Assessment of the status and its associated factors among lactating mothers taking services in an urban healthcare facility in Dhaka city: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Our study aims to determine the nutritional status of lactating mothers attending an urban MNCH facility in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and identify the associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted which analyzed socio-demographic data, dietary diversity, and body mass index (BMI). Among the participants, 39.7% were aged 21–25 years, and 40% held a bachelor’s degree or higher. The majority (79.2%) were homemakers, with a median monthly income of 50,000 BDT. Nutritional assessment revealed a dual burden, with overweight and obesity prevalent in 64% of the lactating mothers and undernutrition observed in 10%. When regression analysis was done it highlighted that mothers aged more than 30 years had significantly higher the odds of being overweight or obese (AOR=9.98; p=0.001), emphasizing the impact of age on BMI. Attainment of education also influenced BMI significantly; mothers completing higher secondary education were more likely to have increased BMI (AOR=3.02; p=0.026), likely due to calorie-dense food choices, while those who had completed their education up to bachelors and above education appeared to mitigate this risk. Mothers coming from middle-income households were less likely to be overweight or obese (AOR=0.37; p=0.023), this indicated the impact of income on nutritional outcomes. Dietary factors also played a significant role; frequent consumption of sugary foods increased the likelihood of higher BMI (AOR=2.73; p=0.001), whereas sweets consumption showed an inverse association with overweight and obesity (AOR=0.40; p=0.003) which could be due to differential reporting or cultural practices. Thus interventions should focus on the enhancement of nutritional literacy particularly women of lactational phase and additionally, introduce policies that ensure access to affordable, nutrient-rich foods which could mitigate the rising burden of overweight and obesity. Future longitudinal studies are necessary to explore the long-term effects of these factors on maternal and child health in urban Bangladesh.