Prevalence and determinants of malnutrition among reproductive aged women of rural Bangladesh

Asia Pac J Public Health. 2010 Jan;22(1):110-7. doi: 10.1177/1010539509350913.

Abstract

Malnutrition among the rural Bangladeshi women of reproductive age is still very high. This high prevalence attributes to a range of adverse health consequences on the women and their offspring. A total of 2341 women aged between 20 and 45 years residing in the study area were interviewed in this cross-sectional study. Information on socioeconomic variables, nutritional status, and pregnancy-related history was obtained using interviewer administered questionnaire. A total of 34% of the reproductive aged rural women suffer from malnutrition. A multivariate analysis shows association between malnutrition and monthly household income, history of taking oral contraceptive, current pregnancy status, and history of breastfeeding. The final regression model shows a statistically significant decreasing trend in malnutrition status with increasing income (P for trend <.001). The economic and health consequences of malnutrition in this group of women are enormous. National nutritional program should target this women group for any intervention with a special priority.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bangladesh / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Status Disparities*
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Logistic Models
  • Malnutrition / epidemiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Nutritional Status*
  • Pregnancy
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Rural Health*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Young Adult