





































Education, Language and Sociology Research 

ISSN 2690-3644 (Print) ISSN 2690-3652 (Online) 

Vol. 6, No. 2, 2025 

www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/elsr 

109 
 

Original Paper 

Study on Nutritional Status of Rural Primary School Children in 

Bangladesh 

Mst. Gulshan Ara1, Most. Sumi Akter1 & Mahmuda Awal2 

1 Lecturer at Enam Nursing College, Dhaka, Bangladesh 

2 Lecturer at Enam Nursing College, Dhaka, Bangladesh 

3 Lecturer at CRP Nursing College, Dhaka, Bangladesh 

 

Received: April 15, 2025         Accepted: May 1, 2025      Online Published: May 16, 2025 

doi:10.22158/elsr.v6n2p109        URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.22158/elsr.v6n2p109 

 

Abstract 

Background: This study investigates the nutritional status of rural primary school children in 

Bangladesh, a demographic that is particularly vulnerable to malnutrition due to socio-economic 

challenges, limited access to healthcare, and inadequate dietary practices. Objective: The research aims 

to assess the prevalence of undernutrition, including stunting, wasting, and underweight, among children 

aged 6 to 12 years in selected rural areas. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 

139 children through anthropometric measurements, dietary assessments, and socio-economic surveys. 

Methodology: The findings reveal a concerning prevalence of malnutrition, with approximately 30% of 

the children classified as stunted, 15% as wasted, and 25% as underweight. These rates are significantly 

higher than the national averages, indicating a critical public health issue in rural settings. Factors 

contributing to poor nutritional status include low household income, inadequate maternal education, 

and limited access to diverse food sources. Results: The implications of these findings are profound, 

suggesting an urgent need for targeted interventions to address malnutrition among rural primary school 

children in Bangladesh. Conclusion: This study highlights the critical intersection of nutrition, education, 

and socio-economic factors in shaping the health of rural children in Bangladesh.  

 

1. Background of the Study 

Nutrition can be defined as the science of food and its relationship to health. It is concerned primarily 

with the part played by nutrients in body growth, development and maintenance. Good nutrition means 

maintaining a nutritional status that enables us to grow well and enjoy good health (Park, 2023). 

School-going age is very significant because this is the main period of life to make the body store 

nutrients. These stores help in the rapid growth of children. Good nutrition means a stronger immune 



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system, low illness, better health, and a productive society. The children who do not get an adequate 

quantity of required macro and micronutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and 

minerals (iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iodine, etc.) may not be in a position to 

perform to their full potential in their academics. It is usually seen that the quality and quantity of food 

in children usually change with time from childhood to adolescence (Singh & Sharma., 2021). 

The nutritional status of children is a potential health indicator of development in a country. A person’s 

energy and/or nutrient intake shortages, excesses, or imbalances are referred to as malnutrition. 

Malnutrition includes all forms of under nutrition (wasting, stunting, and underweight), insufficient 

vitamin and mineral intake, obesity, and the ensuing non-communicable diseases linked to diet. The 

consequences of acute childhood malnutrition include a greater chance of dying from childhood diseases 

such as diarrhea, pneumonia and malaria and many other psychological problems (WHO, 2024).  

Child health is a growing concern all over the world with rapid economic growth and social changes. 

Nutritional status in childhood is the most important determinant of the health status of an adult person 

as its impact is seen on the socio-economic development of a nation. Malnutrition is a global problem 

that is affecting under five children easily. It is seen that 20-80% of primary school children are suffering 

from nutritional deprivation. Assessment of the nutritional status of children is an essential strategy for 

improving overall health. Primary school age is a dynamic growth period that begins after the high 

mortality risk period in the preschool years and corresponds to the period from kindergarten to the 

secondary school period when adequate cognitive, affective and psychomotor achievement occurs. About 

24% population of the less developed and 15% of that of the industrialized world are primary school 

children (Fatema et al., 2023). 

Recent Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) data on 2022 key indicators revealed that 

among children, 24% were stunted, 22% were underweight and 11% were wasting (National Institute of 

Population Research and Training (NIPORT) and ICF, 2023).  

 Nutritional status is assessed usually by anthropometry based on age, body weight, and height; several 

indices such as height-for-age, weight-forheight, and body mass index. The children are class to three 

categories: stunting defined by low height-forage, underweight defined by low weight-for-age, and 

wasting defined by low weight-for-height. Body mass index is a simple index commonly used to classify 

underweight, overweight, and obese. Usually stunting measures past (chronic) childhood under-nutrition, 

and underweight measures past (chronic) and present under nutrition and wasting reflects current or acute 

under nutrition (Fatema et al., 2023). 

