Prevalence and Potential Risk Predictors of Undernutrition Among Under-Five Children in Island Areas of Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND

Undernutrition poses a major threat for the growth and development of children in remote island regions of Bangladesh.

METHODS

This study investigated the prevalence and risk predictors of undernutrition among children under five in the island regions of Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 13 unions across two islands, with a random sample of 549 children.

RESULTS

Descriptive analyses showed that underweight (Z-score < -2), wasting (Z-score < -2), and stunting (Z-score < -2) were prevalent, with rates of 36.80%, 24.60%, and 47.20%, respectively. Significant predictors of underweight included a history of diarrhea (AOR = 2.24, p < 0.001), acute respiratory infection (ARI) (AOR = 1.84, p < 0.01), anemic caregivers (AOR = 1.52, p < 0.05), and belonging to day labor families (AOR = 0.29, p < 0.01). Childhood wasting was significantly associated with partial vaccination (AOR = 2.84, p < 0.001), large family size (AOR = 1.79, p < 0.05), higher birth order (AOR = 0.58, p < 0.05), diarrhea (AOR = 3.09, p < 0.001), anemic mothers (AOR = 1.89, p < 0.05), primary (AOR = 3.35, p < 0.05) and secondary (AOR = 4.11, p < 0.01) maternal education, and fathers working abroad (AOR = 0.42, p < 0.05) or as daily laborers (AOR = 0.17, p < 0.001). Stunting was more common among children with partial vaccination, diarrhea, and ARI, and less common among those with a history of fever or those from day laborer families.

CONCLUSION

Overall, undernutrition among children in the island areas of Bangladesh is influenced by multiple factors, necessitating a multisectoral approach to improve their nutritional status.