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Prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of household-level double burden of malnutrition in Bangladesh
Authors: Subhasish Das, Shah Mohammad Fahim, Md Saimul Islam, Tuhin Biswas, Mustafa Mahfuz, and Tahmeed Ahmed
Source: Public Health Nutrition, 22(8): 1425-1432; DOI: 10.1017/S1368980018003580
Topic(s): Child health
Nutrition
Country: Asia
  Bangladesh
Published: JAN 2019
Abstract: Objective To investigate the prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of household-level mother–child double burden (MCDB) of malnutrition in Bangladesh. Design The analysis was done using Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2014 data. Multivariable logistic regression identified the sociodemographic factors associated with double-burden households. Setting Nationally representative cross-sectional survey. Participants A total of 5951 households were included in the analysis. Results A coexistence of overweight or obese mother and underweight or stunted or wasted child (OWOBM/USWC) was found in 6·3 % households. The prevalence of overweight or obese mother and underweight child (OWOBM/UWC) was 3·8 %, of overweight or obese mother and stunted child (OWOBM/STC) was 4·7 %, and of overweight or obese mother and wasted child (OWOBM/WSC) was 1·7 %. Mother’s age 21–25 years at first birth, middle wealth index group, having two or three children and having four or more children showed statistically significant (P<0·05) associations with OWOBM/UWC. Households with mother’s age 21–25 years at first birth, middle wealth index group, no exposure to information media, having two or three children and having four or more children had higher odds of OWOBM/STC and OWOBM/USWC which were statistically significant (P<0·05). Delivery of child through caesarean section was significantly associated with OWOBM/USWC (P<0·05). Conclusions Although the prevalence of MCDB of malnutrition in Bangladesh is low, prevention programmes must consider the nutrition concerns of the entire household to prevent future risks. Such programmes also need to be tagged with family planning and increasing awareness through social and behaviour change counselling and exposure to information media.