Epidemiology of undernutrition in adults in Dhaka slum households, Bangladesh

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/m(2).

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 m(2) 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.