1.1 General Objective 

To assess the nutritional status of rural primary school children in Bangladesh, focusing on the prevalence 

of undernutrition, dietary habits, and socio-economic determinants, in order to inform policy and program 

development aimed at improving child nutrition in these communities. 

 

 



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1.2 Specific Objectives 

To determine the prevalence of undernutrition (stunting, wasting, and underweight) among rural primary 

school children in selected regions of Bangladesh. 

1.3 Conceptual Framework and Theoretical Framework: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The conceptual framework for assessing the nutritional status of rural primary school children in 

Bangladesh can be visualized as a multi-dimensional model that incorporates various factors influencing 

nutrition. This framework highlights the interrelationships between different determinants and their 

impact on nutritional outcomes.  

1.4 Variables 

Independent variables: 

• Age 

• Sex 

• Religion 

• Mother age 

• Mother’s Educational 

• Number of Household member 

• Occupation of household head 

• Family income 

Dependent variables: 

Nutritional Status 

1.5 Literature Review 

Different related literatures were reviewed thoroughly to gain in-depth knowledge of the problems of the 

study. A literature review is the systematic search of published work to gain information about the 

research topics. Literature related to the study has been collected by review of different available 

scholarly journals, books, thesis reports, articles, etc. either electronic or printed versions. An Internet 

Independent Variable Dependent Variable 

Age 

Sex 

Religion 

Mother Age 

Mother’s Education 

Number of Household 

Member 

Occupation of Household Head 

Family Income 

Nutritional Status 

 



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search for electronic resources has been carried out by using academic research library databases like 

PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, etc. 

Nutrition is vital for preservation of health and prevention of diseases, particularly the food-related 

deficiency diseases (WHO, 2020). A descriptive cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire 

was conducted and a convenience sampling method was used in the selection of 400 students (200 from 

Sandwip and 200 from Bandarban) and their mothers. For each of the included children, socio-

demographic data, and anthropometric data such as age, weight and height were taken. Statistical analysis 

was performed to identify significant determinants for stunting (height for age), wasting (weight for 

height) and underweight (weight for age). Chi square tests were used to establish the association of the 

nutritional status of the children with key variables under interest and level of significance was set at p < 

0.05. The study results showed that in Sandwip 38.5% of the children were underweight, 20.5% of the 

children were wasted and 45% of the children were stunted and in Bandarban 40.5% of the children were 

underweight, 18.5% of the children were wasted and 48% of the children were stunted. Child’s age group, 

gender, mother’s nutritional status, mother’s education, mother’s occupation, birth order of children, 

diarrhea, pneumonia, worm infestation and immunization status of children were associated with the 

nutritional status of primary school going children (Rahman, M., 2022). 

A cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 400 children of aged 5–10 years using 

semi-structured questionnaire, in the haor areas of Kishoreganj district in Bangladesh. The outcomes 

variables considered were stunting, wasting and underweight calculated following the World Health 

Organization anthropometric guidelines of 2006. Children and their parents’ socio-demographic 

characteristics were considered as the exposure variables. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the 

characteristics of the respondents. Binary logistic regression model was used to determine the factors 

associated with the malnutrition. Around half (48%) of the total children were wasted at the time of the 

survey following around 40.5% were underweight and 38% were stunted. The likelihoods of occurring 

stunting, wasting and underweight were found higher among female children than their male counterpart. 

The prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight were 39%, 54% and 45% among girls whereas the 

prevalence was 36%, 42% and 36% among the boys, respectively. Increased meal frequency, solvency 

with land ownership were found associated with the reduced odds of becoming malnourished. (Khanam 

& Haque, 2021). 

Malnutrition and infectious diseases, such as helminthic infections, are widespread among primary 

school children, especially in low- and middle-income countries. However, there are limited studies on 

school health in Bangladesh, particularly in rural settings. This study aimed to explore the nutritional 

status and prevalence of helminthic infections in relation to associated health behavior, awareness, and 

knowledge regarding malnutrition and helminthic infections which were evaluated by school nurses 

among primary school children in Bangladesh. 

This was a descriptive, cross-sectional survey study with a total duration of 1 month, from September to 

October, 2021. This study formed part of a school nurse project as a cluster non-randomized clinical trial 



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in Bangladesh. Selected variables from that clinical trial were analyzed and reported in the results section. 

The study participants were primary school children from four schools in rural Bangladesh. 

