HOSEHOLD NUTRITION PRACTICES BY THE WOMEN IN THE SELECTED AREA OF BARISAL DISTRICT

Abstract

Household nutrient security is one of the emerging issues in Bangladesh. Household nutrition security in rural Bangladesh is expected to largely depend on women household heads and their decision making ability in various household activities. Concerning this, this study sought to understand the dynamics between household nutrition practices by women and their decision making ability in their households. Thus, a field survey was conducted using the KAP model questionnaire administered to 122 women (age 21–62 Years) in rural areas of Barishal. Data were collected using a random sampling method. Results indicated that around one-third (32%) of the respondents had low and an equal proportion (32%) had high nutrition practices in their households. A multiple regression analysis indicated that family’s monthly food expenditure, attitude, women’s household decision making, and nutrition-related decision making had significant positive influences on their household nutrition practices while age, education, family member, BMI level, knowledge, personal autonomy had no significant contribution to their households nutrition practice. Therefore, the findings conclude that women's ability to make decisions will lead to better management of nutrition practices in households.