Nutritional Status and Associated Socioeconomic Factors of 15-49 Years Garo Ethnic Women Residing in Northern Part of Bangladesh: a Cross Sectional Observational Survey

Abstract

Adequate nutrition is a prerequisite for attaining good health, quality of life, and national productivity. Ethnic women usually lead diverse life style and cultural practices. This makes them important area of study. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted at Mymensingh district to explore nutritional status and socioeconomic factors of 15-49years Garo ethnic women. Face to face interview was carried out and convenient sampling technique was used to collect data and verbal consent was taken from community leader prior to interview. Nutritional status was determined according to BMI cut off value for Asian population. Mean age of respondents was 34.27years. More than half of the respondents neither read nor write. Mean income of respondents was 73.087 USD per month. The study found 67%, 30% and 3% were underweight, normal and overweight respectively. Statistical significant association was found between nutritional status and age group, education and occupation. Effective nutrition education programme can be instituted.