The Social and Environmental Factors Underlying Maternal Malnutrition in Rural Bangladesh: Implications for Reproductive Health and Nutrition Programs

Levels of low birth weight (LBW) and maternal malnutrition in rural Bangladesh are among the highest in the world. We surveyed dietary practices among pregnant mothers in a rural area served by a reproductive health and nutrition program. In total, 30 semi-structured interviews and five focus group discussions were carried out, supplemented by participant observations. Despite high levels of awareness of nutritional dietary requirements, half the women reported unchanged or reduced food intake during pregnancy. Dietary taboos and food aversions were widely practiced. Women consistently received the last and smallest food shares during mealtimes. The findings highlight the need to address traditional dietary taboos and preferenaces, and actively target key household decisionmakers, namely, husbands and mothers-in-law, in nutrition behavior change communication.