Cold, dark and malnourished: a cross-sectional analysis of the relationship between energy poverty and household burden of malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

ObjectiveEnergy poverty contributes to the general well-being of households; however, there is representational paucity on its role in household nutrition across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study examined the influence of different domains of energy poverty and a Multidimensional Energy Poverty Index (MEPI) on household burden of malnutrition in SSA.SettingSecondary data from the most recent Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 18 SSA countries were analysed.DesignA cross-sectional design was used to examine the relationship between household energy poverty and household burden of malnutrition.MethodsDifferent dimensions of household energy poverty and an MEPI were computed from the sources of energy used for cooking, lighting, entertainment and accessing information by households. Household burden of malnutrition was coded as a binary categorical dependent variable using indicators of undernutrition, overnutrition and anaemia among women of reproductive age (15–49 years) and children under five years in the household.ResultsMore than nine in ten households were energy poor in terms of cooking fuel and about three in four were energy poor in terms of lighting. Considering the various domains of energy poverty, lack of electricity for lighting, using biofuels, not owning a refrigerator/freezer, not owning a television/radio and not owning a mobile phone were associated with increased odds of a household experiencing undernutrition. Similarly, deprivation in these domains was associated with a lower likelihood of households experiencing overnutrition, the only exception being using biofuels. Overall, households that were most energy poor on the MEPI were more likely to be undernourished and double and triple burden malnutrition households but less likely to suffer from overnutrition.ConclusionThese results highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of the relationship between energy poverty and household burden of malnutrition and provides guidance for appropriate interventions to address energy poverty and malnutrition in SSA.