Research Reports (1997): Health Studies, Vol - XXII

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10361/12912

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The prevalence of anaemia among males and females in rural Bangladesh
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 1996-10) Hyder, S.M. Ziauddin
This is the first report of a collaborative research project between the Research and Evaluation Division (RED), BRAC, Bangladesh and the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Umea University, Sweden. The study aimed at investigating the prevalence · of anaemia among men and women in a typical Bangladesh rural community. The survey was conducted in a perceived healthy population in March 1996 in 12 villages of Fulbaria Thana of Mymensingh District located about 1 00 km north of Dhaka city. One hundred and six males 228 non-pregnant females aged 11-48 years were purposively selected. Information was obtained on haemoglobin concentration, parasitic infestation and household socio-economic status. About 69% of males and 70% of females were found to be anaemic according to WHO anaemia criteria. There was no difference in anaemia prevalence between males and females. Literacy and perceived economic status were associated to anaemia prevalence among females, but not among males. Anaemia was also more common among those holding little or no land and among those having current ascaris infestation. The study suggests that anaemia is highly prevalent in the rural communities of Bangladesh which affects both males and females equally. Further studies should be undertaken to confirm the findings and also to examine the causes of anaemia both in males and females in the rural areas of the country in order to undertake necessary preventive and control measures by the concerned agencies.
Socioeconomic development and human well-being: seasonal survey on nutrition: third round
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 1996-12) Khatun, Masuma; Tarannum, Sabah; Rasheed, Sabrina; Hyder, S.M. Ziauddin
Since 1992, BRAC and ICDDR,B have been implementing a joint research project in Matlab, Bangladesh to assess the pathways of impact of BRAC's development interventions on human well-being. The project identified improved nutritional status as one of the components of human wen-being. This report documents the nutrition component of the third round seasonal survey findings conducted during January to May 1996 using the four-cell survey design. A total of 2076 households were interviewed to connect data on household food security and on anthropometry. Data on preceding one week's household food inflow and outflow were connected to describe food security at the household level. The anthropometric survey was conducted for an household members aged 6 month and above. Data on different parameters are shown in the report stratified by BRAC member, BRAC eligible non~member and BRAC non eligible non-member.
Socioeconomic development and human well-being
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 1996-12) Khatun, Masuma; Tarannum, Sabah; Hyder, S.M. Ziauddin
Since 1992, BRAC and ICDDR,B have been implementing a joint research project in Madab, Bangladesh to assess the pathways of impact of BRAC's dewlopmcnt interventions on human wen-being. The project identified improved mmi1ioDal status as one of the components of human wen-being. This report cbiumcnts the nutrition component of the second round seasonal SUl'Vey findings conducted during mid September to December 1995 using the four-ceD survey design. A total of 2076 households were inteMewed to collect data on household food security, infant and chUd feeding prac1iccs and on an1hropometly. Data on preceding one week's household food intlow and outflow were collected to descn"be food security at the household J.evd. The anthropometric 8UI'WY was conducted for an household members aged 6 month and ~- Data on different parameters arc shown in the report stratified by BRAC member, BRAC eligible nonmember and BRAC non cHgiblc non-member.
Prevalence of intestinal parasites in the healthy adult and adolescent population of a rural community
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 1997-08) Hyder, S.M. Ziauddin
To study the prevalence of intestinal worm infestations among the healthy adult rural populatio~ 333 stool samples were coHected form 8 villages under Fulbaria thana of Mymensingh district by systematic random sampling technique. Stool samples were examined under microscope for the presence of intestinal parasites. The gross prevalence of parasites was 33.3% of which 35.8% were in females and 27.9% in males. Significant difference of intestinal parasite infestation was observed in different age group and the highest prevalence (40%) was found among the age group of 18-35 years. Significant association was found been hand washing with soap and prevalence of intestinal parasite infestation (p<0.05).
