar by employment status in all countries. In Bolivia, 

Nicaragua, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe, employed girls have higher prevalence of overweight and 

obesity, while in Cameroon and Malawi, girls who are not working have higher prevalence of 

overweight and obesity. 

• Among boys, in Senegal and Uganda thinness is more prevalent among those who are not 

working, while in Albania boys who are employed have higher prevalence of overweight and 

obesity. 

 
17 

Figure 4(a) Percentage of thin non-pregnant girls 

age 15-19, by residence 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases.

Figure 4(b) Percentage of thin non-pregnant girls 

age 15-19, by wealth quintile 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases.

7.1

4.5

3.7

9.4

11.0

2.2

5.4

4.3

8.2

4.0

4.2

5.6

3.7

9.1

2.9

1.1

10.5

6.7

11.5

3.6

6.8

3.3

4.8

3.2

5.6

4.6

2.4

8.9

1.9

2.2

5.9

5.5

7.5

5.0

10.7

(Cambodia 2014)

(Myanmar 2015-16)

(Timor-Leste 2009-10)

(Tajikistan 2012)

Colombia 2009-10

Dominican Republic 2013

(Guyana 2009)

(Haiti 2012)

(Honduras 2011-12)

Yemen 2013

Bangladesh 2014

India 2015-16

(Burundi 2010-11)

(Ethiopia 2016)

(Kenya 2014)

Madagascar 2008-09

(Tanzania 2015-16)

(Chad 2014-15)

CongoDR 2013-14

(Mozambique 2011)

(Namibia 2013)

(Zambia 2013-14)

(Benin 2011-12)

(Burkina Faso 2010)

(Gambia 2013)

(Niger 2012)

Nigeria 2013

(Senegal 2010-11)

East Asia & Pacific

Europe

&

Central

Asia Latin America & Caribbean

MiddleEast &

North

Africa South Asia East Africa Central Africa Southern Africa West Africa

Urban Rural

2.7

3.0

5.9

2.7

4.3

1.9

1.3

9.8

6.8

10.9

10.2

6.3

2.5

9.9

4.9

7.1

8.6

5.0

6.1

5.1

2.7

3.8

1.4

3.9

8.2

1.4

10.2

6.2

11.4

3.6

3.6

3.1

5.6

5.1

3.2

10.4

Cambodia 2014

Myanmar 2015-16

Timor-Leste 2009-10

(Kyrgyzstan 2012)

Tajikistan 2012

Colombia 2009-10

(Dominican Republic 2013)

Guyana 2009

(Honduras 2011-12)

Yemen 2013

Bangladesh 2014

India 2015-16

(Nepal 2016)

(Ethiopia 2016)

(Tanzania 2015-16)

(Namibia 2013)

(Gambia 2013)

Nigeria 2013

(Senegal 2010-11)

East Asia &Pacific

Europe & Central

Asia Latin America & Caribbean

MiddleEast &

North

Africa South Asia East Africa

Southern

Africa West Africa

No Education or Primary Secondary or Higher
18 

Figure 4(c) Percentage of thin non-pregnant girls 

age 15-19, by education level 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases.

Figure 4(d) Percentage of thin non-pregnant girls 

age 15-19, by employment status 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases.

5.1

4.3

3.4

11.0

7.8

11.5

5.7

7.6

3.6

5.8

12.4

9.0

6.7

9.4

4.2

6.8

5.5

3.4

1.2

9.2

2.9

1.4

1.8

9.6

5.4

11.2

5.1

1.2

3.2

2.0

6.6

2.3

1.6

1.9

4.5

2.0

5.9

7.0

3.5

9.4

3.0

(Cambodia 2014)

Myanmar 2015-16

(Timor-Leste 2009-10)

(Tajikistan 2012)

(Colombia 2009-10)

(Guyana 2009)

(Haiti 2012)

(Honduras 2011-12)

(Morocco 2003-04)

Yemen 2013

(Bangladesh 2014)

India 2015-16

(Nepal 2016)

(Kenya 2014)

(Madagascar 2008-09)

Tanzania 2015-16

(Chad 2014-15)

(CongoDR 2013-14)

(Mozambique 2011)

(Namibia 2013)

(Zambia 2013-14)

Ethiopia 2016

(Benin 2011-12)

(Burkina Faso 2010)

(Gambia 2013)

(Niger 2012)

Nigeria 2013

(Senegal 2010-11)

(Sierra Leone 2013)

East Asia & Pacific

Europe

&

Central

Asia Latin America & Caribbean

 Middle East &

North Africa South Asia East Africa Central Africa Southern Africa West Africa

Poorer Wealthier

6.8

8.3

5.4

2.8

3.8

1.7

4.8

7.8

3.4

1.5

1.6

10.1

6.6

11.3

5.6

3.3

3.3

4.0

6.9

3.6

1.5

7.3

2.1

2.1

5.0

8.0

4.9

10.9

3.5

5.1

10.1

11.8

5.9

5.7

3.3

4.5

3.9

(Cambodia 2014)

(Myanmar 2015-16)

(Timor-Leste 2009-10)

(Kyrgyzstan 2012)

Tajikistan 2012

Colombia 2009-10

(Dominican Republic 2013)

(Guyana 2009)

Haiti 2012

(Honduras 2011-12)

(Morocco 2003-04)

Yemen 2013

Bangladesh 2014

India 2015-16

(Burundi 2010-11)

Ethiopia 2016

Kenya 2014

(Madagascar 2008-09)

Tanzania 2015-16

Chad 2014-15

(CongoDR 2013-14)

(Mozambique 2011)

Namibia 2013

(Zambia 2013-14)

(Benin 2011-12)

(Burkina Faso 2010)

(Gambia 2013)

(Niger 2012)

Nigeria 2013

Senegal 2010-11

(Sierra Leone 2013)

East Asia & Pacific

Europe &

Central Asia Latin America & Caribbean

Middle East

& North

Africa South Asia East Africa

Central

Africa Southern Africa West Africa

Not Working Employed
19 

Figure 5(a) Percentage of overweight/obese nonpregnant girls age 15-19, 

by residence 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases.

Figure 5(b) Percentage of overweight/obese nonpregnant girls age 15-19, 

by wealth quintile 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases.

7.8

9.2

12.3

13.0

10.8

9.5

8.7

26.0

19.7

24.6

29.1

23.7

8.5

26.5

27.9

51.6

13.3

13.6

10.3

8.1

5.2

16.9

11.4

16.3

30.3

20.4

22.0

22.6

10.3

7.3

13.0

18.1

16.2

15.3

23.4

18.6

13.5

13.7

24.9

14.3

25.2

17.6

10.0

16.3

14.7

17.0

8.9

15.8

9.4

9.3

11.9

20.3

3.3

4.1

1.7

9.9

9.0

11.9

9.5

9.6

7.8

28.9

16.9

25.4

18.6

5.7

20.9

25.7

22.6

51.2

12.9

4.2

3.4

5.3

16.2

12.1

13.8

14.4

4.7

5.1

6.4

14.4

8.0

19.4

18.3

8.2

6.9

26.3

5.9

10.8

12.9

7.7

8.1

5.6

6.4

4.8

7.6

8.9

(Cambodia 2014)

(Myanmar 2015-16)

(Timor-Leste 2009-10)

Albania 2008-09

(Armenia 2015-16)

Azerbaijan 2006

Kyrgyzstan 2012

Moldova 2005

Tajikistan 2012

Bolivia 2008

Colombia 2009-10

Dominican Republic 2013

Guatemala 2014-15

Guyana 2009

Haiti 2012

Honduras 2011-12

Nicaragua 2001

Peru 2012

(Egypt 2014)

(Jordan 2012)

Morocco 2003-04

Yemen 2013

(Bangladesh 2014)

India 2015-16

(Nepal 2016 )

(Burundi 2010-11)

Comoros 2012

(Ethiopia 2016)

Kenya 2014

Rwanda 2014-15

Tanzania 2015-16

(Uganda 2011)

Cameroon 2011

(Chad 2014-15)

(CongoBZ 2011-12)

CongoDR 2013-14

(Gabon 2012)

(Guinea 2012)

(Sao Tome and Principe 2008-09)

(Lesotho 2014)

(Malawi 2015-16)

Mozambique 2011

(Namibia 2013)

Swaziland 2006-07

Zambia 2013-14

Zimbabwe 2015

Benin 2011-12

(Burkina Faso 2010)

Côte d'Ivoire 2011-12

(Gambia 2013)

Ghana 2014

(Liberia 2013)

(Mali 2012-13)

Nigeria 2013

(Senegal 2010-11)

Sierra Leone 2013

(Togo 2013-14)

East Asia

& Pacific

Europe &

Central Asia Latin America & Caribbean

Middle East &

North Africa South Asia East Africa Central Africa Southern Africa West Africa

Urban Rural

10.3

10.9

11.9

10.0

10.8

7.6

29.4

20.9

24.1

19.4

17.2

23.3

56.1

11.5

8.7

8.8

10.0

4.4

8.8

7.1

3.8

15.1

16.2

14.3

6.5

21.6

4.8

9.2

12.1

5.8

5.1

6.2

6.7

4.9

7.1

1.7

11.1

11.3

10.9

6.2

8.8

8.3

25.8

19.9

25.4

28.8

21.0

8.3

27.5

28.3

47.9

14.2

10.3

9.9

6.9

6.0

9.4

21.5

6.3

16.2

19.2

15.8

18.3

23.9

5.6

8.1

11.4

18.9

14.3

16.9

22.5

11.9

11.8

12.3

28.4

12.3

18.8

16.6

6.9

15.7

14.8

17.1

9.4

9.7

5.7

9.1

7.5

10.7

18.8

Cambodia 2014

Myanmar 2015-16

(Timor-Leste 2009-10

Albania 2008-09

(Armenia 2015-16)

Azerbaijan 2006

Kyrgyzstan 2012

(Moldova 2005)

(Tajikistan 2012)

Bolivia 2008

Colombia 2009-10

Dominican Republic 2013

Guatemala 2014-15

Guyana 2009

(Haiti 2012)

Honduras 2011-12

Peru 2012

Egypt 2014

Morocco 2003-04

(Yemen 2013)

Bangladesh 2014

India 2015-16

(Nepal 2016)

Burundi 2010-11

(Comoros 2012)

Ethiopia 2016

Kenya 2014

(Rwanda 2014-15)

(Tanzania 2015-16)

Uganda 2011

(Cameroon 2011)

(Chad 2014-15)

CongoBZ 2011-12

(CongoDR 2013-14)

Gabon 2012

Guinea 2012

(Sao Tome and Principe 2008-09)

(Lesotho 2014)

(Malawi 2015-16)

Mozambique 2011

(Namibia 2013)

Swaziland 2006-07

(Zambia 2013-14)

(Zimbabwe 2015)

Benin 2011-12

Burkina Faso 2010

Côte d'Ivoire 2011-12

(Gambia 2013)

Ghana 2014

Liberia 2013

Mali 2012-13

(Niger 2012)

Nigeria 2013

(Senegal 2010-11)

(Sierra Leone 2013)

Togo 2013-14

East Asia &

Pacific Europe & Central Asia Latin America &Caribbean

Middle East

& North

Africa South Asia East Africa Central Africa Southern Africa West Africa

Poorer Wealthier
20 

Figure 5(c) Percentage of overweight/obese nonpregnant girls age 15-19, 

by education level 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases.

Figure 5(d) Percentage of overweight/obese nonpregnant girls age 15-19, 

by employment status 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases.

4.1

5.7

2.1

13.2

8.3

12.6

7.1

34.6

26.7

23.7

26.3

17.5

5.2

20.6

28.6

32.3

58.1

67.5

14.0

3.9

2.8

2.6

5.1

6.1

15.0

4.4

9.8

14.5

10.7

12.4

11.4

4.7

5.1

7.2

21.4

8.3

16.4

19.3

8.7

6.3

3.5

23.1

6.2

9.1

13.7

14.1

10.1

6.7

8.5

5.5

7.1

7.0

12.6

4.2

5.8

1.7

9.3

11.9

11.2

7.8

9.6

8.0

24.0

19.7

22.4

27.5

20.6

8.7

25.7

24.5

25.9

48.3

36.8

12.3

7.8

9.4

5.1

4.7

11.3

17.0

6.8

17.2

18.6

14.7

21.5

23.0

9.7

7.2

10.3

16.9

18.0

16.8

20.1

13.8

16.0

10.3

28.3

12.6

17.2

16.4

10.9

12.4

12.7

9.5

9.0

7.0

11.1

14.9

Cambodia 2014

Myanmar 2015-16

(Timor-Leste 2009-10)

Albania 2008-09

Armenia 2015-16

Azerbaijan 2006

Kyrgyzstan 2012

Moldova 2005

Tajikistan 2012

Bolivia 2008

Colombia 2009-10

Dominican Republic 2013

Guatemala 2014-15

Guyana 2009

Haiti 2012

Honduras 2011-12

Nicaragua 2001

Peru 2012

Egypt 2014

(Jordan 2012)

Morocco 2003-04

Yemen 2013

Bangladesh 2014

India 2015-16

(Nepal 2016 )

(Burundi 2010-11)

Comoros 2012

(Ethiopia 2016)

Kenya 2014

Rwanda 2014-15

Tanzania 2015-16

(Uganda 2011)

Cameroon 2011

(Chad 2014-15)

(CongoBZ 2011-12)

CongoDR 2013-14

Gabon 2012

(Guinea 2012)

(Sao Tome and Principe 2008-09)

