Status and utilization of child health and nutritional services among low-income urban households in Bangladesh

Abstract

The main aim of this study is to report the prevalence of Diarrhoea, Acute Respiratory Symptoms (ARS), and malnutrition in Bangladeshi among the low-income urban households' under-five children; and explore the health and nutritional services use and determine service gaps. The study used a quantitative research approach where a social survey was employed to collect data from 378 household heads (non-slum 228 and slum 152) through a structured interview method in Zone 5 (Kashimpur and Konabari) of the Gazipur City Corporation, Bangladesh. Results show that the overall prevalence of Diarrhoea and ARS was 13% and 50%, respectively. About 65% of diarrhoea-affected children did not intake Oral Rehydration Saline and continue food, and only 4% of mothers sought treatment from health facility for their ARS-affected children. Malnourishment was prevalent in different age groups: 0-6 months [Kashimpur: 75%; Konabari: 77%]; 0-23 months [Kashimpur: 58%; Konabari: 67%]; 6-23 months [Kashimpur: 70%; Konabari: 72%]. All Wards had a minimum of one health centre and staff number ranged from 1 to 15, but 86% of newborns had no health and nutrition check-ups. The study concludes by discussing challenges and proposing recommendations for targeted health literacy campaign and preventive care interventions.

Social behavior practices for child protection and well‐being among low‐income urban households in Bangladesh

“…The low‐income urban community is an inordinate feature in Bangladesh. Unplanned urbanization is one of the important factors that lead to an extremely densely and poor living circumstances such as consumption of low‐quality food and poor housing, water, and sanitation conditions (Islam & Hamiduzzaman, 2021; Mottaleb et al, 2018; Khalequzzaman et al, 2017; Cameron, 2017). These disadvantages and risk factors are the main causes of malnutrition and sickness in the children and mothers (Islam et al, 2018; Ahsan et al, 2017; Kamal et al, 2015).…”

“…These disadvantages and risk factors are the main causes of malnutrition and sickness in the children and mothers (Islam et al, 2018; Ahsan et al, 2017; Kamal et al, 2015). Islam and Hamiduzzaman (2021) found that poor socioeconomic conditions and healthcare‐seeking behaviors are the main influences for diarrhea, ARS, and malnutrition. They further argued that there are some services in the community; they could not afford these services even if they were aware of them as they have to be paid for.…”