Prevalence of chronic energy deficiency in the elderly population of Matlab
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 1997-10) Rasheed, Sabrina; Khatun, Masuma; Hyder, S.M. Ziauddin
The number of elderly people in the world increased from 13 to 45 million between.1950 and 1985. In Bangladesh, however, the absolute number of elderly registered a slight decline. The negative growth rate reflects in part, poor health conditions and consequently high adult mortality rate. This study attempts to examine the nutritional status . of the elderly in ;Matlab, Bangladesh by looking at the prevalence of chronic energy deficiency (CED) among the elderly population and endeavors to find its determinant. Socioeconomic and nutritional information of 626 elderly individuals of 2076 households, residing in 14 villages of Matlab, Chandpur, was obtained through pre-coded questionnaires. The survey duration was April- August 1995. The results suggest that the eiderly are a vulnerable group of population in terms of health and nutrition, as 80% of the elderly population suffered from different degrees of CED and severe CED prevalence in elderly population was associated with sex, occupation, household economic status and family size.
Pre-lacteal feeding practices in a rural area of Bangladesh
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 1997) Tarannum, Sabah; Hyder, S.M. Ziauddin; Chowdhury, AMR
This study aims to describe the nature and extent of pre-lacteal fluid and colostrum feeding practices in a rural community of Bangladesh and also to investigate the mothers level of knowledge in relation to hygiene and safety related to the feeding practices. The data were obtained from 473 mothers with infants aged less than 24 months from 14 villages of Matlab thana from April to August 1995. A total of 2076 households were visited to obtain the above number of the eligible mothers. The households were categorized into two groups based on their socioeconomic status, i.e., BRAC eligible or poor and non-eligible or non-poor. The survey revealed that about 93% of the infants received pre-lacteal liquid and only 7% received breast milk as the first liquid. Honey or honey with water was the most frequently given pre-lacteal liquid followed by mustard oil, which they believed, would clean the baby's mouth. Surprisingly, around 12% of the infants did not receive any nutritious liquid except for plain water until 24 hours after birth. About 3 5 and 44% of the mothers in BRAC eligible and non-eligible households respectively mentioned that giving honey before initiation of breast feeding was their tradition. Among the BRAC eligible households, 22% of the mothers stated that insufficient milk secretion immediately after delivery was the reason to give pre-lacteal liquid. A majority of the mothers stated that finger, in most instances without washing, was used to introduce the liquid in the baby's mouth. Frequency of finger use was higher among the BRAC eligible compare to non-eligible households. Grand mothers were the initiators of pre-lacteal liquid in about 47% instances followed by the birth attendants, 25%. Sixty two percent of the infants among BRAC eligible and 76% among the non-eligible households received colostrum. Mothers from both BRAC eligible and non- eligible households seemed to have adequate knowledge about colostrum feeding in terms of its beneficial effects on infants' health. They mentioned that colostrum was a nutritious liquid, which provide_d . required nutrients and protected the babies against infections. In conclusion, pre-lacteal feeding was highly prevalent in the villages of Matlab thana, which perhaps a common feature in other rural areas of Bangladesh. In most of the cases, women's lives, increased income/livelihood security, fertility control, increased nutritional status, decreased morbidity and decreased mortality (7). Improved nutritional status was identified as one of the important components of human well-being.
Nutritional status of pre-school children among BRAC member and eligible non-member households
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 1997) Tarannum, Sabah; Hyder, S.M. Ziauddin; Chowdhury, AMR
The study aimed at describing determinants of nutritional status of the pre-school children in BRAC member and eligible non-member households. The data were obtained from 9~840 children aged less than S years from April 1994 through December 1996 . residing in 100 villages of 3 rural thanas (sub-districts) namely Saturia, Santhia and Mirzapur. The findings showed that overall prevalence of stunting and wasting was 62% and 18~·(, respectively. i Significantly lower proportion of female compared to male children 9.-·c-e stunted (p<O.OOl). There was no significant sex difference in the proportion of wasting. The prevalence of stunting was lower among children in BRAC member compared to non-member eligible households (62% vs. 66%) (p<O.OS). The prevalence of stunting and wasting was significantly associated with point prevalence of diarrhoea and acute respiratory infection ( .... 1\R.I) (p<O.Ol). Prevalence of wasting was significantly associated with vitamin A capsule coverage and place of defecation (p<O.Ol). Children (45~o) who belonged to female headed households were less stunted compared to male headed households (640fo). Prevalence of stunting was significantly associated with family size and parent's literacy (p<O.Ol). In case of families, whose main earners were non-labour, prevalence of stunting was lower compared to manual labour households. Prevalence of stunting and wasting was significantly associated with Seasonality (p<O.Ol). Prevalence of stunting and wasting was significantly higher among non-member eligible households compare to BR.AC member households. It is necessary to create awareness about nutrition all over the country, especially focused on rural community. More emphasis should be given on nutrition, health and hygiene among rural population for nutritional well-being