In total, 604 children participated in the baseline survey and health checkups. Among them, 163 (27.0%) 

children were classified as malnourished according to the World Health Organization growth reference 

standard 2007. The prevalence of helminthic infections was 53 (8.8%). Approximately >50% of the 

children responded that they never/rarely practiced hygiene-related behaviors and had no awareness and 

knowledge regarding malnutrition and helminthic infections. However, differences between the variables 

were not statistically significant (Aivey et al., 2024). 

A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in 2020 among 780 children aged 6 to 12 years to determine 

the nutritional status of school age children in Abakalika metropolis, Nigeria. Random sampling method 

was used to select participants. A self-developed structured questionnaire was used for the study. The 

study found that the prevalence of under nutrition was 15.7% and that of over nutrition was 2.1% 

(Umeokonkwo et al., 2020) 

Khan et al. (2022) conducted a systematic review presents the pooled prevalence of nutritional status and 

dietary intake among school-going children and adolescents (5-15 years of age) in an LMIC of Pakistan 

and the perspective for broader global nutrition in this age group. An electronic search of databases was 

run on Pubmed and Medline (viaOvid) along with gray literature and archives of local scientific journals 

till 2nd January 2021. Studies meeting the eligibility criteria were included and relevant data were 

extracted, and a pooled proportional analysis was performed. A total of 51 studies including 62,148 

children of 5-15 years met the inclusion criteria, of which 30 studies reported on anthropometric indices 

alone, eight on dietary intake patterns while 13 reported both. All of the included studies had a cross-

sectional study design. There were 20 studies from the province of Punjab, 15 from Sindh, eight from 

Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, two from Balochistan, and three from multiple cities across Pakistan. The pooled 

proportional analysis showed that the proportion of underweight children and adolescents was 25.1% 

(95% CI 17.3-33.7%); stunting 23% (95% CI 11.8-36.7%); wasting 24% (95% CI 15.2-34%); thinness 

12.5% (95% CI 9.4 16.1%); overweight 11.4% (95% CI 7.2-16.3%); and obesity 6.9% (95% CI 3-12%). 

A relatively high intake of carbohydrates, soft drinks, and sweets/chocolates; and a low intake of protein-

rich foods, fruits, and vegetables, compared to the recommended daily allowance (RDA), was reported. 

Umeokonkwo et al. (2020) conducted adescriptive cross-sectional study among 780 children aged 6 to 

12years from 10 primary schools in Abakaliki metropolis. The finding shows that overall prevalence of 

under nutrition was 15.7% and that of over-nutrition was 2.1%. The prevalence of underweight, thinness 

and stunting, overweight and obesity were 8, 7.2, 9.9, 1.4 and 0.7% respectively. The proportion of pupils 

who were thin was higher among males (8.7%), those attending public schools (8.6%) and those dwelling 

in rural parts of the metropolis (14.3%) compared to females (5.8%) private school attendees (1.9%) and 

urban dwellers (4.6%). Stunting was found to be higher among pupils attending public schools (11.8%) 

compared to those attending private schools (2.5%). The prevalence of stunting was 19.3% among the 



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pupils residing in rural areas and 5% among the pupils living in urban areas of the metropolis. No pupil 

in private schools was underweight. Over nutrition was not found among the pupils in rural areas. 

Singh & Sharma (2021) thirty studies reviewed by using different sources such as Research Gate, 

PubMed, Google Scholar, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, and surveys of different agencies such 

as websites of the Ministry of Women and Child Development Government of India and different state 

governments to know the prevalence of wasting, stunting, overweight, and obesity among children in 

rural as well as urban areas of different areas in India. Results from the various studies show that the 

underweight children range from 6.6% to 83%. Prevalence of stunting ranges from 13.8% to 56.1%, 

prevalence of wasting ranges from 6.7% to 75%, and prevalence of underweight ranges from 6.6% to 

83%. 

Aboagye et al. (2022) a school-based cross-sectional study among 423 school children aged 6–12 years 

in the South Tongu District of Ghana. The result indicates overall prevalence of under nutrition and 

overweight/obesity 21.5% (CI = 17.7, 25.7) and 24.8% (CI =20.8, 29.2), respectively. Specifically, the 

prevalence of stunting, thin ness, underweight, overweight, and obesity were 10.4%, 12.1%, 3.8%, 11.1%, 

and 13.7%, respectively. School children whose household used water from non-portable sources were 

more likely to be undernourished. The overweight/obesity was higher among school children whose 

mothers had attained formal education, those who consumed beverages between meals per day and those 

who had adequate dietary diversity. School children aged 10–12 was less likely to be overweight/obese 

compared to those aged 6–9. 

