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Epidemiology of undernutrition in adults in Dhaka slum households, Bangladesh

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 60, pages 815–822 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

Objectives:

To identify socioeconomic, demographic and environmental factors that predict undernutrition in adults in a Dhaka slum population.

Design:

A panel survey, conducted between 1995 and 1997. A random sample of households was selected. Socioeconomic, demographic and environmental variables were collected monthly by questionnaire and nutritional status was assessed.

Setting:

Dhaka slums in Bangladesh.

Subjects:

A total of 1097 adults surveyed during September–December 1996.

Main outcome measures:

Body mass index (BMI) less than 18.5 kg/m2.

Results:

There was a sex difference with female subjects having a significant odds ratio for low BMI compared with male subjects (P<0.03). There was no difference by age for males, but there was a difference by age for female subjects, with women aged 30–39 and 40–49 years having the worst BMI (P<0.04; P<0.04). The Beri Bahd area of residence had the worst BMI (P<0.001). Deficit situation as the self-reported financial situation had the worst BMI (P<0.03). Casual wage workers, unskilled and dependent self-employed individuals had the worst BMI (P<0.005; P<0.003). Not being involved in credit organizations and NGO credit organizations was associated with worst BMI (P<0.008; P<0.03). Those households that had an income of 2000–2499 Taka had the worst BMI (P<0.07). Households with a floor area of 5 m2 or more per consumption unit had the best BMI (P<0.01). Households without electricity had the worst BMI (P<0.007). Households with tube well water had the worst BMI compared with those with tap water (P<0.001).

Conclusions:

Under nutrition was related to demographic, economic, social and environmental factors.

Sponsorship:

University College, London.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Tom Marshall for statistical advice and for advice on logistic regression.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Royal Free and University Medical School, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK

    J A Pryer & S Rogers

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  1. J A Pryer
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  2. S Rogers
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Correspondence to J A Pryer.

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Guarantor: J Pryer.

Contributors: JAP analysed the data and wrote the paper. SR significantly contributed to the analysis interpretation and contributed to the writing of the paper and also edited the paper.

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Pryer, J., Rogers, S. Epidemiology of undernutrition in adults in Dhaka slum households, Bangladesh. Eur J Clin Nutr 60, 815–822 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602385

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