Trends in health and nutrition indicators in the urban slums of three cities in Bangladesh, compared to its rural areas
Bloem, M.W.; Moench Pfanner, R.; Graciano, F.; Stallkamp, G.; Pee, S. de
FAO Food and Nutrition Paper 83: 155-168
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0254-4725 Document Number: 254023
The differences in health and nutrition indicators between urban and rural populations from 1990 to 2000 were compared to gain a better understanding of the problems associated with urbanization in Bangladesh. The study was carried out in urban poor sites in Dhaka, Chittagong and Khulna. The results showed that the prevalence of stunting decreased during the study period. It was more prevalent among urban poor children compared to rural children. Grain consumption decreased between 1990 and 2000 and was higher among the rural population than the urban poor. Wasting among children fluctuated with the seasons. There was a gradual decline in the number of children under five years old in households during the study period in both urban and rural areas. Families in urban areas were smaller than in rural areas. Crowding at household level among the urban poor also declined. The percentage of women with no formal education decreased, particularly in rural areas. However, most women in urban areas had no formal education. The prevalence of night blindness was lower in urban than in rural areas. It is suggested that the problems associated with urbanization should be addressed immediately before they reach unmanageable levels.