Cities, Slums, and Child Nutrition in Bangladesh

Abstract

This study uses novel household survey data that are representative of Bangladesh's large cities, and of slum and nonslum areas within the cities, to investigate the effects of demographic and socioeconomic factors on child nutrition status in 2013. The study also decomposes the difference in mean child nutrition status between slum and nonslum areas in 2013, and the increase in mean child nutrition status in slum and nonslum areas from 2006 to 2013. Mother's education attainment and household wealth largely explain the cross-sectional difference-and intertemporal change in mean child nutrition status. Although positive in some cases, the effects of maternal and child health services, and potential health-protective household amenities, on child nutrition status differ by the type of health facility, household amenity, and urban area (slum or nonslum). Focusing on nutrition-sensitive programs for slum residents and the urban poor is consistent with the results.