Lesotho 2014

Malawi 2015-16

Mozambique 2011

(Namibia 2013)

Swaziland 2006-07

Zambia 2013-14

Zimbabwe 2015

Benin 2011-12

(Côte d'Ivoire 2011-12)

(Gambia 2013)

Ghana 2014

(Mali 2012-13)

Nigeria 2013

(Senegal 2010-11)

Sierra Leone 2013

Togo 2013-14

East Asia &

Pacific

Europe &

Central Asia Latin America & Caribbean

Middle East &

North Africa

South

Asia East Africa Central Africa Southern Africa West Africa

No Education or Primary Secondary or Higher

4.1

6.1

2.1

10.8

11.5

11.4

7.5

9.0

8.2

22.5

18.8

21.7

26.6

21.1

6.8

23.3

24.3

26.5

51.5

37.8

13.1

7.2

7.8

4.9

6.4

6.1

16.5

4.7

13.0

17.9

12.5

13.4

22.4

5.0

6.7

9.8

16.6

12.2

14.9

20.9

12.6

10.6

7.0

25.3

10.3

13.8

15.6

11.3

10.7

12.1

9.2

9.1

3.7

7.8

5.9

11.1

13.2

4.2

5.4

31.9

22.8

26.1

27.6

24.6

33.1

26.5

13.7

7.2

2.6

7.9

16.3

5.3

14.7

14.8

11.8

17.8

13.4

8.5

8.7

10.5

6.8

33.4

23.0

13.8

4.6

15.0

7.4

6.9

16.0

(Cambodia 2014)

(Myanmar 2015-16)

(Timor-Leste 2009-10)

Albania 2008-09

Armenia 2015-16

Azerbaijan 2006

Kyrgyzstan 2012

Moldova 2005

Tajikistan 2012

Bolivia 2008

Colombia 2009-10

Dominican Republic 2013

Guatemala 2014-15

Guyana 2009

Haiti 2012

Honduras 2011-12

Nicaragua 2001

Peru 2012

Egypt 2014

(Jordan 2012)

Morocco 2003-04

Yemen 2013

Bangladesh 2014

India 2015-16

(Nepal 2016)

(Burundi 2010-11)

(Comoros 2012)

Ethiopia 2016

(Kenya 2014)

Rwanda 2014-15

Tanzania 2015-16

(Uganda 2011)

Cameroon 2011

(Chad 2014-15)

(CongoBZ 2011-12)

CongoDR 2013-14

Gabon 2012

(Guinea 2012)

Sao Tome and Principe 2008-09

Lesotho 2014

(Malawi 2015-16)

(Mozambique 2011)

(Namibia 2013)

(Swaziland 2006-07)

Zambia 2013-14

Zimbabwe 2015

Benin 2011-12

(Burkina Faso 2010)

(Côte d'Ivoire 2011-12)

Gambia 2013

Ghana 2014

(Liberia 2013)

Mali 2012-13

(Niger 2012)

Nigeria 2013

Senegal 2010-11

(Sierra Leone 2013)

(Togo 2013-14)

East Asia

& Pacific

Europe &

Central Asia Latin America & Caribbean

Middle East &

North Africa South Asia East Africa Central Africa Southern Africa West Africa

Not Working Employed
21 

Figure 6(a) Percentage of thin boys age 15-19, 

by residence 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases.

Figure 6(b) Percentage of thin boys age 15-19, 

by wealth quintile 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases.

9.4

20.0

10.9

22.9

7.4

7.7

9.0

11.0

2.4

5.2

5.3

23.7

4.9

12.9

22.7

17.6

29.6

12.2

9.6

7.8

28.6

5.8

9.7

7.6

27.0

9.0

(Guyana 2009)

India 2015-16

(Nepal 2016)

Ethiopia 2016

Rwanda 2010-11

(Uganda 2011)

(Lesotho 2014)

Namibia 2013

Swaziland 2006-07

Zimbabwe 2015

(Ghana 2014)

Senegal 2010-11

Sierra Leone 2013

Latin

America& Caribbean South Asia East Africa Southern Africa West Africa

Urban Rural

4.5

23.3

14.0

34.0

15.0

7.4

30.1

6.1

12.3

24.2

10.1

15.9

20.8

13.0

25.6

9.9

10.2

16.3

4.8

6.6

25.9

6.0

(Guyana 2009)

India 2015-16

Nepal 2016

Ethiopia 2016

Rwanda 2010-11

(Uganda 2011)

Namibia 2013

(Swaziland 2006-07)

Zimbabwe 2015

Senegal 2010-11

Sierra Leone 2013

Latin

America& Caribbean South Asia East Africa Southern Africa West Africa

Poorer Wealthier
22 

Figure 6(c) Percentage of thin boys age 15-19, 

by education level 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases.

Figure 6(d) Percentage of thin boys age 15-19, 

by employment status 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases.

10.7

24.0

14.5

29.5

12.3

29.9

9.2

10.5

31.4

7.7

11.9

21.5

13.2

23.3

9.3

17.2

8.5

5.2

19.0

7.0

Guyana 2009

India 2015-16

Nepal 2016

Ethiopia 2016

(Rwanda 2010-11)

Namibia 2013

Zimbabwe 2015

(Ghana 2014)

Senegal 2010-11

Sierra Leone 2013

Latin

America &Caribbean South Asia East Africa Southern Africa West Africa

No Education or Primary Secondary or Higher

11.3

22.4

13.8

29.5

14.7

13.6

9.2

29.4

6.5

12.4

20.1

13.0

27.9

10.5

8.2

7.7

22.4

8.2

(Guyana 2009)

India 2015-16

Nepal 2016

Ethiopia 2016

Rwanda 2010-11

(Uganda 2011)

(Zimbabwe 2015)

Senegal 2010-11

(Sierra Leone 2013)

Latin

America &Caribbean South Asia East Africa

Southern

Africa West Africa

Not Working Employed
23 

Figure 7(a) Percentage of overweight/obese boys 

age 15-19, by residence 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases.

Figure 7(b) Percentage of overweight/obese boys 

age 15-19, by wealth quintile 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases.

26.7

21.0

16.7

8.6

4.9

4.9

28.5

17.6

13.1

4.1

2.9

5.6

Albania 2008-09

(Azerbaijan 2006)

Guyana 2009

India 2015-16

(Swaziland 2006-07)

(Sierra Leone 2013)

Europe & Central Asia

Latin America &

Caribbean South Asia Southern Africa West Africa

Urban Rural

26.5

17.9

8.5

2.0

1.4

1.7

1.0

6.7

28.8

20.7

17.3

7.9

6.4

4.1

2.8

4.7

Albania 2008-09

(Azerbaijan 2006)

Guyana 2009

India 2015-16

(Nepal 2016)

(Swaziland 2006-07)

(Zimbabwe 2015)

Sierra Leone 2013

Europe & Central Asia

Latin America

& Caribbean South Asia Southern Africa West Africa

Poorer Wealthier
24 

Figure 7(c) Percentage of overweight/obese boys 

age 15-19, by education level 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases.

Figure 7(d) Percentage of overweight/obese boys 

age 15-19, by employment status 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases.

Trend data 

In total, 39 countries have multiple surveys available for girls, and five countries have multiple surveys for 

boys (Appendix A2.13-14). The three countries with the greatest change over time are noted. 

The trends in prevalence of girls’ thinness show small changes over time in most countries (Figures 8-13). 

Ethiopia (-6.6pp), Bangladesh (-3.5pp), and Burkina Faso (-2.5pp) had the greatest declines in prevalence 

of thinness between surveys, while Mali (+3.0pp), Nepal (+2.5pp), and Congo (+1.9pp) had the greatest 

increases. For overweight and obesity, changes over time are generally larger than for thinness in most 

countries. Declines in prevalence of overweight and obesity are greatest in Sierra Leone (-17.0pp), Armenia 

(-7.9pp), Congo (-7.2pp), and Jordan (-6.1pp), while increases in prevalence of overweight and obesity are 

greatest in Benin (+8.1pp), Mali (+8.9pp), and Bangladesh (+6.5pp). 

Figure 14 shows trend data for boys in five countries. The greatest declines in prevalence of thinness among 

boys were in Ethiopia (-8.3pp), India (-7.4pp), and Zimbabwe (-3.9pp). There are no countries where 

thinness increased in prevalence. Changes in overweight and obesity are small, with the greatest increases 

in prevalence seen in India (+3.6pp), Zimbabwe (+0.4pp), and Ethiopia (+0.3pp). 

33.3

23.4

10.8

2.7

2.3

1.6

5.8

25.0

19.4

14.4

6.0

5.0

2.3

5.0

Albania 2008-09

Azerbaijan 2006

Guyana 2009

India 2015-16

(Nepal 2016)

(Zimbabwe 2015)

Sierra Leone 2013

Europe & Central Asia

Latin America

& Caribbean South Asia

Southern

Africa West Africa

No Education or Primary Secondary or Higher

25.0

14.8

6.0

4.1

33.1

13.4

4.6

6.9

Albania 2008-09

(Guyana 2009)

India 2015-16

(Sierra Leone 2013)

Europe & Central Asia

Latin America &

Caribbean South Asia West Africa

Not Working Employed
25 

Figure 8 BMI-for-age country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, East Asia and Pacific 

Figure 9 BMI-for-age country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, Europe and Central Asia 

4.3

4.3

4.7

4.3

2.1

1.7

2.8

4.2

2000

2005-06

2010-11

2014

Cambodia

Thin Overweight or obese

0.6

1.4

0.7

19.0

13.6

11.1

2000

2005

2015-16

Armenia

Thin Overweight or obese
26 

Figure 10 BMI-for-age country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, Latin America and Caribbean 

Figure 11 BMI-for-age country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, Middle East and North Africa 

0.3

0.3

1.4

1.9

1.4

3.8

4.6

3.1

1.0

1.4

0.2

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.2

0.5

0.3

0.4

27.5

27

22.8

17.2

20.3

8.8

9.7

6.9

23.5

23.8

26.3

20.2

22.6

25.9

23

24.6

24.7

26.5

2003-04

2008

2000

2004-05

2009-10

2000

2005-06

2012

2005-06

2011-12

2000

2005

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Bolivia Colombia Haiti

Honduras Peru

Thin Overweight or obese

0.1

1.6

49.7

32.2

52.2

42.3

51.3

45.5

34.2

39.4

2000

2003

2005

2008

2014

2002

2007

2012

Egypt Jordan

Thin Overweight or obese
27 

Figure 12 BMI-for-age country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, South Asia 

9.9

6.9

5.2

6.1

6.4

12.5

11.3

2.2

5.1

4.5

4.7

0.8

1.9

3.0

3.5

7.3

2.7

4.8

1.6

3.3

4.0

4.8

1999-2000

2004

2007

2011

2014

2005-06

2015-16

2001

2006

2011

2016

Bangladesh India Nepal

Thin Overweight or obese
28 

Figure 13 BMI-for-age country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, sub-Saharan Africa 

3.0

1.9

1.9

6.7

4.2

2.3

1.7

1.5

2.9

1.8

3.0

4.5

4.5

6.0

7.5

4.0

3.0

4.7

7.4

9.4

3.2

2.9

7.1

9

15.2

5.6

5.4

9.1

10.9

10.9

9.7

8.7

7.1

7.6

8.9

2.4

4.2

6.8

8.5

7.7

6.1

7.1

26.5

9.5

2001

2006

2011-12

2003

2010

2003

2008

2014

2006-07

2013

2001

2006

2012-13

2006

2012

2003

2008

2013

2005

2010-11

2008

2013

Benin

Burkina

Faso Ghana

Liberia Mali Niger Nigeria Sene- gal Sierra Leone

West

2.0

1.2

2.5

5.5

0.1

4.0

3.5

3.4

1.7

1.6

2.9

2.6

19.4

19

5

6.1

13.9

6.7

9

9.1

12.8

17.7

8.9

11.4

2004

2011

2004

2014-15

2005

2011-12

2007

2013-14

2000

2012

2005

2012

Cameroon Chad CongoBZ CongoDR Gabon Guinea

Central

1.2

1.6

0.2

2.0

2.7

2.1

1.0

1.1

2.0

7.6

6.9

2.9

2.2

1.9

2.9

2.0

0.6

23.3

20.5

19.8

6.8

8.5

9.2

10.1

10.4

9.4

6.7

8.4

7.4

10.5

10

13.2

13.9

15.4

2004-05

2009-10

2014

2000

2004-05

2010

2015-16

2003-04

2011

2006-07

2013

2001-02

2007

2013-14

2005-06

2010-11

2015

Lesotho Malawi

Mozambique Nami- bia Zambia Zimbabwe

Southern

12.3

9.4

8.7

5.7

4.4

4.3

3.0

4.0

4.6

2.8

2.4

1.7

1.5

3.4

0.1

2.7

2.0

1.7

1.5

2.1

3.9

3.2

4.9

9.9

11.3

13.3

3.6

1.2

10.6

11.1

12.8

16.1

9.2

9.6

12.2

11.7

11.9

15.6

2000

2005

2011

2016

2003

2008-09

2014

2003-04

2008-09

2000

2005

2010-11

2014-15

2004-05

2009-10

2015-16

2000-01

2006

2011

Ethiopia Kenya

Madagascar Rwanda Tanzania Uganda

East

Thin Overweight or obese 
29 

Figure 14 BMI-for-age country trends for boys age 15-19, all world regions 

3.2 Stature 

3.2.1 World region data 

The same world region data sources for BMI-for-age among girls were used to calculate estimations of 

short stature (Table 4). 

