Objectives The study aims to differentiate the risk factors of single and multiple concurrent forms of undernutrition among children under 5 in Bangladesh. Design A nationally representative cross-sectional study. Setting Bangladesh. Respondents Children age under 5 years of age. Outcome measure This study considered two dichotomous outcomes: single form (children without single form and with single form) and multiple concurrent forms (children without multiple forms and with multiple forms) of undernutrition. Statistical analysis Adjusted OR (AOR) and CI of potential risk factors were calculated using logistic regression analysis. Results Around 38.2% of children under 5 in Bangladesh are suffering from undernutrition. The prevalence of multiple concurrent forms and single form of child undernutrition was 19.3% and 18.9%, respectively. The key risk factors of multiple concurrent forms of undernutrition were children born with low birth weight (AOR 3.76, 95% CI 2.78 to 5.10); children in the age group 24–35 months (AOR 2.70, 95% CI 2.20 to 3.30) and in the lowest socioeconomic quintile (AOR 2.57, 95% CI 2.05 to 3.23). In contrast, those children in the age group 24–35 months (AOR 1.94, 95% CI 1.61 to 2.34), in the lowest socioeconomic quintile (AOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.45 to 2.21) and born with low birth weight (AOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.08) were significantly associated with a single form of undernutrition. Parental education, father’s occupation, children’s age and birth order were the differentiating risk factors for multiple concurrent forms and single form of undernutrition. Conclusion One-fifth of children under 5 years of age are suffering multiple concurrent forms of undernutrition, which is similar to the numbers suffering the single form. Parental education, father’s occupation, children’s age and birth order disproportionately affect the multiple concurrent forms and single form of undernutrition, which should be considered to formulate an evidence-based strategy for reducing undernutrition among these children.

Healthy life expectancy (HALE) at birth is an important indicator of health status and quality of life of a country’s population. However, little is known about the determinants of HALE as yet globally or even country-specific level. Thus, we examined the factors that are associated with HALE at birth in low- and lower-middle-income countries. In accordance with the World Bank (WB) classification seventy-nine low- and lower-middle-income countries were selected for the study. Data on HALE, demographic, socioeconomic, social structural, health, and environmental factors from several reliable sources, such as the World Health Organization, the United Nations Development Program, Population Reference Bureau, WB, Heritage Foundation, Transparency International, Freedom House, and International Center for Prison Studies were obtained as selected countries. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis were performed to reach the research objectives. The lowest and highest HALE were observed in Sierra Leone (44.40 years) and in Sri Lanka (67.00 years), respectively. The mean years of schooling, total fertility rate (TFR), physician density, gross national income per capita, health expenditure, economic freedom, carbon dioxide emission rate, freedom of the press, corruption perceptions index, prison population rate, and achieving a level of health-related millennium development goals (MDGs) were revealed as the correlates of HALE. Among all the correlates, the mean years of schooling, TFR, freedom of the press, and achieving a level of health-related MDGs were found to be the most influential factors. To increase the HALE in low- and lower-middle-income countries, we suggest that TFR is to be reduced as well as to increase the mean years of schooling, freedom of the press, and the achievement of a level of health-related MDGs.

Background: The high incidence of low birth weight (LBW) is associated with an increased risk of infant mortality, adverse pregnancy outcomes for mothers, and a decline in overall health and well-being. The current study aimed to identify the various determinants of LBW and its effect on adverse health and nutritional outcomes of children aged 0–23 months in Bangladesh. Methods: Bangladesh Demography and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017-18 data was used. A chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to find out the associations between independent variables and outcomes (e.g., LBW, child illness and undernutrition). Results: The overall prevalence of LBW among was 16.3%. Mother with no formal education (AOR = 2.64, 95% CI = 0.55–3.30, p = 0.01), female child (AOR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.04–1.65, p = 0.023); and poorest economic status (AOR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.13–2.51, p = 0.010), were identified significant determinants of LBW. Of home environment and hygiene factors, unimproved toilet facilities (AOR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.03–1.84, p = 0.030) had a significant effect on LBW. In addition, children born with LBW were more likely to suffer fever (AOR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.05–1.60, p = 0.050), stunting (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.86–3.15, p = < 0.001), wasting (AOR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.02–2.25 p = 0.049), and underweight (AOR = 3.19, 95% CI = 2.40–4.23, p = < 0.001). Conclusion: One out of five children was LBW in Bangladesh. Maternal education, sex of child, wealth index, and toilet facilities had significant effects on LBW. In addition, LWB contributed to children’s poor health and nutritional outcomes. Enhancing maternal pregnancy, and child health outcomes necessitates policies addressing poverty, gender inequality, and social disparities. Key strategies include promoting regular prenatal care, early medical intervention, reproductive health education, and safe hygiene practices. To combat the negative impacts of LBW, a comprehensive strategy is vital, encompassing exclusive breastfeeding, nutritional support, growth monitoring, accessible healthcare, and caregiver education.

