https://researchopenworld.com/maternal-nutrition-social-correlates-and-obstetric-outcomes-in-northern-mymensingh-bangladesh/#

Abstract

National indices of maternal health have improved in Bangladesh, but no data is available from rural Mymensingh where two non-government aid agencies have been working for years. Surveys were held to inform their planning. Methods: In November 2018, aided by a research team from Western Sydney University, Australia, anthropometric, mortality and socioeconomic data was compiled from 25 sites around Haluaghat and Dhobaura, and compared with national figures. Results: Of 1982 mothers surveyed: 15.5% were ‘stunted’(<145 cm) vs 15.7% in Sylhet, and 13.3% in Dhaka, correlating with poverty, reduced education, and stunting of offspring. 13% were underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m 2 ) vs 29.8% in Sylhet and 18.2% in Dhaka. Conversely, overweight was common. Of stunted mothers 14.4% were ‘at risk’, 26.1% overweight and 4.2% obese. 29.7% consumed betel nut. Stillbirth, Perinatal, Neonatal and Child Mortality rates were very high: 89.8, 108.8, 27.45, and 61.3 respectively. 63.5% of births occurred at home with untrained assistance. 33.2% of mothers were married < 16 years, and suffered higher Neonatal and Child Mortality Rates. Conclusion: Rates of undernutrition and child mortality are very high. The dyad of stunting and obesity portends the metabolic syndrome.