Prevalence of short stature 

Figure 15 shows the prevalence of short stature across world regions for girls. Prevalence of short stature 

is highest in South Asia (36%), followed by East Asia and Pacific (29%), Latin America and Caribbean 

(21%), Middle East and North Africa (16%), sub-Saharan Africa (14%), and Europe and Central Asia (5%). 

36.6

28.3

8.9

8.1

29.2

21.8

9.3

5.9

12.6

8.7

0.5

0.8

2.3

2.3

2.0

5.6

0.8

0.6

1.7

2.1

2003

2008

2009-10

2014

2005-06

2015-16

2011

2006

2010-11

2015

Ethiopia Lesotho India Uganda Zimbabwe

Thin Overweight or obese
30 

Figure 15 Short stature among girls age 15-19, by world region 

Note: Short stature: height-for-age <-2SD. 

Comparisons between short stature in girls (HAZ<-2SD) and women (<145cm) 

Short stature, HAZ<-2SD, for girls was compared to short stature (<145cm) for women. The absolute 

percentage point difference in prevalence of short stature between girls and women is positive for all regions 

and countries (Appendix A3.1), indicating that prevalence of short stature is more common among girls 

than women. These differences (from greatest to least) are: South Asia (+25.1pp), East Asia and Pacific 

(+22.6pp), Latin America and Caribbean (+12.5pp), sub-Saharan Africa (+11.8pp), and Europe and Central 

Asia (+3.9pp) (Table 7). 

Table 7 Comparison between HAZ<-2SD in girls age 15-19 and stature <145cm in women age 20-49 

World region 

Prevalence 15-19 yrs Prevalence 20-49 yrs 

Percentage 

point difference 

(15-19 yrs – 

N % LB UB N % LB UB 20-49 yrs) 

East Asia and Pacific 5,707 28.8 26.3 31.3 30,133 6.2 5.7 6.7 22.6 

Europe and Central 

Asia 

7,256 5.2 4.5 6.1 41,126 1.3 1.1 1.6 3.9 

Latin America and 

Caribbean 

26,785 20.9 20.1 21.6 123,636 8.4 8.2 8.7 12.5 

Middle East and North 

Africa 

8,491 15.8 14.7 16.8 59,743 1.4 1.3 1.6 14.4 

South Asia 105,659 35.9 35.4 36.4 596,430 10.8 10.6 10.9 25.1 

sub-Saharan Africa 51,320 13.7 13.1 14.4 227,036 1.9 1.8 2.0 11.8 

LB and UB refer to the lower and upper bounds of the 95% confidence interval. 

Estimates for world regions were population-weighted. 

28.8

5.2

20.9

15.8

35.9

13.7

East Asia &

Pacific

Europe & Central

Asia

Latin America &

Caribbean

Middle East &

North Africa

South Asia sub-Saharan

Africa
31 

3.2.2 Country data 

Prevalence of short stature 

Figure 16 shows the prevalence of short stature among girls. Prevalence estimates in the 62 countries 

studied are less than 2% in 2% of countries, 2-10% in 48% of countries, and over 10% in 50% of countries. 

The three countries with the highest prevalence are Bangladesh (39%), Guatemala (51%), and Timor-Leste 

(56%).
32 

Figure 16 Percentage of short stature girls age 15-19, by country 
33 

Prevalence of short stature by demographic variables 

Patterns in the prevalence of short stature among girls vary by residence, education, wealth, and 

employment status (Figure 17(a)-(d)). Differences in the prevalence of short stature by covariate are noted 

if the difference is at least 5%, and countries are noted if there are five countries or fewer with this difference 

(Appendix A3.2-3.5). 

• In about a third of countries, prevalence of short stature is higher in rural than urban areas (20 of 

53 countries). 

• In over half of countries, prevalence of short stature is higher among girls with primary or no 

education than girls with a secondary/higher education (27 of 51 countries). 

• In 42% of countries, prevalence of short stature is higher among girls in poorer households than 

wealthier households (21 of 50 countries). 

• There are no consistent patterns in prevalence of short stature by employment. Employed girls 

have higher prevalence of short stature than girls not working in a few countries (7 of 54 

countries). 
34 

Figure 17(a) Percentage of short stature girls age 

15-19, by residence 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries in 

parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases. 

Figure 17(b) Percentage of short stature girls age 

15-19, by wealth quintile 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer than

25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries in 

parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases.

17.3

22.9

45.4

3.7

8.8

18.9

7.8

2.4

41.0

6.3

15.8

23.4

5.2

28.5

34.5

31.4

26.9

21.4

10.8

10.0

25.9

14.2

4.6

7.3

5.4

7.5

11.4

12.7

5.3

4.7

12.7

11.1

6.6

24.7

32.3

58.6

2.6

14.5

6.5

4.2

10.2

34.7

14.0

58.5

12.6

6.9

29.2

28.0

36.3

6.8

31.8

39.9

37.9

37.6

26.7

10.6

13.0

7.3

32.4

17.5

14.2

8.4

7.2

4.9

12.0

28.9

12.2

11.0

12.9

16.4

28.0

8.0

5.9

12.9

5.2

13.7

5.1

8.3

16.1

7.1

15.5

13.4

7.8

Cambodia 2014

Myanmar 2015-16

Timor-Leste 2009-10

(Albania 2008-09)

(Armenia 2015-16)

(Azerbaijan 2006)

(Kyrgyzstan 2012)

(Tajikistan 2012)

Bolivia 2008

Colombia 2009-10

(Dominican Republic 2013)

Guatemala 2014-15

Guyana 2009

Haiti 2012

Honduras 2011-12

Nicaragua 2001

Peru 2012

Morocco 2003-04

Yemen 2013

Bangladesh 2014

India 2015-16

Nepal 2016

(Burundi 2010-11)

(Comoros 2012)

Ethiopia 2016

(Kenya 2014)

Madagascar 2008-09

(Rwanda 2014-15)

Tanzania 2015-16

(Uganda 2011)

(Cameroon 2011)

Chad 2014-15

(CongoBZ 2011-12)

CongoDR 2013-14

(Gabon 2012)

Guinea 2012

Lesotho 2014

(Malawi 2015-16)

Mozambique 2011

(Namibia 2013)

Swaziland 2006-07

Zambia 2013-14

(Zimbabwe 2015)

Benin 2011-12

(Burkina Faso 2010)

(Côte d'Ivoire 2011-12)

(Gambia 2013)

(Ghana 2014)

(Liberia 2013)

(Niger 2012)

Nigeria 2013

Sierra Leone 2013

(Togo 2013-14)

East

Asia&Pacific

Europe &

Central Asia Latin America & Caribbean

Middle

East &

North

Africa South Asia East Africa Central Africa Southern Africa West Africa

Urban Rural

30.0

33.3

60.8

12.7

6.9

12.4

34.0

12.8

5.5

68.4

18.5

33.6

36.7

7.7

34.6

48.2

44.2

31.6

33.6

9.6

16.5

9.0

38.3

13.9

7.7

5.7

10.5

29.7

10.1

11.1

12.9

22.5

34.9

10.0

18.3

6.3

15.5

7.0

12.2

8.0

16.9

17.1

13.8

19.8

26.8

9.0

3.7

3.7

8.1

19.6

6.8

40.2

6.5

5.4

16.4

21.0

4.6

28.5

31.7

29.4

30.2

21.9

11.4

10.5

35.9

14.4

15.5

8.9

4.7

3.5

7.6

19.6

7.3

12.6

13.5

16.9

5.9

7.0

11.8

6.0

11.5

4.3

6.7

12.6

6.2

11.6

8.9

9.3

Cambodia 2014

Myanmar 2015-16

Timor-Leste 2009-10

(Armenia 2015-16)

(Azerbaijan 2006)

(Kyrgyzstan 2012)

Tajikistan 2012

Bolivia 2008

Colombia 2009-10

(Dominican Republic 2013)

Guatemala 2014-15

(Guyana 2009)

Haiti 2012

Honduras 2011-12

Peru 2012

Morocco 2003-04

Yemen 2013

Bangladesh 2014

India 2015-16

Nepal 2016

Burundi 2010-11

(Comoros 2012)

Ethiopia 2016

Kenya 2014

Madagascar 2008-09

Rwanda 2014-15

Tanzania 2015-16

(Uganda 2011)

(Cameroon 2011)

(Chad 2014-15)

(CongoBZ 2011-12)

CongoDR 2013-14

Gabon 2012

(Guinea 2012)

(Lesotho 2014)

Malawi 2015-16

Mozambique 2011

Namibia 2013

(Swaziland 2006-07)

Zambia 2013-14

(Zimbabwe 2015)

Benin 2011-12

(Burkina Faso 2010)

(Côte d'Ivoire 2011-12)

(Ghana 2014)

Liberia 2013

(Niger 2012)

Nigeria 2013

Sierra Leone 2013

(Togo 2013-14)

East Asia

& Pacific

Europe & Central

Asia Latin America & Caribbean

MiddleEast &

North

Africa South Asia East Africa Central Africa Southern Africa West Africa

Poorer Wealthier
35 

Figure 17(c) Percentage of short stature girls age 

15-19, by education level 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases. 

Figure 17(d) Percentage of short stature girls age 

15-19, by employment status 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases.

20.3

25.8

53.1

9.0

4.9

3.7

9.2

20.5

8.3

2.8

37.3

10.0

3.5

15.6

13.5

24.6

4.8

29.9

34.1

27.6

20.3

9.4

7.6

5.2

29.7

10.4

11.4

4.6

6.8

17.6

4.4

11.6

12.8

10.4

7.5

10.3

5.0

10.1

10.8

6.2

29.7

37.6

60.9

34.0

19.9

67.8

9.6

48.3

6.8

34.5

47.9

47.7

45.9

23.9

27.4

13.9

13.6

8.2

41.7

20.9

16.9

8.9

7.8

4.9

14.0

30.9

13.3

9.8

15.3

18.0

28.5

8.8

19.0

9.8

15.7

5.6

10.7

6.5

15.5

7.7

17.9

13.0

12.5

Cambodia 2014

Myanmar 2015-16

Timor-Leste 2009-10

Armenia 2015-16

Azerbaijan 2006

Kyrgyzstan 2012

Tajikistan 2012

Bolivia 2008

Colombia 2009-10

(Dominican Republic 2013)

Guatemala 2014-15

Guyana 2009

(Haiti 2012)

Honduras 2011-12

Nicaragua 2001

Peru 2012

Morocco 2003-04

Yemen 2013

Bangladesh 2014

India 2015-16

Nepal 2016

(Pakistan 2012-13)

(Burundi 2010-11)

(Comoros 2012)

Ethiopia 2016

Kenya 2014

Madagascar 2008-09

(Rwanda 2014-15)

Tanzania 2015-16

(Uganda 2011)

(Cameroon 2011)

Chad 2014-15

CongoBZ 2011-12

CongoDR 2013-14

(Gabon 2012)

Guinea 2012

(Lesotho 2014)

(Malawi 2015-16)

Mozambique 2011

(Swaziland 2006-07)

Zambia 2013-14

(Zimbabwe 2015)

Benin 2011-12

Burkina Faso 2010

Côte d'Ivoire 2011-12

(Gambia 2013)

Liberia 2013

Niger 2012

Nigeria 2013

Sierra Leone 2013

(Togo 2013-14)

East Asia &

Pacific

Europe & Central

Asia Latin America & Caribbean

MiddleEast &

North

Africa South Asia East Africa Central Africa Southern Africa West Africa

Secondary or Higher No Education or Primary

21.5

31.0

55.5

2.1

10.7

5.0

3.4

8.2

20.3

8.9

3.4

48.2

11.5

6.7

21.1

19.5

26.9

5.8

30.8

36.8

35.9

32.1

22.0

26.7

11.2

12.4

5.9

36.1

15.0

15.4

4.7

4.8

7.8

21.5

6.2

5.2

8.5

12.1

16.9

20.2

4.5

8.4

13.3

6.6

12.4

5.8

7.9

4.3

6.5

14.0

7.0

13.1

7.4

6.7

24.7

27.8

55.6

16.0

29.0

56.4

23.3

26.9

47.7

37.2

29.5

25.5

12.2

10.7

37.2

18.1

7.5

10.9

25.1

11.8

31.3

16.0

8.7

15.1

15.0

Cambodia 2014

Myanmar 2015-16

Timor-Leste 2009-10

(Albania 2008-09)

Armenia 2015-16

Azerbaijan 2006

Kyrgyzstan 2012

(Tajikistan 2012)

Bolivia 2008

Colombia 2009-10

(Dominican Republic 2013)

Guatemala 2014-15

Guyana 2009

(Haiti 2012)

Honduras 2011-12

Nicaragua 2001

Peru 2012

Morocco 2003-04

Yemen 2013

Bangladesh 2014

India 2015-16

Nepal 2016

(Pakistan 2012-13)

Burundi 2010-11

Comoros 2012

Ethiopia 2016

(Kenya 2014)

Madagascar 2008-09

Rwanda 2014-15

Tanzania 2015-16

(Cameroon 2011)

Chad 2014-15

(CongoBZ 2011-12)

CongoDR 2013-14

Gabon 2012

(Guinea 2012)

(Sao Tome and Principe 2008-09)

Lesotho 2014

Malawi 2015-16

Mozambique 2011

(Namibia 2013)

Swaziland 2006-07

Zambia 2013-14

Zimbabwe 2015

Benin 2011-12

(Burkina Faso 2010)

(Côte d'Ivoire 2011-12)

(Gambia 2013)

(Ghana 2014)

(Liberia 2013)

(Niger 2012)

Nigeria 2013

Sierra Leone 2013

(Togo 2013-14)

East Asia &

Pacific

Europe &

Central Asia Latin America & Caribbean

MiddleEast &

North

Africa South Asia East Africa Central Africa Southern Africa West Africa

Not Working Employed
36 

Trend data 

In total, 39 countries have multiple DHS surveys available for girls (Appendix A3.6). The three countries 

with the greatest change over time are noted. The trends in prevalence of short stature vary by country 

(Figures 18-23). Prevalence of short stature decreased in most countries, with the greatest decreases in 

Sierra Leone (-19.9pp), Nepal (-18.2pp), and Bangladesh (-11.9pp). In a few countries the prevalence of 

short stature increased—most in Armenia (+4.5pp), Madagascar (+2.9pp), and India (+1.8pp). 

