Malnutrition among Ultra Poor Women in Bangladesh

Malnutrition is widespread and has been recognized as a public health problem in Bangladesh. As people living in absolute poverty are more susceptible to infection, disease and malnutrition, information on dimension of nutrition was required to see the impact of program and modify health intervention. To describe the prevalence of malnutrition and identify the associated factors among the women, 978 ultra poor households targeted by BRAC poverty reduction program in Bangladesh were covered in a cross- sectional survey. Data were collected between July and September 2003. Chronic energy deficiency was highly prevalent among women, 56% had BMI <18.5 kg/m2. Prevalence of anemia was detected in 48% of the women. The average energy intake was calculated as 1609 kcal/day. Parasites infestation prevalence was 66%. Significant association was found between BMI and reported illness, perceived health status and signature capability. Anemia was associated with signature capability, iron tablet intake and total number of pregnancy. The extent of malnutrition was high among the women in ultra poor households.