Abstract

Author:
Rabeya, Rokshana, Hasan, A.B.M. Nahid, Shammi, Khandokar Farmina, Shorme, Afsana Akter, Yasmin, Laila, Rasmi, Rasmin Zannat, Joardar, Md. Abul Hasnat, Asaduzzaman, Md.

Doi: 10.26480/jhcdc.02.2024.93.101

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

Malnutrition is a global health issue significantly impacting children under the age of five, particularly in low-and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. Tribal areas face heightened challenges due to socioeconomic marginalization, inadequate healthcare, and food insecurity. This study aims to assess the nutritional status of children under five in Khagrachari, Bangladesh, and identify the factors contributing to malnutrition in this population. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to October 2023 in Khagrachari Sadar, interviewing 275 mothers. WHO AnthroPlus software calculated Z-scores for stunting, wasting, and underweight. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression. 59.3% of children were underweight, 37.4% were stunted, and 53.4% were wasted. Most mothers breastfed (84.7%), but weaning practices varied. Vital issues included unsafe drinking water (20.4%) and anemia (13.8% mild, 2.6% severe). Logistic regression highlighted key predictors: children aged 6-24 months had double the odds of stunting compared to those aged >48-60 months (95% CI [0.82, 4.87]). Having one sibling under five increased the odds of stunting (95% CI [1.24, 24.40]). Formula feeding in the first six months lowered stunting odds (95% CI [0.30, 0.99]). Maternal primary education is linked to higher underweight probabilities (95% CI [1.05, 5.57]). Children aged 6-24 months were less likely to be wasted (95% CI [0.14, 0.84]). This research reveals a concern about the nutritional status of children under five in Khagrachari. Addressing these factors is crucial to improving the health outcomes of this vulnerable population.