Figure 18 BMI-for-age country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, East Asia and Pacific 

Figure 19 BMI-for-age country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, Europe and Central Asia 

28.9

33.5

26.9

23.3

2000

2005-06

2010-11

2014

Cambodia

6.1

6.0

10.6

2000

2005

2015-16

Armenia
37 

Figure 20 BMI-for-age country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, Latin America and Caribbean 

Figure 21 BMI-for-age country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, Middle East and North Africa 

25.9

24.5

22.8

11.6

9.3

7.2

6.3

6.6

25.5

22.7

33.9

31.5

31.5

30.8

28.9

26.9

27.9

26.9

2003-04

2008

2000

2004-05

2009-10

2000

2005-06

2012

2005-06

2011-12

2000

2005

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Bolivia Colombia Haiti Hon- duras Peru

8.9

7.9

5.9

7.6

4.4

5.9

2.5

5.7

2.7

2000

2003

2005

2008

2014

2002

2007

2009

2012

Egypt Jordan
38 

Figure 22 BMI-for-age country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, South Asia 

42.6

44.6

41.6

38.5

34.2

36.0

49.0

40.1

35.8

30.8

1999-2000

2004

2007

2011

2014

2005-06

2015-16

2001

2006

2011

2016

Bangladesh India Nepal

50.4
39 

Figure 23 BMI-for-age country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, sub-Saharan Africa 

12.9

11.6

12.8

3.9

5.2

8

6.5

6.6

17.2

13.8

6.1

5.9

3.1

9

6.8

14.6

18.1

13.7

2.1

2

30.3

10.4

2001

2006

2011-12

2003

2010

2003

2008

2014

2006-07

2013

2001

2006

2012-13

2006

2012

2003

2008

2013

2005

2010-11

2008

2013

Benin

Burkina Faso Ghana Liberia Mali Niger Nigeria Sene- gal Sierra Leone

West

5.8

5.8

2.2

4.3

19.5

8.7

18.6

22.7

9

6.1

7.5

8.5

2004

2011

2004

2014-15

2005

2011-12

2007

2013-14

2000

2012

2005

2012

Cameroon Chad CongoBZ CongoDR Gabon Guinea

Central

20.4

16.6

17.7

12.4

9.4

8.4

6.8

33.9

36.8

19.4

24.6

23.9

16.8

18.6

17.9

15

14.7

12.8

7.8

2000

2005

2011

2016

2003

2008-09

2014

2003-04

2008-09

2000

2005

2010-11

2014-15

2004-05

2009-10

2015-16

2000-01

2006

2011

Ethiopia Kenya

Madagascar Rwanda Tanzania Uganda

East

12.9

14.6

12.7

19.8

20.3

17.1

16.6

23.0

23.1

6.4

5.5

13.5

14.7

13.8

5.9

6.6

6.1

2004-05

2009-10

2014

2000

2004-05

2010

2015-16

2003-04

2011

2006-07

2013

2001-02

2007

2013-14

2005-06

2010-11

2015

Lesotho Malawi

Mozambique Namibia Zambia Zimbabwe

Southern
40 

3.3 Childbearing 

3.3.1 Country data 

Data on childbearing among adolescent girls were available for 65 countries (Table 8). There were six 

surveys from East Asia and Pacific covering 40% of the region; eight surveys from Europe and Central Asia 

covering 36% of the region; nine surveys from Latin America and Caribbean covering 23% of the region; 

four surveys from Middle East and North Africa covering 21% of the region; six surveys from South Asia 

covering 75% of the region; and 35 surveys from sub-Saharan Africa covering 74% of the region. 

Table 8 List of countries by world region for childbearing among girls 

World region Countries (girls) 

East Asia and Pacific Cambodia, Myanmar, Philippines, Timor-Leste 

Europe and Central Asia Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkey, 

Latin America and 

Caribbean 

Bolivia, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Peru 

Middle East and North 

Africa 

Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Yemen 

South Asia Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan 

sub-Saharan Africa Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Congo Democratic Republic, 

Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, 

Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, 

Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe 

Prevalence of adolescent childbearing 

Figure 24 shows the prevalence of childbearing among girls age 15-19. Prevalence estimates in the 65 

countries are less than 10% in 25% of countries, 10-25% in 46% of countries, and over 25% in 29% of 

countries (Appendix A4.1). The three countries with the highest prevalence of adolescent childbearing are 

Mozambique (38%), Mali (39%), and Niger (40%). 
41 

Figure 24 Percentage of pregnant/childbearing girls age 15-19, by country 

Note: For countries in parentheses, the percentage is based on 25-49 unweighted cases. 

2.1

2.8

3.6

4.5

5.9

6.1

6.3

6.3

6.5

7.2

7.3

7.4

7.5

7.9

7.9

9.6

10.1

10.7

10.9

11.3

12

12.1

12.5

13.2

14.2

14.2

15.6

16.5

16.5

16.7

17.5

17.9

18

18.1

18.6

19.1

19.5

20.7

21.6

22.5

22.6

22.8

23.6

23.8

24

24.7

25.2

26.7

27.2

27.6

27.9

28.5

29

29.6

30.8

31.3

31.7

32.9

34.3

34.3

34.5

35.9

37.5

39.3

40.4

Maldives 2009

(Albania 2008-09)

(Armenia 2015-16)

Jordan 2012

Myanmar 2015-16

Moldova 2005

Azerbaijan 2006

Kyrgyzstan 2012

Morocco 2003-04

Timor-Leste 2009-10

Rwanda 2014-15

Tajikistan 2012

Turkey 2003-04

India 2015-16

Pakistan 2012-13

Burundi 2010-11

Philippines 2013

Yemen 2013

Egypt 2014

Comoros 2012

Cambodia 2014

Afghanistan 2015

Ethiopia 2016

Peru 2012

Ghana 2014

Haiti 2012

Senegal 2016

Benin 2011-12

Togo 2013-14

Nepal 2016

Gambia 2013

Bolivia 2008

Guyana 2009

Kenya 2014

Namibia 2013

Lesotho 2014

Colombia 2009-10

Guatemala 2014-15

Zimbabwe 2015

Nigeria 2013

Swaziland 2006-07

Sao Tome and Principe...

Burkina Faso 2010

Uganda 2011

Honduras 2011-12

Nicaragua 2001

Cameroon 2011

Tanzania 2015-16

CongoDR 2013-14

Gabon 2012

Sierra Leone 2013

Zambia 2013-14

Malawi 2015-16

Côte d'Ivoire 2011-12

Bangladesh 2014

Liberia 2013

Madagascar 2008-09

CongoBZ 2011-12

Dominican Republic 2013

Guinea 2012

Angola 2015-16

Chad 2014-15

Mozambique 2011

Mali 2012-13

Niger 2012
42 

3.4 Anemia 

3.4.1 World region data 

For girls, the analysis included the most recent surveys from 48 countries (Table 9). There were three 

surveys from East Asia and Pacific covering 20% of the region; five surveys from Europe and Central Asia 

covering 23% of the region; six surveys from Latin America and Caribbean covering 15% of the region; 

three surveys from Middle East and North Africa covering 16% of the region; three surveys from South 

Asia covering 38% of the region; and 28 surveys from sub-Saharan Africa covering 60% of the region. For 

boys, surveys from 22 countries were included (Table 9). There were no surveys from East Asia and Pacific; 

one survey from Europe and Central Asia; two surveys from Latin America and Caribbean; no surveys from 

Middle East and North Africa; one survey from South Asia; and 18 surveys from sub-Saharan Africa 

covering 38% of the region. 

Table 9 List of countries included in each world region for anemia for girls and boys age 15-19 

Region Countries (girls) Countries (boys) 

East Asia and Pacific Cambodia, Myanmar, Timor-Leste none 

Europe and Central 

Asia 

Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyz Republic, 

Moldova 

Albania 

Latin America and 

Caribbean 

Bolivia, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Peru Guyana, Haiti 

Middle East and 

North Africa 

Egypt, Jordan, Yemen None 

South Asia Bangladesh, India, Nepal India 

sub-Saharan Africa Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, 

Congo Democratic Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, 

Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Lesotho, 

Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, 

Niger, Rwanda, São Tomé and Principe, Senegal, 

Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, 

Zimbabwe 

Burkina Faso, Burundi, Congo Democratic Republic, 

Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guinea, Lesotho, 

Madagascar, Namibia, Niger, São Tomé and 

Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Togo, 

Uganda, Zimbabwe 

Prevalence of anemia 

Figure 25 (a) and (b) shows anemia prevalence across world regions for non-pregnant and pregnant girls 

respectively. South Asia has the highest prevalence of any anemia among both non-pregnant and pregnant 

girls (54% and 52% respectively), and Middle East and North Africa has the lowest prevalence (16% and 

25% respectively). The burden of any anemia is higher for pregnant girls in all regions except South Asia. 

The greatest difference in the prevalence of any anemia between non-pregnant and pregnant girls is in subSaharan Africa, at 35% and 51% respectively. Across regions, prevalence of severe anemia among nonpregnant and pregnant girls is low, ranging from less than 1% to 2.3%. The prevalence of moderate and 

mild anemia is distributed relatively equally within the regions except for Latin America and Caribbean, 

where mild anemia is more prevalent than moderate anemia for both non-pregnant and pregnant girls. 

Figure 26 shows anemia prevalence across world regions for boys. The prevalence of any anemia is highest 

in sub-Saharan Africa (36%), followed by Latin America and Caribbean (35%) and South Asia (30%), and 

is lowest in Europe and Central Asia (23%). Across regions, mild anemia is more prevalent than moderate 

anemia, while less than 1% of boys in all regions have severe anemia. 
43 

Figure 25(a) Anemia among non-pregnant girls age 15-19, by world region 

Note: Any Anemia: hemoglobin <12.0g/dL; Mild Anemia: 11.0g/dL-11.9g/dL; Moderate Anemia: hemoglobin 8.0g/dL-10.9g/dL; 

Severe Anemia: hemoglobin <8.0g/dL 

Figure 25(b) Anemia among pregnant girls age 15-19, by world region 

Note: Any Anemia: hemoglobin <12.0g/dL; Mild Anemia: 11.0g/dL-11.9g/dL; Moderate Anemia: hemoglobin 8.0g/dL-10.9g/dL; 

Severe Anemia: hemoglobin <8.0g/dL 

1.2

0.7

0.5

0.9

2.3

1.3

19.4

9.7

7.0

6.7

25.8

15.0

27.0

16.7

12.8

8.1

25.9

18.6

East Asia & Pacific

Europe & Central Asia

Latin America & Caribbean

Middle East & North Africa

South Asia

sub-Saharan Africa

Severe Moderate Mild

20.3

34.8

15.8

27.1

54.0

47.6

0.3

1.0

1.1

1.7

25.0

20.5

8.7

9.8

23.7

24.9

24.9

26.2

21.5

14.2

27.4

24.2

East Asia & Pacific

Europe & Central Asia

Latin America & Caribbean

Middle East & North Africa

South Asia

sub-Saharan Africa

Severe Moderate Mild

49.9

52.2

46.7

25.0

50.8

30.5
44 

Figure 26 Anemia among boys age 15-19, by world region 

Note: Any Anemia: hemoglobin <12.0g/dL; Mild Anemia: 11.0g/dL-11.9g/dL; Moderate Anemia: hemoglobin 8.0g/dL-10.9g/dL; 

Severe Anemia: hemoglobin <8.0g/dL 

Comparisons between any anemia in adolescents and adults 

The absolute percentage point difference in any anemia between non-pregnant adolescent girls and nonpregnant adult women is high in Middle East and North Africa (-15.5pp), indicating that non-pregnant adult 

women have higher anemia prevalence than non-pregnant girls (Table 10). There are small differences in 

both directions in East Asia and Pacific (+2.1pp), Europe and Central Asia (-3.5pp), South Asia (+0.7pp), 

and sub-Saharan Africa (-0.7pp). Country patterns vary (Appendix A5.1). 

