Nutritional status of reproductive aged santal ethnic women

Abstract

Measurement of nutritional status is always vital and thought to be primary step to formulate development strategy. Reproductive aged ethnic women are important group to study because of their distinct features. An observational cross-sectional study was carried out at northern part of Bangladesh to assess nutritional status of reproductive aged Santal women with a sample size 200. Face to face interview was carried out with the semi-structured questionnaire. Convenient sampling technique was used to collect data on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria and written consent was taken prior to interview. Nutritional status was determined according to BMI cut off value for Asian population. Descriptive as well as inferential statistics were used to present data. Mean±SD age of respondents was 34.27±8.60. More than half (67%) of the respondents were illiterate and housewife (84%). Mean±SD income of respondents was 5700.71±282.89 per month. Underweight, normal and overweight were 67%, 30% and 3% respectively. Most respondents took rice 2-3times/day. Vegetables and soyabean were taken randomly. Lentil was taken daily. Statistical significant association was found between nutritional status and age group (p<0.05), education (p<0.05), occupation (p<0.05) and monthly income (p≤0.05). Half of the respondents suffered from underweight and most of them income was very low. Income generating capacity should be increased as well effective nutrition education programme must be instituted.