Epidemiology of undernutrition in adults in Dhaka slum households, Bangladesh

Objectives: To identify socioeconomic, demographic and environmental factors that predict undernutrition in adults in a Dhaka slum population. Design: 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. Setting: Dhaka slums in Bangladesh. Subjects: A total of 1097 adults surveyed during September-December 1996. Main outcome measures: 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 5m(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. Sponsorship: University College, London.