0.7

0.6

0.7

1.5

6.1

5.3

7.6

21.6

27.7

24.3

27.4

Europe & Central Asia

Latin America & Caribbean

South Asia

sub-Saharan Africa

Severe Moderate Mild

30.2

23.1

35.7

34.6
45 

Table 10 Anemia comparison between non-pregnant girls age 15-19 and non-pregnant women age 20-49 

World region 

Anemia 

category 

Prevalence 15-19 yrs Prevalence 20-49 yrs 

Percentage 

point 

difference 

(15-19 yrs – 

N % LB UB N % LB UB 20-49 yrs) 

East Asia and 

Pacific 

Any 4,574 47.6 45.0 50.3 21,979 45.5 44.3 46.8 2.1 

Mild 27.0 24.7 29.3 24.8 23.9 25.6 2.2 

Moderate 19.4 17.4 21.7 19.4 18.4 20.4 0.0 

Severe 1.2 0.8 1.9 1.4 1.1 1.7 -0.2 

Europe and 

Central Asia 

Any 6,395 27.1 25.6 28.7 28,799 30.6 29.5 31.6 -3.5 

Mild 16.7 15.4 18.1 16.1 15.5 16.8 0.6 

Moderate 9.7 8.6 10.9 13.2 12.4 14.0 -3.5 

Severe 0.7 0.5 1.1 1.2 1.0 1.5 -0.5 

Latin America and 

Caribbean 

Any 18,484 20.3 19.4 21.2 66,986 20.3 19.8 20.9 0.0 

Mild 12.8 12.1 13.5 12.0 11.6 12.4 0.8 

Moderate 7.0 6.4 7.5 7.6 7.3 7.9 -0.6 

Severe 0.5 0.4 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.8 -0.2 

Middle East and 

North Africa 

Any 2,055 15.8 13.1 18.9 17,416 31.3 30.1 32.5 -15.5 

Mild 8.1 6.1 10.7 18.5 17.5 19.5 -10.4 

Moderate 6.7 5.2 8.7 11.6 10.9 12.3 -4.9 

Severe 0.9 0.6 1.5 1.2 1.1 1.4 -0.3 

South Asia Any 21,962 55.5 54.5 56.5 91,607 54.8 54.1 55.4 0.7 

Mild 24.5 23.8 25.3 23.6 23.2 24.0 0.9 

Moderate 27.1 26.2 28.0 27.4 26.9 28.0 -0.3 

Severe 3.9 3.5 4.2 3.7 3.5 3.9 0.2 

sub-Saharan Africa Any 36,924 34.8 33.8 35.9 130,430 35.5 34.8 36.3 -0.7 

Mild 18.6 17.8 19.3 17.7 17.2 18.1 0.9 

Moderate 15.0 14.3 15.7 16.2 15.8 16.7 -1.2 

Severe 1.3 1.1 1.5 1.6 1.5 1.8 -0.3 

LB and UB refer to the lower and upper bounds of the 95% confidence interval. 

Estimates for world regions were population-weighted. N includes the total number for all anemia categories (mild, moderate, 

severe). 
46 

The absolute percentage point difference in any anemia between boys age 15-19 and adult men, from 

highest to lowest, is in Latin America and Caribbean (+15.2pp), sub-Saharan Africa (+14.8pp), South Asia 

(+7.8pp), and Europe and Central Asia (+6.8pp) (Table 11). This pattern indicates that boys have a higher 

prevalence of anemia compared with men. Country patterns are consistent with regional patterns (Appendix 

A5.2). 

Table 11 Anemia comparison between boys age 15-19 and men age 20-49 

World region 

Anemia 

category 

Prevalence 15-19 yrs Prevalence 20-49 yrs 

Percentage 

point 

difference 

(15-19 yrs – 

N % LB UB N % LB UB 20-49 yrs) 

Europe and 

Central Asia 

Any 641 23.1 18.4 28.6 2,283 16.3 13.8 19.0 6.8 

Mild 21.6 16.9 27.1 15.7 13.3 18.3 5.9 

Moderate 1.5 0.7 3.3 0.6 0.3 1.1 0.9 

Severe 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Latin America and 

Caribbean 

Any 2,185 34.6 31.9 37.4 5,949 19.4 17.9 21.0 15.2 

Mild 27.7 25.4 30.2 16.6 15.3 18.0 11.1 

Moderate 6.1 4.6 8.1 2.4 2.0 3.0 3.7 

Severe 0.7 0.4 1.5 0.4 0.2 0.6 0.3 

South Asia Any 18,389 29.1 28.1 30.2 81,330 21.3 20.8 21.8 7.8 

Mild 23.4 22.5 24.3 16.5 16.1 17.0 6.9 

Moderate 5.2 4.8 5.7 4.3 4.1 4.5 0.9 

Severe 0.5 0.4 0.7 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.0 

sub-Saharan Africa Any 20,969 35.7 34.2 37.2 66,902 20.9 20.3 21.7 14.8 

Mild 27.4 26.1 28.7 17.1 16.4 17.7 10.3 

Moderate 7.6 6.8 8.5 3.6 3.3 3.9 4.0 

Severe 0.7 0.4 1.0 0.3 0.3 0.5 0.4 

3.4.2 Country data 

Prevalence of anemia 

Sample sizes were generally insufficient to show prevalence estimates for pregnant girls (Appendix A5.3) 

and thus all country data are for non-pregnant girls only. Figure 27 (a) and (b) shows the prevalence of any 

anemia for non-pregnant girls and boys, respectively. In the 48 countries studied, for non-pregnant girls, 

prevalence is less than 20% in 21% of countries, 20-40% in 33% of countries, and over 40% in 46% of 

countries (Appendix A5.4). The three countries with the highest prevalence of anemia are Gambia (58%), 

Gabon (63%), and Yemen (69%). 

For boys, in the 22 countries studied, prevalence of anemia is less than 20% in 27% of countries, 20-40% 

in 45% of countries, and over 40% in 27% of countries (Appendix A5.5). The three countries with the 

highest prevalence are Niger (43%), Burkina Faso (44%), and Senegal (54%). 
47 

Figure 27(a) Percentage of any anemia among non-pregnant girls age 15-19, by country 
48 

Figure 27(b) Percentage of any anemia among boys age 15-19, by country 
49 

Prevalence of anemia by demographic variables 

Among girls, patterns in the prevalence of any anemia vary by residence, education, wealth, and 

employment status (Figure 28(a)-(d)) and boys (Figure 29(a)-(d)). Differences in the prevalence of any 

anemia by covariate are noted if the difference is at least 5%, and countries are noted if there are five or 

fewer countries with this difference (Appendix A5.6-13). 

• Among girls, prevalence of any anemia is higher in rural than urban areas in about a fifth of 

countries studied (10 of 48 countries). In Congo, Cameroon, Haiti, Senegal, and Togo, however, 

any anemia is more prevalent in urban than rural areas. 

• Among boys, prevalence of any anemia is higher in rural than urban areas in over half of 

countries (12 out of 22 countries). 

• Among girls in Gabon, Lesotho, Senegal, and Swaziland, prevalence of any anemia is higher 

among those with secondary or higher education. In many other countries, however, any anemia 

is more prevalent among girls with primary or no education (18 of 48 countries). 

• Among boys in most countries, prevalence of any anemia is higher among those with primary or 

no education (16 of 21 countries). An exception is Guyana, where any anemia in boys is more 

prevalent among those with secondary or higher education. 

• Among girls, prevalence of any anemia is higher among poorer households compared with 

wealthier households (10 of 46 countries). Conversely, in 6 of the 46 countries any anemia is 

more prevalent among girls in wealthier households compared with poorer households. 

• Among boys, prevalence of any anemia is higher among poorer households compared with 

wealthier households in over half of countries (14 of 22 countries). 

• In some countries, employed girls have higher prevalence of any anemia than girls who are not 

working (8 of 48 countries). In Ethiopia, Cameroon, Malawi, Senegal, and Uganda, however, 

girls who are not working have higher prevalence of any anemia.

• In Burkina Faso, Niger, and Sierra Leone, employed boys have higher prevalence of any anemia 

than boys who are not working. Conversely, in Congo Democratic Republic, Ivory Coast, Guinea, 

Senegal, and Togo, any anemia is more prevalent among boys who are not working. 

 
50 

Figure 28(a) Percentage of anemic non-pregnant girls 

age 15-19, by residence 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases. 

Figure 28(b) Percentage of anemic non-pregnant girls 

age 15-19, by wealth quintile 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases.

37.7

48.3

23.2

14.1

13.6

29.6

23.0

34.1

9.4

36.0

64.4

12.3

15.7

36.8

64.6

36.1

52.7

43.9

13.3

16.7

27.3

13.0

44.2

14.7

42.0

58.2

40.0

63.2

39.4

50.0

26.6

36.4

55.2

18.9

29.2

27.1

40.7

45.8

52.5

53.0

46.3

47.2

44.1

57.9

41.9

60.9

51.8

47.2

20.7

20.0

21.2

28.8

32.7

41.5

12.0

33.6

47.8

12.1

17.7

27.2

70.7

40.7

54.8

43.3

15.4

20.4

36.0

20.1

46.7

18.5

34.2

46.3

39.3

59.9

48.6

54.3

22.7

33.2

55.9

18.5

26.2

25.2

42.2

46.2

52.9

63.5

48.1

52.0

44.4

51.9

54.0

47.4

Cambodia 2014

Myanmar 2015-16

Timor-Leste 2009-10

Albania 2008-09

Armenia 2015-16

Azerbaijan 2006

Kyrgyzstan 2012

Moldova 2005

Bolivia 2008

Guatemala 2014-15

Guyana 2009

Haiti 2012

Honduras 2011-12

Peru 2012

(Egypt 2014)

(Jordan 2012)

Yemen 2013

Bangladesh 2011

India 2015-16

Nepal 2016

(Burundi 2010-11)

Ethiopia 2016

Madagascar 2008-09

Rwanda 2014-15

Tanzania 2015-16

(Uganda 2011)

Cameroon 2011

CongoBZ 2011-12

CongoDR 2013-14

Gabon 2012

Guinea 2012

Sao Tome and Principe 2008-09

Lesotho 2014

Malawi 2015-16

Mozambique 2011

Namibia 2013

Swaziland 2006-07

Zimbabwe 2015

Benin 2011-12

Burkina Faso 2010

Côte d'Ivoire 2011-12

Gambia 2013

Ghana 2014

Mali 2012-13

Niger 2012

Senegal 2010-11

Sierra Leone 2013

Togo 2013-14

East Asia &

Pacific

Europe &

Central Asia Latin America & Caribbean

Middle East &

North Africa

South

Asia East Africa Central Africa Southern Africa West Africa

Urban Rural

61.7

49.5

21.0

21.1

21.7

31.5

38.0

28.9

45.7

14.7

38.0

41.5

11.9

17.9

74.4

45.7

56.6

40.1

17.0

24.8

47.3

20.4

49.1

41.0

44.2

41.2

56.4

48.5

63.4

30.7

62.8

27.9

46.5

43.1

60.8

44.5

57.2

50.6

52.8

55.9

55.5

51

23.3

20

15.5

34.7

37

23.8

41.2

10.1

37.3

47.8

13.2

16.7

74.3

34.8

52.2

45.8

18.5

20.1

39.6

17.6

47.8

24.5

32.5

55.8

38

61.9

53.2

53.7

20.4

35

56.3

21.4

22.7

22

46.8

49.9

55.2

62.5

59.3

55.7

48.2

53.5

57.7

36.6

Cambodia 2014

Myanmar 2015-16

(Timor-Leste 2009-10)

(Albania 2008-09)

(Armenia 2015-16)

Azerbaijan 2006

Kyrgyzstan 2012

(Moldova 2005)

Bolivia 2008

Guatemala 2014-15

Guyana 2009

Haiti 2012

Honduras 2011-12

Peru 2012

Yemen 2013

Bangladesh 2011

India 2015-16

Nepal 2016

(Burundi 2010-11)

Ethiopia 2016

Madagascar 2008-09

(Rwanda 2014-15)

Tanzania 2015-16

(Uganda 2011)

Cameroon 2011

CongoBZ 2011-12

CongoDR 2013-14

Gabon 2012

Guinea 2012

(Sao Tome and Principe 2008-09)

(Lesotho 2014)

Malawi 2015-16

Mozambique 2011

(Namibia 2013)

(Swaziland 2006-07)

Zimbabwe 2015

Benin 2011-12

Burkina Faso 2010

Côte d'Ivoire 2011-12

Gambia 2013

Ghana 2014

Mali 2012-13

(Niger 2012)

Senegal 2010-11

Sierra Leone 2013

Togo 2013-14

East Asia &

Pacific

Europe & Central

Asia

Latin America &

Caribbean

Middle

East &

North

Africa South Asia East Africa Central Africa Southern Africa West Africa

Poorer Wealthier
51 

Figure 28(c) Percentage of anemic non-pregnant 

girls age 15-19, by education level 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases. 

Figure 28(d) Percentage of anemic non-pregnant 

girls age 15-19, by employment status 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases.

