linking maternal work status with child nutrition and morbidity in rural Bangladesh: A multifactorial Analysis
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Abstract
Background: In rural Bangladesh, the increasing participation of women in the labor force—particularly in the garment sector—raises important concerns about child health and nutrition. The dual burden of work and caregiving may adversely affect child well-being, especially in low-income households. This study aims to examine the association between maternal work status and child nutritional outcomes and morbidity in selected rural areas of Gazipur District. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2024 to February 2025 among 250 working mothers and their 261 children across 300 households in six unions of Kaliakair Upazila, Gazipur. Data were collected using structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires, along with anthropometric measurements of children. Variables included maternal age, education, working hours, socioeconomic status (SES), exclusive breastfeeding history, and recent child illnesses. Nutritional status was assessed using WHO growth standards. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression were applied to identify factors associated with undernutrition. Results: Most mothers (52%) were aged 24–29 years and nearly 73% had education up to SSC or HSC level. Approximately 72.8% of children had a history of exclusive breastfeeding, while 53.3% had experienced at least one illness episode in the past three months. Nearly 47.5% of children were undernourished—18.4% stunted, 16.9% underweight, and 12.3% wasted. A statistically significant relationship was observed between maternal working hours and child nutritional status (p=0.001), with the prevalence of undernutrition rising to 56.7% among children of mothers working more than 10 hours daily. Multivariable analysis revealed that extended working hours (AOR=2.45, p=0.003), lack of exclusive breastfeeding (AOR=1.75, p=0.031), recent illness (AOR=1.88, p=0.016), and lower socioeconomic status (AOR=1.96, p=0.017) were independently associated with child undernutrition. Conclusion: Maternal work status—particularly long working hours—has a significant impact on child nutrition and morbidity in rural Bangladesh. Children of working mothers from lower socioeconomic backgrounds face a heightened risk of undernutrition and illness.
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