Original Article
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2006) 60, 815–822. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602385; published online 1 February 2006
Epidemiology of undernutrition in adults in Dhaka slum households, Bangladesh
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.
1Department of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Royal Free and University Medical School, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
Correspondence: Dr JA Pryer, Department of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Royal Free and University Medical School, University College London, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK. E-mail: janepryer@blueyonder.co.uk
Received 27 April 2005; Revised 25 October 2005; Accepted 16 November 2005; Published online 1 February 2006.
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.
Keywords:
BMI, demographic, economic, environment, slum population, Bangladesh
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