55.3

48.3

22.8

31.7

36.1

12.2

76.2

37.1

59.1

42.5

17.0

21.0

38.6

20.4

48.4

19.9

39.5

53.0

41.7

54.8

46.5

58.7

20.1

33.5

57.6

23.6

23.2

25.5

46.0

46.1

55.4

66.4

50.4

52.8

44.8

51.0

55.1

51.9

45.9

47.2

21.9

14.4

14.0

28.5

34.5

23.3

36.8

9.8

35.0

57.2

12.3

16.2

23.9

35.3

67.2

41.0

53.4

43.9

14.5

28.9

15.8

41.2

13.4

37.9

55.2

38.3

64.7

40.9

47.1

25.3

34.5

51.3

17.0

29.3

25.9

37.2

45.7

47.4

51.3

46.6

42.3

60.5

44.5

54.8

Cambodia 2014

Myanmar 2015-16

Timor-Leste 2009-10

Albania 2008-09

(Armenia 2015-16)

Azerbaijan 2006

Kyrgyzstan 2012

Moldova 2005

Bolivia 2008

Guatemala 2014-15

Guyana 2009

Haiti 2012

Honduras 2011-12

Peru 2012

(Egypt 2014)

(Jordan 2012)

Yemen 2013

Bangladesh 2011

India 2015-16

Nepal 2016

Burundi 2010-11

Ethiopia 2016

Madagascar 2008-09

Rwanda 2014-15

Tanzania 2015-16

(Uganda 2011)

Cameroon 2011

CongoBZ 2011-12

CongoDR 2013-14

Gabon 2012

Guinea 2012

Sao Tome and Principe 2008-09

(Lesotho 2014)

Malawi 2015-16

Mozambique 2011

(Namibia 2013)

Swaziland 2006-07

Zimbabwe 2015

Benin 2011-12

Burkina Faso 2010

Côte d'Ivoire 2011-12

Gambia 2013

Ghana 2014

Mali 2012-13

Niger 2012

Senegal 2010-11

Sierra Leone 2013

Togo 2013-14

East Asia &

Pacific

Europe &

Central Asia

Latin America &

Caribbean

Middle East

& North

Africa South Asia East Africa Central Africa Southern Africa West Africa

No Education or Primary Secondary or Higher

48.7

46.9

21.4

18.0

16.9

28.8

34.0

23.0

34.2

11.4

34.4

55.2

11.0

16.2

25.0

32.9

68.7

83.4

54.0

41.4

15.4

22.2

33.2

16.3

43.2

20.6

40.9

55.7

40.5

62.7

41.8

52.6

24.2

36.4

55.1

18.9

26.0

25.9

39.1

47.0

50.8

55.6

48.4

50.1

44.6

57.0

46.4

52.1

49.2

48.0

21.0

15.1

10.0

13.9

16.2

58.4

45.7

15.0

15.9

35.3

20.0

48.6

14.9

34.8

52.4

37.8

63.7

47.7

48.5

30.5

57.0

25.7

47.8

54.6

66.1

45.2

51.5

42.7

48.6

51.6

57.0

Cambodia 2014

Myanmar 2015-16

Timor-Leste 2009-10

(Albania 2008-09)

Armenia 2015-16

Azerbaijan 2006

(Kyrgyzstan 2012)

Moldova 2005

Bolivia 2008

Guatemala 2014-15

Guyana 2009

Haiti 2012

Honduras 2011-12

Peru 2012

(Egypt 2014)

(Jordan 2012)

Yemen 2013

Bangladesh 2011

India 2015-16

Nepal 2016

Burundi 2010-11

Ethiopia 2016

Madagascar 2008-09

Rwanda 2014-15

Tanzania 2015-16

Uganda 2011

Cameroon 2011

CongoBZ 2011-12

CongoDR 2013-14

Gabon 2012

Guinea 2012

(Sao Tome and Principe 2008-09)

Lesotho 2014

Malawi 2015-16

Mozambique 2011

Namibia 2013

Swaziland 2006-07

Zimbabwe 2015

Benin 2011-12

Burkina Faso 2010

Côte d'Ivoire 2011-12

Gambia 2013

Ghana 2014

Mali 2012-13

Niger 2012

Senegal 2010-11

Sierra Leone 2013

Togo 2013-14

 East Asia &

Pacific

Europe &

Central Asia

Latin America &

Caribbean

Middle East

& North

Africa

South

Asia East Africa Central Africa Southern Africa West Africa

Not Working Employed
52 

Figure 29(a) Percentage of anemic boys age 15-19, 

by residence 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases. 

Figure 29(b) Percentage of anemic boys age 15-19, 

by wealth quintile 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases.

17.6

19.5

32.2

24.6

7.9

8.6

27.3

34.1

38.0

42.0

29.7

18.1

14.1

13.0

14.8

38.9

40.8

34.7

39.5

51.5

32.9

35.0

26.7

16.1

36.1

31.7

19.4

20.4

42.2

39.7

36.2

42.7

41.1

16.2

21.2

16.0

22.3

45.5

45.6

46.4

40.4

56.2

49.6

34.5

Albania 2008-09

Guyana 2009

Haiti 2012

India 2015-16

Burundi 2010-11

Ethiopia 2016

Madagascar 2008-09

Uganda 2006

CongoDR 2013-14

Gabon 2012

Guinea 2012

Lesotho 2014

Namibia 2013

Swaziland 2006-07

Zimbabwe 2015

Burkina Faso 2010

Côte d'Ivoire 2011-12

Niger 2012

Sao Tome and Principe

Senegal

Sierra Leone 2013

Togo 2013-14

 Europe

&

Central

Asia

Latin

America &Caribbean

South

Asia East Africa Central Africa Southern Africa West Africa

Urban Rural

25.4

19.8

37.6

35.1

23.4

23

48.4

41.8

40

44.1

47.4

21.1

24.5

14.7

24.7

45

48.1

51.8

50.8

57.3

49.2

36.4

21.5

15.9

32.5

25.5

15.1

15.9

35.4

37.2

35.6

40.6

31.4

14.8

14.6

16.1

18

43

40.5

39.2

35.7

52.1

39

33.5

Albania 2008-09

Guyana 2009

Haiti 2012

India 2015-16

Burundi 2010-11

Ethiopia 2016

Madagascar 2008-09

Uganda 2006

CongoDR 2013-14

Gabon 2012

Guinea 2012

Lesotho 2014

Namibia 2013

Swaziland 2006-07

Zimbabwe 2015

Burkina Faso 2010

Côte d'Ivoire 2011-12

Niger 2012

Sao Tome and Principe

Senegal

Sierra Leone 2013

Togo 2013-14

 Europe

&

Central

Asia

Latin

America &Caribbean

South

Asia East Africa Central Africa Southern Africa West Africa

Poorer Wealthier
53 

Figure 29(c) Percentage of anemic boys age 15-19, 

by education level 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases. 

Figure 29(d) Percentage of anemic boys age 15-19, 

by employment status 

Note: For countries where the percentage is based on fewer 

than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries 

in parentheses, at least one percentage is based on 25-49 

unweighted cases.

Trend data 

In total, 29 countries have multiple DHS surveys available for girls and nine countries have multiple surveys 

available for boys (Appendix A5.14-15). The three countries with the greatest change over time are noted. 

Figures 30-34 show that the prevalence of any anemia in girls decreased in most countries, with the greatest 

declines in Zimbabwe (-46.0pp), Benin (-23.3pp), and Peru (-12.2pp). In a few countries, prevalence of any 

anemia increased—most in Armenia (+9.1pp), Bolivia (+6.4pp), and Nepal (+4.9pp). 

Figure 35 shows that the prevalence of any anemia in boys decreased in most countries, with the greatest 

declines in Congo Democratic Republic (-21.0pp), Zimbabwe (-7.7pp), and Senegal (-6.0pp). In a few 

countries, prevalence of any anemia increased—most in Niger (+4.3pp), Lesotho (+3.7pp), and Ethiopia 

(+0.5pp). 

27.9

11.1

40.0

36.7

20.8

42.7

46.6

39.1

53.0

41.7

18.3

23.3

19.3

27.4

45.7

44.3

48.2

51.7

54.4

53.2

43.5

20.6

17.7

27.9

28.3

7.5

36.1

17.4

36.2

38.9

30.2

15.3

15.8

11.4

17.8

39.1

41.3

31.2

31.4

53.3

36.8

32.1

Albania 2008-09

Guyana 2009

Haiti 2012

India 2015-16

(Ethiopia 2016)

Madagascar 2008-09

(Uganda 2006)

CongoDR 2013-14

Gabon 2012

Guinea 2012

Lesotho 2014

Namibia 2013

Swaziland 2006-07

Zimbabwe 2015

Burkina Faso 2010

Côte d'Ivoire 2011-12

Niger 2012

Sao Tome and Principe

Senegal

Sierra Leone 2013

Togo 2013-14

 Europe

&

Central

Asia

Latin

America &Caribbean

South

Asia East Africa Central Africa Southern Africa West Africa

No Education or Primary Secondary or Higher

23.4

19.6

35.6

29.1

18.6

16.8

37.4

37.9

40.3

43.4

41.2

14.3

20.3

36.2

47.5

38.0

40.0

61.3

37.6

36.0

22.6

15.2

33.3

29.3

17.0

18.6

41.5

39.2

33.0

39.5

30.2

14.3

20.5

44.8

38.1

45.1

42.0

48.9

48.1

31.0

(Albania 2008-09)

Guyana 2009

Haiti 2012

India 2015-16

Burundi 2010-11

Ethiopia 2016

Madagascar 2008-09

Uganda 2006

CongoDR 2013-14

Gabon 2012

Guinea 2012

(Lesotho 2014)

Zimbabwe 2015

Burkina Faso 2010

Côte d'Ivoire 2011-12

Niger 2012

Sao Tome and Principe

Senegal

Sierra Leone 2013

Togo 2013-14

Europe

&

Central

Asia

Latin

America &Caribbean

South

Asia East Africa Central Africa

Southern

Africa West Africa

Not Working Employed
54 

Figure 30 Anemia country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, East Asia and Pacific 

Figure 31 Anemia country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, Europe and Central Asia 

1.2

2.0

0.7

1.1

26.7

19.5

17.6

19.4

31.1

24.3

28.9

28.5

59.0

45.8

47.2

49.0

2000

2005-06

2010-11

2014

Cambodia

Severe Moderate Mild

0.6

1.7

6.0

2.2

6.2

13.0

14.9

8.0

19.6

17.1

2000

2005

2015-16

Armenia

Severe Moderate Mild
55 

Figure 32 Anemia country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, Latin America and Caribbean 

Figure 33 Anemia country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, South Asia 

0.4

1.4

6.0

4.6

2.5

0.3

0.3

0.4

0.2

0.6

0.5

0.2

0.1

0.3

0.1

10.8

15.4

27.7

22.1

25.6

5.0

3.2

9.4

7.9

7.0

7.7

3.9

5.2

5.0

4.0

19.0

19.7

23.4

21.4

27.1

10.6

8.7

18.5

16.3

17.2

16.0

15.1

12.6

10.7

12.1

30.2

36.6

57.1

48.0

55.2

15.8

12.2

28.4

24.4

24.8

24.2

19.2

18.0

16.0

16.2

2003-04

2008

2000

2005-06

2012

2005-06

2011-12

2000

2005

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Bolivia Haiti

Honduras Peru

Severe Moderate Mild

1.0

0.6

0.8

16.7

14.3

19.2

21.1

23.1

23.7

38.8

38.0

43.7

2006

2011

2016

Nepal

Severe Moderate Mild
56 

Figure 34 Anemia country trends for non-pregnant girls age 15-19, sub-Saharan Africa 

1.6

1.8

1.2

0.6

3.1

0.9

3.5

1.7

19.2

16.0

29.0

23.6

23.3

18.2

25.5

20.6

22.9

20.8

26.0

30.4

22.3

20.4

19.6

22.4

43.6

38.5

56.1

54.6

48.7

39.6

48.6

44.7

2004

2011

2005

2011-12

2007

2013-14

2005

2012

Cameroon CongoBZ CongoDR Guinea

Central 

3.8

0.3

2.2

2.9

1.2

3.4

0.7

3.4

3.0

2.1

2.3

2.1

4.6

3.8

2.7

2.0

38.0

25.2

23.2

18.4

36.1

22.6

33.2

26.9

23.4

21.1

19.3

29.0

26.6

23.5

22.7

22.8

22.4

24.3

20.0

24.7

22.7

24.0

23.6

28.6

24.9

20.1

22.9

25.8

24.6

24.7

23.7

64.7

41.4

51.7

46.1

44.2

62.1

47.2

60.1

58.6

50.4

43.6

44.3

59.4

55.0

50.8

48.5

2001

2011-12

2003

2010

2003

2008

2014

2001

2006

2012-13

2006

2012

2005

2010-11

2008

2013

Benin

Burkina

Faso Ghana Mali Niger Senegal

Sierra

Leone

West 

1.1

0.7

1.6

2.0

0.8

0.6

5.1

1.4

0.7

15.0

8.4

11.3

17.4

11.1

13.7

39.4

10.6

11.0

11.8

10.8

11.0

18.9

16.2

19.4

27.4

12.7

14.1

28.0

19.9

23.9

38.3

28.1

33.8

71.8

24.7

25.8

2004-05

2009-10

2014

2004-05

2010

2015-16

2005-06

2010-11

2015

Lesotho Malawi Zimbabwe

Southern 

1.0

1.0

0.9

1.8

0.6

1.0

0.6

0.1

2.3

1.8

1.6

1.1

0.1

1.3

12.7

4.7

7.3

17.0

14.7

9.7

4.7

6.2

20.9

16.4

18.1

12.8

13.9

6.0

9.8

7.5

11.4

25.4

19.1

10.3

9.9

12.3

23.0

21.9

26.1

14.5

22.4

10.4

23.6

13.3

19.6

44.2

34.5

20.9

15.1

18.6

46.2

40.1

45.7

28.4

36.4

17.7

2005

2011

2016

2003-04

2008-09

2005

2010-11

2014-15

2004-05

2009-10

2015-16

2000-01

2006

2011

Ethiopia

Madagascar Rwanda Tanzania Uganda

East 

Severe Moderate Mild
57 

Figure 35 Anemia country trends for boys age 15-19, all world regions 

3.5 Iron Supplementation 

3.5.1 World region data 

Data on iron supplementation among girls were available from 62 countries (Table 12). There were four 

surveys from East Asia and Pacific covering 27% of the region; six surveys from Europe and Central Asia 

covering 27% of the region; eight surveys from Latin America and Caribbean covering 21% of the region; 

four surveys from Middle East and North Africa covering 21% of the region; five surveys from South Asia 

covering 63% of the region; and 35 surveys from sub-Saharan Africa covering 74% of the region. 