Effect of BRAC's rural development programme on calorie consumption: evidence from Matlab
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 1997) Khatun, Masuma; Hyder, SM Ziauddin; Bhuiya, Abbas; Chowdhury, AMR
This report describes the association between calorie consumption and socioeconomic status indicators and examines the effect of BRAC's Rural Development Programme (RDP) membership on per capita daily calorie consumption. The analysis was based on data collected from 2, 061 households in Matlab thana during April-August, 1995 under BRAC-ICDDR,B joint research project. Socioeconomic and food consumption data were collected through home visits using pre-tested structured questionnaires. Total household calorie consumption per day was divided by household food consumption unit to obtain per capita daily calorie consumption. The results revealed that average per capita calorie consumption among the study population was 1,929 kcal (95% CI: 1,897-1,961 kcal) which is comparable to the national average of 1,943 kcal. Calorie consumption was significantly associated with household size and land holding; occupation and literacy of the household head; and monthly food and non-food expenditure (p<O.OS). The proportions of households with per capita daily calorie consumption < 1, 80 5 kcal and <2, 122 kcal were significantly lower among BRAC eligible member compared to eligible non-member households (p<0.05). Controlling for some potential confounding factors, BRAC eligible member households had 33% less chance to consume <1,805 kcal and 28% less to consume <2, 122 kcal compared to the eligible non-member hollseholds (p<Q.01). In conclusion, BRAC's RDP membership had positive effect on household level calorie consumption. However, the overall mean calorie consumption of both the BRAC member and eligible non-member households is still 83% of the recommended level.
Does involvement of women in BRAC influence sex bias in intra-household food distribution?
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 1997) Roy, Rita Das; Hyder, SM Ziauddin; Chowdhury, AMR; Adams, Alayne
This study aimed to assess the sex preference in intra-household food distribution among school going siblings in a rural area of Bangladesh. The study also examines the effect of women's involvement in BRAC's rural development programme in reducing gender gaps in intrahousehold food allocation. The study was conducted in 14 villages of :Matlab thana as one of the sub-studies of the BRAC-ICDDR,B joint research project. A total of 376 school-going siblings (188 brothers and 188 sisters) aged 10-14 years from BRAC member and no~-member households were included in this study. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used for data collection. One of the villages was chosen for direct observation of food distnoution behaviour of the food servers. The methodology also included six focus group discussions with mothers of the siblings in two selected villages; this helped to have further understanding of the issue. The survey found no significant sex bias in food distribution for 3 major daily meals. However, boys were given preference in distributing special foods such as meat, fish and milk products. Brothers conswned higher amount of special foods compared to their sisters (p<0.001). Direct observation of food distribution and focus group discussions indicated that preferential food distribution pattern favouring sons, which existed in the rural community irrespective of social classes. It was also found that food was more equitably distributed between sons and daughters within BRAC member households compared to non-member households.
Anaemia in pregnancy: a pilot study
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 1997-08) Hyder, SM Ziauddin
Anaemia in pregnancy is a common health problem. According to the last national nutrition survey of Bangladesh ( 1981-1982), about 47% of the pregnant and lactating women had anaemia. Since then, a few community-based studies were done to investigate the anaemia prevalence. The present study aimed to investigate the anaemia prevalence in two rural locations of Bangladesh. The data were collect in March 1997 on 90 pregnant women from 6 villages of Saturia and another 6 vi11ages of Fulbaria Thana in Manikgonj and Mymensingh District respectively. All the identified pregnant women in the 12 villages who were willing to • participate were included in the study. The result shows that 54% of the women had anaemia according to the WHO definition. Area of residence, literacy, iron tablet intake and length of BRAC membership were significantly associated with a lower prevalence of anaemia (p<0.05). BRAC' s rural development and health programmes should find ways to increase coverage, compliance and effectiveness of its iron supplementation programme.

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