Research on health expectancy has been carried out in Bangladesh but none of it has examined the differences in Disability-Free Life Expectancy (DFLE) between urban and rural setting in context of rapid urbanization of Bangladesh in past decades. The present study aims to estimate DFLE for people of all ages living in urban and rural areas in Bangladesh, and to examine the differences in DFLE between these two areas. Data from the Sample Vital Registration System 2010 and the Bangladesh Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2010 were used in this study. The Sullivan method was applied to estimate DFLE in Bangladesh. Higher rates of mortality and disability were observed in rural areas compared to urban areas with few exceptions. Statistically significant differences in DFLE were revealed from birth to age 15 years for both sexes between urban and rural areas. Urban males had a longer life expectancy (LE), longer DFLE and shorter LE with disability both in number and proportion when compared to rural males. Rural females at age 20+ years had a longer LE than urban females but urban females had a longer DFLE and a shorter LE with disability in both number and proportion at all ages than did rural females. This study demonstrates that there were clear inequalities in LE, DFLE and LE with disability between rural and urban areas of Bangladesh along with age-specific differences as well. These findings may serve as useful and benchmark for intervention and policy implications for reducing the gap in health outcomes.

Diarrhea and fever are prevalent childhood illnesses with potentially severe consequences, especially when they co-occur. This study investigates the prevalence and determinants of diarrhea, fever, and their coexistence among children under-five in Bangladesh. Data from the 2017–2018 Bangladesh Demography and Health Survey (BDHS) were analyzed using multivariable stepwise logistic regression with backward selection. This study found that 5.0% for diarrhea, 34.0% for fever, and 3.0% for the coexistence of both illnesses. Common factors associated with childhood diarrhea and fever included the child’s age (12–23 months), and the mother’s education. Diarrhea was associated with households with improved water sources and children in the Barisal division, while fever was linked to underweight children and those from more affluent backgrounds. The coexistence of both was significantly linked to underweight children, higher birth orders, and children from the Rajshahi division. Notably, child illnesses were associated with parental education, higher socio-economic status, and access to improved drinking water sources. Diarrhea affects one in 20 children, fever affects one in three, and the coexistence of both conditions affects one in 35 children in Bangladesh. The findings need further research and policy reviews to develop effective interventions and improve child health in Bangladesh.

Objectives: Understanding the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of COVID-19 within distinct populations may aid further public health messaging. This study’s aims were to explore KAP towards COVID-19 in rural Bangladesh and identify any potential links to sociodemographics, existing clinical conditions and sources of information. Design: Cross-sectional community-based study. Setting: Participants were recruited from 18 villages using multistage cluster random sampling. Methods: Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, from June to November 2021, using a structured questionnaire. Data included sociodemographics, clinical conditions, sources of information and KAP of COVID-19 questions. Χ ² test, multiple logistic regression and correlation analyses were performed. Results: A total of 1603 participants were included with mean ages of 42.3±14.2 years, ranging from 18 to 60 years. Of these, 51% were male, 42.2% had secondary education and 45% had comorbidities. Television was the main source of COVID-19 information (55.8%). The overall correct response rate of KAP questions was 90%, 78% and 59%, respectively. In stepwise multiple logistic regression, good knowledge was associated with higher education (adjusted OR (AOR): 4.61, 95% CI: 2.40 to 8.85, p<0.001), employment, high body mass index (overweight and obese) and trust in the sources of information. Being female (AOR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.19 to 1.85, p<0.001), having depression (AOR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.34 to 2.43, p<0.001), being a past smoker and sources of information (family members/friends/relatives/neighbours) were associated with positive attitudes. Good practices were associated with older age (AOR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.10 to 2.11, p=0.01), higher education (AOR: 2.78, 95% CI: 1.58 to 4.89, p<0.001) and having anxiety, while current smokers and fully vaccinated people were less likely to be engaged in good practices. Positive significant correlations between domains of KAP were observed as well as between past vaccination KAP and COVID-19 KAP. Conclusion: This study uncovered gaps in understanding and practices, and identified targeted intervention especially for young and less educated people using mass media to promote updated knowledge regarding COVID-19 and the efficacy of preventive practices.