0.4

0.1

1.1

1.1

1.9

0.7

0.6

0.5

0.1

0.1

1.5

0.6

3.6

1.9

0.9

1.1

0.7

0.2

0.3

2.4

3.6

15.9

8.6

5.9

6.1

5.3

5.2

2.1

2.4

8.4

7.5

15.5

14.3

11.3

8.6

5.0

3.3

3.2

14.9

14.4

41.1

27.3

28.1

27.7

24.3

23.4

10.8

14.2

28.8

34.9

40.8

37.7

32.8

32.3

22.4

18.3

16.8

17.7

18.2

58.0

37.0

35.9

34.6

30.2

29.1

13.0

16.7

38.7

43.0

59.8

53.8

45.0

42.0

28.1

21.8

20.4

2011

2016

2007

2013-14

2005-06

2012

2005-06

2015-16

2009-10

2014

2006

2012

2005

2010-11

2008

2013

2005-06

2010-11

2015

Ethiopia CongoDR Haiti India Leso- tho Niger Sene- gal Sierra Leone Zimbabwe

Severe Moderate Mild
58 

Table 12 List of countries by world region for iron supplementation among girls 

World region Countries 

East Asia and Pacific Cambodia, Myanmar, Philippines, Timor-Leste 

Europe and Central Asia Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova, Tajikistan 

Latin America and Caribbean Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Peru 

Middle East and North Africa Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Yemen 

South Asia Afghanistan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan 

sub-Saharan Africa Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Congo Democratic 

Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, 

Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and 

Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe 

Prevalence of iron tablet receipt and consumption 

Figure 36 shows the prevalence of iron tablet receipt and consumption during pregnancy among girls by 

world region. Non-receipt of iron tablets during the last pregnancy is most common in Europe and Central 

Asia (94%), followed by Middle East and North Africa (86%), South Asia (58%), Latin America and 

Caribbean (50%), sub-Saharan Africa (37%), and East Asia and Pacific (13%). Prevalence of any iron tablet 

consumption is over 50% in East Asia and Pacific, Latin America and Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa. 

Consumption of iron tablets for at least 90 days is most prevalent in East Asia and Pacific (53%), followed 

by Latin America and Caribbean (24%), South Asia (20%), and sub-Saharan Africa (20%). 

Figure 36 Iron tablet receipt and consumption among childbearing girls age 15-19, by world region 

 

Note: Iron supplementation during girls’ last pregnancy within the last five years. 

Comparisons between iron tablet receipt and consumption during last pregnancy in girls 

and women 

As Table 13 shows, the absolute percentage point difference in non-receipt of iron tablets between girls and 

women is positive, indicating that adolescent girls are less likely than adult women to receive iron tablets 

in pregnancy. By region, the difference in non-receipt is greatest in Latin America and Caribbean (+4.3pp), 

followed by Europe and Central Asia (+2.6pp), East Asia and Pacific (+1.7pp), sub-Saharan Africa 

37.4

85.7

58.1

49.9

93.8

12.9

42.8

8.0

21.6

26.2

5.9

34.4

19.8

6.3

20.3

23.9

52.7

sub-Saharan Africa

Middle East & North Africa

South Asia

Latin America & Caribbean

Europe & Central Asia

East Asia & Pacific

No receipt 1-89 days 90+ days
59 

(+1.1pp), and Middle East and North Africa (+1.3pp) (Table 13). South Asia is an exception, where nonreceipt of iron tablets is more common among women than girls (-2.7pp). Country patterns for non-receipt 

of iron tablets vary (Appendix A6.1). 

For consumption of iron tablets for at least 90 days, the absolute percentage point difference between girls 

and women is negative, indicating that adult women are more likely than adolescent girls to consume iron 

tablets for at least 90 days during pregnancy. By world region, these differences are: East Asia and Pacific 

(-10.8pp), Middle East and North Africa (-5.0pp), Latin America and Caribbean (-4.2pp), sub-Saharan 

Africa (-1.4pp), South Asia (-1.1pp), and Europe and Central Asia (-0.8pp). Country patterns vary for iron 

tablet consumption for at least 90 days (Appendix A6.1). 

Table 13 Iron tablet receipt and consumption in girls age 15-19 and women age 20-49 

World region 

Consumption 

category 

Prevalence 15-19 yrs Prevalence 20-49 yrs Difference 

(15-19 yrs – 

N % LB UB N % LB UB 20-49 yrs) 

East Asia and Pacific No Receipt 417 12.5 7.2 20.9 13,518 10.8 9.0 12.8 1.7 

1-89 Days 34.8 25.7 45.1 25.8 24.2 27.4 9.0 

90+ Days 52.7 43.1 62.2 63.5 61.3 65.6 -10.8 

Europe and 

Central Asia 

No Receipt 278 84.6 80.9 87.6 11,493 82.0 81.0 83.0 2.6 

1-89 Days 14.7 11.7 18.3 16.6 15.6 17.5 -1.9 

90+ Days 0.7 0.2 2.0 1.5 1.2 1.7 -0.8 

Latin America and 

Caribbean 

No Receipt 3,610 24.7 23.0 26.5 36,097 20.4 19.8 21.0 4.3 

1-89 Days 39.9 37.7 42.1 40.0 39.2 40.8 -0.1 

90+ Days 35.4 33.2 37.7 39.6 38.7 40.5 -4.2 

Middle East and 

North Africa 

No Receipt 838 42.7 37.9 47.6 27,568 41.4 40.4 42.4 1.3 

1-89 Days 32.6 28.2 37.4 28.9 28.0 29.9 3.7 

90+ Days 24.7 20.5 29.4 29.7 28.6 30.7 -5.0 

South Asia No Receipt 5,287 25.9 23.9 28.0 175,536 28.6 28.0 29.3 -2.7 

1-89 Days 38.6 36.5 40.8 34.8 34.2 35.3 3.8 

90+ Days 35.5 33.6 37.6 36.6 36.1 37.2 -1.1 

sub-Saharan Africa No Receipt 15,482 31.9 30.2 33.7 182,095 30.8 30 31.6 1.1 

1-89 Days 47.8 46.1 49.5 47.5 46.7 48.2 0.3 

 20.3 19.2 21.4 21.7 21.2 22.2 -1.4 

LB and UB refer to the lower and upper bounds of the 95% confidence interval. 

ND, not displayed, when the percentage is based on fewer than 25 unweighted cases. Numbers in parenthesis are based on 25-

49 unweighted cases. 

Estimates for world regions were population-weighted. N includes the total number for all categories (no receipt, 1-89 days, 90+ 

days). 

3.5.2 Country data 

Trend data 

In total, 37 countries have multiple surveys available for girls (Appendix A6.2). The three countries with 

the greatest change over time are noted. 

Figures 37-41 show that the prevalence of non-receipt of iron tablets declined in almost all countries 

between surveys. The countries with the greatest declines are Nepal (-62.4pp), Cambodia (-62.3pp), and 
60 

Rwanda (-59.4pp). One country, Honduras (+24.1pp), had increases in non-receipt of iron tablets between 

surveys. 

Figures 37-41 show that the prevalence of consumption of iron tablets for at least 90 days increased between 

surveys in almost all countries. Increases in prevalence of iron tablet consumption for at least 90 days was 

greatest in Cambodia (+70.9pp), Nepal (+62.5pp), and Lesotho (+45.2pp). Iron tablet consumption for at 

least 90 days declined in Honduras (-34.9pp) and Benin (-3.0pp). 

Figure 37 Iron tablet receipt and consumption country trends for childbearing girls age 15-19, East Asia 

and Pacific 

Note: Iron supplementation during girls’ last pregnancy within the last five years. 

68.0

34.2

6.6

5.7

19.9

6.4

28.9

45.8

32.5

20.3

55.9

49.3

3.1

20.0

60.9

74.0

24.2

44.3

2000

2005-06

2010-11

2014

2008

2013

Cambodia Philippines

No receipt 1-89 days 90+ days
61 

Figure 38 Iron tablet receipt and consumption country trends for childbearing girls age 15-19, Latin 

America and Caribbean 

Note: Iron supplementation during girls’ last pregnancy within the last five years. 

Figure 39 Iron tablet receipt and consumption country trends for childbearing girls age 15-19, Middle East 

and North Africa 

Note: Iron supplementation during girls’ last pregnancy within the last five years. 

33.1

23.5

7.5

4.8

40.4

43.5

29.2

20.5

44.6

45.8

35.2

34.6

27.6

34.9

26.9

23.6

16.1

12.9

17.1

41.8

48.5

23.8

12.5

54.0

37.5

48.3

12.5

23.3

38.7

46.0

38.9

49.4

40.2

47.6

50.9

48.0

47.3

46.2

25.1

28.0

68.7

82.7

5.6

19.0

22.5

67.0

32.1

15.5

18.8

26.5

23.0

24.9

25.5

25.5

35.9

39.8

36.7

2003-04

2008

2007

2013

2000

2005-06

2012

2005-06

2011-12

2000

2003-04

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Bolivia

Dominican

Republic Haiti Hon- duras Peru

No receipt 1-89 days 90+ days

62.6

31.6

22.1

17.3

29.3

34.4

28.1

29

8.1

34.0

49.8

53.7

2008

2014

2007

2012

Egypt Jordan

No receipt 1-89 days 90+ days
62 

Figure 40 Iron tablet receipt and consumption country trends for childbearing girls age 15-19, South Asia 

Note: Iron supplementation during girls’ last pregnancy within the last five years. 

34.5

20.4

68.0

25.2

14.4

5.6

48.1

43.7

24.0

36.2

22.5

23.9

17.4

35.9

8.0

38.6

63.1

70.5

2005-06

2015-16

2001

2006

2011

2016

India Nepal

No receipt 1-89 days 90+ days
63 

Figure 41 Iron tablet receipt and consumption country trends for childbearing girls age 15-19, subSaharan Africa 

Note: Iron supplementation during girls’ last pregnancy within the last five years. 

22.2

20.0

30.9

7.3

22.1

10.8

10.8

9.1

2.8

63.3

38.2

28.8

60.0

20.9

48.8

60.1

48.4

8.6

9.6

8.3

5.3

7.0

7.9

18.2

6.3

42.9

48.1

59.0

48.0

37.2

53.4

34.8

79.3

80.0

34.8

44.7

49.9

27.1

53.4

38.9

32.2

38.1

54.6

32.7

47.1

53.8

50.0

46.7

67.2

63.3

34.9

31.9

10.1

44.7

40.7

35.8

54.4

11.6

17.2

1.9

17.1

21.3

12.9

25.7

12.3

7.7

13.5

36.8

57.7

44.6

40.9

43.0

45.4

14.6

30.4

2001

2011-12

2003

2010

2003

2008

2014

2006-07

2013

2001

2006

2012-13

2006

2012

2003

2008

2013

2005

2010-11

2012-13

2014

2015

2016

2008

2013

Benin

Burkina

Faso Ghana

Liberia Mali Niger Nigeria Senegal Sierra Leone

West

27.2

22.3

70.7

41.2

48.4

15.8

54.1

44.4

21.0

17.6

29.7

33.9

27.5

48.9

37.7

45.9

44.9

50.9

44.9

46.2

43.1

43.8

1.8

9.9

13.9

38.3

1.0

4.7

34.1

36.2

2004

2011

2004

2014-15

2005

2011-12

2007

2013-14

2005

2012

Cameroon Chad CongoBZ CongoDR Guinea

Central

70.5

56.8

28.2

32.5

21.4

6.9

10.7

36.9

17.8

18.7

11.2

39.7

6.6

3.8

58.3

46.1

9.4

27.5

36.1

24.6

56.9

59.8

54.1

54.5

48.7

56.7

49.8

54.5

48.1

49.9

40.9

34.8

47.2

39.6

2.0

7.1

47.2

10.6

18.8

39.0

34.8

14.4

25.5

31.5

34.3

12.2

43.5

55.3

6.9

6.7

51.0

2004-05

2009-10

2014

2000

2004-05

2010

2015-16

2003-04

2011

2006-07

2013

2001-02

2007

2013-14

2005-06

2010-11

2015

Lesotho Malawi

Mozambique Namibia Zambia Zimbabwe

Southern

91.1

91.8

56.6

56.4

31.0

37.0

73.2

44.3

89.4

81.8

26.5

30.0

32.2

47.2

18.0

40.5

36.6

24.6

8.9

8.2

38.8

41.7

66.0

60.1

26.2

50.5

10.6

18.2

71.3

67.7

55.4

50.4

59.6

57.1

61.8

70.0

4.6

1.9

3.0

2.9

0.6

5.2

2.2

2.3

12.4

2.4

22.4

2.4

1.6

5.4

2005

2011

2016

2003

2008-09

2014

2003-04

2008-09

2000

2005

2010-11

2014-15

2004-05

2009-10

2015-16

2000-01

2006

2011

Ethiopia Kenya

Madagascar Rwanda Tanzania Uganda

East

No receipt 1-89 days 90 + days
64 

3.6 Women’s Dietary Diversity 

3.6.1 Country data 

Data on diet diversity among girls were available from 18 countries (Table 14). There were two surveys 

from East Asia and Pacific; two surveys from Europe and Central Asia; four surveys from Latin America 

and Caribbean; one survey from Middle East and North Africa; no surveys from South Asia; and nine 

surveys from sub-Saharan Africa. 

