Epidemiology of undernutrition in adults in Dhaka slum households, Bangladesh.
OBJECTIVE
To identify socioeconomic, demographic and environmental factors that predict undernutrition in adults in a Dhaka slum population.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
Dhaka slums in Bangladesh.


METHODS
A total of 1097 adults surveyed during September-December 1996.


METHODS
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.
Pryer
J A
JA
Department of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Royal Free and University Medical School, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK. janepryer@blueyonder.co.uk
Rogers
S
S
D000328:Adult; D001459:Bangladesh / Q000453:epidemiology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D003710:Demography; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009752:Nutritional Status; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011204:Poverty Areas; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires