The Intertwined Relationship Between Malnutrition and Poverty

Siddiqui, Faareha; Salam, Rehana A; Lassi, Zohra S; Das, Jai K

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.00453

Cited by 157 publications

(118 citation statements)

References 24 publications

(43 reference statements)

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“…Despite the recent economic growth and poverty reduction, the reduction rate of childhood malnutrition in Bangladesh is somewhat unsatisfactory. There is consensus that economic growth and poverty reduction alone cannot decrease malnutrition [ 25 , 26 ] unless the issues of mothers’ malnutrition history, teenage marriage, and inappropriate diets are addressed. According to the BDHS 2017–18 report, 31% of under-five children are still stunted and 9% are severely stunted; while 8% are wasted, with 2% being severely wasted and 22% of children are underweight, and 4% are severely underweight [ 13 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Poverty and childhood malnutrition: Evidence-based on a nationally representative survey of Bangladesh

et al. 2021

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Background Malnutrition contributes to children’s morbidity and mortality, and the situation undermines the economic growth and development of Bangladesh. Malnutrition is associated with lower levels of education that decrease economic productivity and leads to poverty. The global burden of malnutrition continues to be unacceptably high amid social and economic growth, including in Bangladesh. Therefore, identifying the factors associated with childhood malnutrition and poverty is necessary to stop the vicious cycle of malnutrition leaded poverty. Methods The study utilized the 2017–18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS), accumulating 7,738 mother-child pairs. Associations between potential risk factors and nutritional status were determined using chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression models were utilized on significant risk factors to measure their odds ratio (OR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results The prevalence of moderate and severe wasting was 7.0% and 1.8%, respectively, whereas the prevalence of moderate and severe stunting was 19.2% and 8.0%, while 16.4% and 3.6% of children were moderately and severely underweight. Children from the poorest and poor households were suffering from at least one form of malnutrition. Adjusted ORs were estimated by controlling socio-economic and demographic risk factors, such as poor maternal body mass index, parents’ lower education level, use of unhygienic toilet, child age in months, and recent experience of diarrhea and fever. The pattern was almost similar for each malnutrition status (i.e., stunting, underweight, and wasting) in the poorest and poor households. Conclusion Bangladesh achieved the Millennium Development Goals, focusing primarily on health-related indicators and working to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Even considering this success, the prevalence of malnutrition and poverty in same household remains relatively high compared to other developing countries. Therefore, the study recommends the implementation of nationwide systematic measures to prevent poverty and malnutrition.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Poverty and childhood malnutrition: Evidence-based on a nationally representative survey of Bangladesh

et al. 2021

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“…The inter-relationships between poverty and malnutrition are well explained in previous studies. Evidence shows that malnutrition produces conditions of poverty by reducing the economic potential of the population and likewise, poverty reinforces malnutrition by increasing the risk of food insecurity [ 45 ]. Similarly in India, poverty restricts access to food that is required to meet daily requirements or to ensure dietary diversity, that leads to malnutrition, which again adversely affects educational and economic attainments, thus perpetuating poverty [ 46 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Socio-economic inequality in anaemia among men in India: a study based on cross-sectional data

2021

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Background Undernutrition is a serious matter of public health concern in India. Existing studies, policies and programs focus on women and children thereby ignoring men in policymaking. This study examines the socio-economic inequality in anaemia levels among men in India and tries to decompose the factors behind it. Methods The fourth round of National Family Health Survey is used to fulfill the study objectives. The outcome variable of the study is men having anaemia or not. The study uses bivariate and multivariate techniques to identify the factors associated with the outcome variable. Further, concentration index and concentration curve are calculated to measure the socio-economic inequality in anaemia among men in India. Results The results indicate that majority of the socio-economic related inequality is explained by wealth quintile followed by geographical regions of India, body mass index and educational attainment. The results also emphasize that older men belong to the high-risk groups. Moreover, the likelihood of anaemia is 40% more likely among men who belonged to East region and 25%, 13% and 7 % less likely among those who belonged to Northeast, West and South region compared to those who belonged in the North region of the country. Conclusion Existing policies on anaemia should include men to achieve an anaemia free India. Individual education and awareness should be encouraged to improve nutritional status.

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“…Poverty has implications for malnutrition, and each exacerbates the other, creating a vicious cycle (Siddiqui et al 2020, 3). When a family does not have money to purchase enough agricultural inputs such as seeds or fertiliser, the food they grow may be insufficient to ensure an adequate and nutritious diet.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A black dog enters the home: hunger and malnutrition in Malawi

et al. 2021

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Hunger and inadequate nutrition are ongoing concerns in rural Malawi and are exemplified in traditional proverbs. Traditional proverbs and common expressions offer insight into commonly held truths across societies throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Strong oral traditions allow community beliefs embodied in proverbs to be passed down from generation to generation. In our qualitative study, we conducted 8 individual and 12 focus group interviews with a total of 83 participants across two districts in rural central Malawi with the aim of soliciting context-specific details on men and women’s knowledge, attitudes and practices related to nutrition, gender equality and women’s empowerment. Each interview began by asking participants to share common proverbs related to nutrition. Our qualitative analysis, informed by an indigenous-based theoretical framework that recognises and centres African indigenous knowledge production, yielded six themes: ‘a black dog enters the home’, ‘don’t stay with your hands hanging’, ‘a man is at the stomach’, ‘showers have fallen’, ‘we lack peace in our hearts’ and ‘the hunger season’. Traditional proverbs can provide insight into the underlying causes of hunger and malnutrition. Physicians, nurses and other allied health professionals around the world have a role to play in addressing hunger and malnutrition, which have been exacerbated by climate change. We have an ethical duty to educate ourselves and others, and change our behaviours, to mitigate the root causes of climate change, which are contributing to food insecurity and resultant poor health outcomes in countries like Malawi.

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The Intertwined Relationship Between Malnutrition and Poverty

Cited by 157 publications

References 24 publications

Poverty and childhood malnutrition: Evidence-based on a nationally representative survey of Bangladesh

Poverty and childhood malnutrition: Evidence-based on a nationally representative survey of Bangladesh

Socio-economic inequality in anaemia among men in India: a study based on cross-sectional data

A black dog enters the home: hunger and malnutrition in Malawi

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