Table 14 List of countries by world region for women’s dietary diversity 

Region Countries 

East Asia and Pacific Philippines, Timor-Leste 

Europe and Central Asia Albania, Azerbaijan 

Latin America and Caribbean Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Honduras 

Middle East and North Africa Egypt 

South Asia None 

sub-Saharan Africa Ghana, Liberia, Mali, São Tomé and Principe, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Uganda, Zambia, 

Zimbabwe 

Women’s diet diversity score 

Figure 42 shows the mean diet diversity score from the nine food groups consumed. There are no countries 

where girls consumed all food groups, and mean diet diversity scores range from 2.6 in Zimbabwe to 6.4 

in Albania. 
65 

Figure 42 Mean diet diversity score among girls age 15-19 

Note: Mean score is calculated from the nine food groups consumed in the 24 hours preceding the survey. Food groups included 

grains, roots and tubers; legumes, beans, nuts and seeds; dairy products; eggs; organ meat; flesh foods; Vitamin-A-rich dark green 

leafy vegetables; other vitamin A-rich vegetables and fruits; and other fruits. 

Patterns in animal source food consumption vary by country (Figure 43(a) and (b)). The three countries 

with the lowest egg consumption are Uganda (8%), Zimbabwe (10%) and Sierra Leone (14%), and the three 

highest are Albania (65%), Honduras (61%), and Azerbaijan (56%). Meat consumption is more prevalent 

than egg consumption in all countries. The three countries with the lowest levels of meat consumption are 

Timor-Leste (31%), Zimbabwe (34%), and Uganda (34%). The three countries with the highest levels are 

Ghana (88%), Bolivia (85%), and Guyana (84%). 

6.4

5.0

4.9

4.9

4.8

4.7

4.5

4.2

4.0

4.0

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.4

3.3

3.2

3.0

2.6

0123456789

Zimbabwe 2005-06

Uganda 2006

Zambia 2007

Liberia 2006-07

Timor-Leste 2009-10

Sao Tome and Principe 2008-09

Swaziland 2006-07

Mali 2012-13

Honduras 2005-06

Ghana 2008

Sierra Leone 2008

Dominican Republic 2007

Egypt 2008

Guyana 2009

Bolivia 2008

Philippines 2008

Azerbaijan 2006

(Albania 2008-09)
66 

Figure 43(a) Percentage of girls age 15-19 who consumed eggs 

Note: Egg consumption is in the 24 hours preceding the survey. For countries where the percentage is based on fewer than 25 

unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries in parentheses, percentage is based on 25-49 unweighted cases. 

Figure 43(b) Percentage of girls age 15-19 who consumed meat, poultry, or fish 

Note: Meat, poultry, or fish consumption is in the 24 hours preceding the survey. For countries where the percentage is based on 

fewer than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries in parentheses, percentage is based on 25-49 unweighted 

cases. 

8.2

10.2

13.5

13.6

15.0

16.5

18.0

18.0

19.6

22.1

32.2

44.0

44.2

46.4

51.1

55.7

60.7

65.0

Uganda 2006

Zimbabwe 2005-06

Sierra Leone 2008

Mali 2012-13

Zambia 2007

Liberia 2006-07

Ghana 2008

Sao Tome and Principe 2008-09

Swaziland 2006-07

Timor Leste 2009-10

Guyana 2009

Philippines 2008

Bolivia 2008

Dominican Republic 2007

Egypt 2008

Azerbaijan 2006

Honduras 2005-06

(Albania 2008-09)

30.5

33.9

34.1

38.8

48.7

60.9

65.5

70.4

73.3

73.9

74.3

75.2

76.5

82.1

82.9

83.8

84.7

88.3

Timor Leste 2009-10

Zimbabwe 2005-06

Uganda 2006

Honduras 2005-06

Swaziland 2006-07

Zambia 2007

Egypt 2008

Mali 2012-13

Sierra Leone 2008

Sao Tome and Principe 2008-09

Azerbaijan 2006

Liberia 2006-07

(Albania 2008-09)

Dominican Republic 2007

Philippines 2008

Guyana 2009

Bolivia 2008

Ghana 2008
67 

Figure 44 shows the consumption of sugary foods. The three countries with the lowest levels of sugary food 

consumption are Uganda (8%), Zimbabwe (11%), and Egypt (12%). The three countries with the highest 

levels of sugary food consumption are Bolivia (87%), Azerbaijan (69%), and Albania (52%). 

Figure 44 Percentage of girls age 15-19 who consumed sugary foods 

Note: Sugary food consumption, e.g., chocolates, sweets, candies, pastries, cakes/biscuits, is in the 24 hours preceding the survey. 

For countries where the percentage is based on fewer than 25 unweighted cases, data is suppressed. For countries in parentheses, 

percentage is based on 25-49 unweighted cases. 

8.3

10.5

12.4

18.6

18.6

19.8

23.2

25.4

25.8

29.6

35.6

39.4

43.1

51.7

57.0

59.6

68.4

86.9

Uganda 2006

Zimbabwe 2005-06

Egypt 2008

Sierra Leone 2008

Zambia 2007

Timor Leste 2009-10

Ghana 2008

Sao Tome and Principe 2008-09

Liberia 2006-07

Mali 2012-13

Dominican Republic 2007

Honduras 2005-06

Swaziland 2006-07

(Albania 2008-09)

Guyana 2009

Philippines 2008

Azerbaijan 2006

Bolivia 2008

69 

4 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION 

This report summarizes nutrition in adolescent girls age 15-19 from 62 countries and boys age 15-19 from 

22 countries. It describes anthropometric status, childbearing, anemia status, iron supplementation, and diet. 

This chapter discusses implications of the results. 

Anthropometry 

The study found a double burden of over-nutrition and undernutrition among adolescents. Across regions, 

overweight and obesity was the dominant nutrition problem for girls except in South Asia, where thinness 

was dominant, and East Asia and Pacific, where prevalence of thinness was similar to overweight and 

obesity. In Europe and Central Asia and in Latin America and Caribbean, overweight and obesity was the 

dominant problem for boys, while in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia thinness was the dominant problem 

for boys. Thinness was generally more prevalent among boys than girls, possibly because boys experience 

a higher rate of growth than girls, gaining more bone and muscle mass during adolescence (Spear 2002). 

Trend data showed that prevalence of thinness was generally stagnant or had slightly decreased between 

surveys, whereas prevalence of overweight and obesity was generally stagnant or had increased. Effective 

strategies to reduce the burden of inadequate nutrition in adolescents will need to address factors influencing 

both thinness and overweight and obesity. 

Our results showed a range of prevalence of short stature among girls among countries, from 5% in Europe 

and Central Asia to 36% in South Asia. Short stature during adolescence is largely related to delayed 

initiation of puberty and may reflect poor nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life and in later childhood, 

and inadequate nutrition during adolescence (Kurz 2007; Spear 2002; WHO 2018). Girls who are of short 

stature are also at higher risk of pregnancy-related mortality. Our data show that in almost a third of 

countries more than a quarter of adolescents have begun childbearing. Addressing adolescent pregnancy as 

well as nutrition in adolescents is important, given that complications during pregnancy and childbirth are 

the leading cause of death for girls age 15-19 globally (WHO 2017). 

Comparisons in prevalence between adults and adolescents were in the expected directions for BMI and 

short stature across world regions, and the patterns mostly held by country survey. Adults had higher 

prevalence of overweight and obesity than adolescent girls and boys, and girls had a higher prevalence of 

short stature than adult women. Notably for both girls and boys, the differences were much larger for 

overweight and obesity compared with the differences for thinness—illustrating the opportunity to 

intervene in prevention of overweight and obesity during adolescence. 

Anthropometric status by demographic covariates showed differences in prevalence in many countries. 

There was substantial heterogeneity between countries, however, with some showing higher prevalence and 

others lower prevalence by residence, wealth, education, and employment. Data stratified by covariates 

were not adjusted by other covariates, and samples sizes were small in some countries, limiting our ability 

to make inferences. 

The need for action is clear to address the multiple problems of overweight and obesity, thinness, and short 

stature among adolescents. For both girls and boys, evidence is required on effective programs and policies 

that can address adolescent nutrition. Data on adolescents age 10-14 are also needed to guide programs and 
70 

policies. In DHS surveys, anthropometry data is not routinely collected for early adolescence, and it is likely 

that patterns and trends during this period could be different than for late adolescence. For example, girls’ 

peak growth occurs during early adolescence, when nutritional needs are higher (Spear 2002). Further, more 

data are needed for boys in general, as seen by the difference in the number of surveys with data on girls 

and boys. 

Anemia 

Anemia was shown to be a mild-to-severe public health problem in all world regions for both girls and 

boys. Anemia prevalence was highest in South Asia for non-pregnant girls, and highest in sub-Saharan 

Africa for boys. For pregnant girls, anemia prevalence was higher than for non-pregnant girls in almost all 

world regions. Given the high prevalence of adolescent childbearing in many countries, adolescent girls are 

a population at high risk for anemia. While strategies to address anemia in adolescence should continue to 

focus on girls, our results also show a need to address anemia among adolescent boys, particularly in parts 

of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. 

Comparisons in anemia prevalence between adults and non-pregnant girls and boys showed that anemia 

was more prevalent in boys compared with adult men in all world regions and all countries surveyed, but 

the findings were not consistent for girls. Anemia prevalence was higher among adult women compared 

with girls in Europe and Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa, and higher 

among girls than women in East Asia and Pacific and South Asia. Further research is needed to better 

understand differences in anemia patterns for adolescent boys and girls compared with adults. 

Patterns of anemia status by demographic covariates were not consistent across countries. There were some 

differences in the prevalence of anemia by covariates, but estimates by covariate category went in both 

directions. As was the case for anthropometry, data stratified by covariates were not adjusted by other 

covariates. 

A limitation of our data is that we only report on all-cause anemia. Kassebaum and colleagues highlighted 

the different causes of anemia among adolescents, showing that iron-deficiency anemia is a leading cause 

of anemia in this age group (Kassebaum et al. 2014). During adolescence, iron requirements increase to 

support growth in both girls and boys (Spear 2002). Additionally, girls have slightly higher requirements 

due to menstruation (Spear 2002; Steer 2000). Considering other non-diet-related causes of anemia such as 

infection, genetic, and environmental factors is also required to reduce adolescent anemia, especially taking 

into account sex and context. More country-level data on the different causes of anemia will facilitate the 

development of effective anemia policies and programs for adolescents. 

Overall, the results illustrate the geographic variation in anemia and the extent of the problem among 

adolescent girls and boys. They reinforce the importance of addressing girls’ anemia for their own wellbeing 

and that of their offspring. It also highlights the importance of addressing anemia for boys. In the future, 

more national data on adolescent boys’ anemia are required to better understand the problem and ensure 

anemia prevention strategies encompass efforts to target boys. 

Iron supplementation 

Iron supplementation is an important nutrition intervention for adolescent girls where anemia is a public 

health problem, and even more so among pregnant adolescent girls (WHO 2016). The study results showed 
71 

that, compared with adult women, childbearing adolescent girls were more likely to receive iron 

supplements than women during their last pregnancy in all world regions except South Asia, but girls in all 

world regions were less likely to consume iron supplements compared with adult women. A possible reason 

for this is that girls are more likely to have had births more recently than women in the past five years. 

Thus, our finding that girls receive more iron tablets than women do may reflect general improvements in 

iron tablet availability during antenatal care, or may be a result of a shorter recall period. However, the low 

level of any consumption of iron tablets among adolescent girls warrants further attention. Effective 

implementation strategies are needed to ensure not only that girls receive iron tablets as early as possible 

during pregnancy but also that they are supported to consume the iron tablets for the duration of pregnancy, 

as per WHO guidelines (WHO 2012). 

Our data do not include iron supplementation among non-childbearing girls and early adolescence; the 

WHO recommends iron supplementation among these groups but many countries have yet to adopt the 

recommendations (WHO 2018a, 2018b). Addressing these data gaps can facilitate improved iron 

supplementation programming among all groups in which it is recommended. 

Dietary diversity 

The study results on dietary diversity vary across countries but, in general, suggest that adolescent girls are 

at increased risk for overweight and obesity and for micronutrient deficiencies. Girls’ diets lacked diversity 

in all countries. In addition, consumption of sugary foods was over 30% in almost half of the countries. 

Similarly, a recent systematic review of adolescent girls’ diets reported that poor-quality diets were 

common, including consumption of sugary and salty snack foods, and in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia 

there was low protein and fat intake (Keats et al. 2018). 

Most important, there is a paucity of dietary data for adolescents, especially among boys. The DHS Program 

collected Women’s Dietary Diversity Score data in Phase 5 (approximately 2003-08), but data on diet 

among adults was not part of the core questionnaire in other phases. Recently a new indicator, Minimum 

Dietary Diversity for Women, has been developed and is beginning to be used in some country surveys, 

including DHS surveys (FAO and FHI 360). Tracking girls’ and boys’ dietary data globally will enable 

countries to develop context-specific policies to address the nutritional problems of adolescents. 

Conclusions 

Continued advocacy for adolescent nutrition is required to ensure that adolescents receive optimal nutrition 

to support their growth and development. Adolescence provides an opportunity to address nutrition 

problems that occurred in childhood and to lay the foundation for good nutrition in adulthood. Thus, more 

data focused specifically on adolescents need to be collected. This report goes a long way to address data 

gaps for adolescent nutrition and to characterize anthropometry, anemia, iron supplementation, and diet 

among girls and boys. More information on micronutrient status, eating practices, food environments, and 

nutrition intervention coverage will help foster improved policies and programs for adolescents. 

73 

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