Inequalities and Changes in Under-Nutrition of Under-Five Children in Bangladesh - Abstract
Objectives: This study examines inequalities and changes in under-nutrition of under-five children in Bangladesh.
Materials and methods: We used data from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 2004 and 2014. Inequalities in under-nutrition were measured by concentration index. Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition method was applied to examine the magnitude and socioeconomic factors contributing to changes in inequalities in under-nutrition.
Results: Although the prevalence of stunting and underweight has declined and that of wasting has increased, inequalities in under-nutrition have increased between 2004 and 2014. Household wealth and maternal education are the most important determinants of inequalities in childhood malnutrition. Child’s age, birth interval, diarrhea, maternal age and education, working status, household wealth and place of residence are important contributing factors of change in inequalities of malnutrition.
Conclusions: Any program to mitigate inequalities of malnutrition between poor and rich should address the prevailing socioeconomic inequalities in the country.