Reducing health inequalities among girls and adolescent women living in poverty: the success of Bangladesh

Annals of Human Biology
Emily K Rousham, Ikhtiar Uddin Khandakar

Abstract

Bangladesh has made dramatic improvements in the health of girls and women in the last 20 years. This paper examines whether gender inequalities in health are evident among older children and adolescents among extremely poor households and identifies future health challenges for improving the health of girls and women. Gender inequalities in health were examined using data from a school health survey of school children and adolescents (n = 900, 6.5-13.5 years). Anthropometric status, household possessions and number of siblings were measured. Under-nutrition was assessed as stunting (height-for-age z-score) and thinness (BMI-for-age z-score). The prevalence of under-nutrition was high (35.3% stunting; 42.4% thinness), but there were no significant differences according to gender or socio-economic indicators (via possession score). Girls had more younger siblings (p < 0.05), while boys had more older siblings (p < 0.05). These findings accord with the national picture of successful reductions in gender inequalities in health through low cost, community-based health programmes and education policies targeting the poorest sectors. The prevalence of under-nutrition, however, remains high. Reproductive behaviours may still be influe...Continue Reading

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Citations

Mar 18, 2016·Annals of Human Biology·Maria Inês Varela-Silva, Cristina Santinho
Feb 28, 2020·Health Promotion Perspectives·Yasmin JahanMohammod Jobayer Chisti

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