 

2. Research Methodology 

2.1 Research Approach  

The research approach was used for this study is a descriptive approach. The research approach for 

assessing the nutritional status of rural primary school children in Bangladesh is a mixed-methods 

approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. This approach allows for 

a comprehensive understanding of the nutritional status and the various factors influencing it, combining 

statistical analysis with in-depth insights from the community. 

2.2 Study Design 

A cross-sectional study design was adopted to carry out the present study. The nutritional status of rural 

primary school children in Bangladesh is a critical public health concern, characterized by high rates of 

malnutrition, including stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies. This study aims to assess the 

nutritional status of these children and identify the factors influencing their health outcomes. A well-

structured study design is essential to achieve these objectives effectively. 

This research employs a cross-sectional study design, which is suitable for capturing a snapshot of the 

nutritional status and associated factors at a specific point in time. This design allows for the collection 

of data from a large population efficiently and is particularly useful for identifying prevalence rates of 

malnutrition. 



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2.3 Duration of Study 

The study was conducted over a period of 6 months from the approval of IERB. 

2.4 Population 

The nutritional status of rural primary school children in Bangladesh is a critical public health issue, as 

malnutrition can have profound effects on physical growth, cognitive development, and overall health. 

This population study aims to assess the prevalence of malnutrition among rural primary school children 

and identify the factors contributing to their nutritional status. 

Primary school children studying in a government school was selected for the study. This age group is 

particularly important for assessing nutritional status, as it encompasses key developmental milestones 

and is a critical period for growth and learning. 

2.5 Sample 

The sample was taken for the present study of the primary school children in rural area of Kahaloo Upazila, 

Bogura District. 

Study Setting: 

The study was conducted at Narhatta Govt. Primary School Kahaloo, Bogura. 

Sample size: 

The sample size was calculated by using the following formula for finite population 

𝑛 =

𝑍2 ∗ 𝑝(1 − 𝑝)
𝑒2

1 + [
𝑍2 ∗ 𝑝(1 − 𝑝)

𝑒2 ∗ 𝑁
]
 

𝑛 =

1.962 ∗ 0.5(1 − 0.5)
0.052

1 + [
1.962 ∗ 0.5(1 − 0.5)

0.052 ∗ 187
]
 

𝑛 =

0.9604
0.0025

1 + [
0.9604
0.4675

]
 

𝑛 =
384.16

1 + 2.054
 

𝑛 =
384.16

3.054
 

𝑛 = 125.79 

The calculated sample size is 126 

10% Attrition / Non responsive = 126 x 10% = 12.6 = 13. So, the sample size for this study is ( 126+13)= 

139. 

The sample size calculation is a crucial step in designing a study, as it determines the number of 

participants needed to achieve reliable and valid results. In this case, the sample size was calculated using 

Where, 

▪ N is the population size =187 

▪ Z is the Z-score = 1.96 [at a confidence 

level of 95%] 

▪ e is the margin of error = 0.05  

▪ p is the standard of deviation = 0.5 [if the 

standard of deviation is 50%] 

 



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a formula for finite populations, which accounts for the total population size when estimating the required 

sample size. Below is a detailed analysis and elaboration of the calculations provided. 

2.6 Inclusion Criteria 

To ensure a representative sample, the following inclusion criteria was applied: 

Age: Children aged 6 to 12 years. 

Location: Children attending primary schools located in rural areas of selected districts in Bangladesh. 

Parental Consent: Written informed consent from parents or guardians must be obtained for participation 

in the study. 

2.7 Exclusion Criteria 

Children were excluded from the study if they meet any of the following criteria: 

Chronic Illness: Children with chronic illnesses or disabilities that affected their nutritional status or 

dietary intake. 

Non-Residents: Children who do not reside in the selected rural areas or who are not enrolled in the 

participating schools. 

Refusal to Participate: Children whose parents or guardians do not provide consent for participation. 

2.8 Study Instrument 

To assess the level of nutritional status of primary school children a self-developed structured 

questionnaire was used. The questionnaire was developed in English and then will be translated into 

Bangla and will be verified by research guide and at least 3 experts on this field for validation and 

reliability and further corrections was made if according to expert opinion. 

2.9 Description of Tool: 

Self-developed semi structure data collection tool was used to identify the nutritional status of school 

aged children. The question was divided into 3 parts.  

Part-1: Distribution of socio-demographic information.  

Part-2: Nutritional assessment scale to measure nutritional status of school children. 

Part-3: Measurement of nutritional status by using BMI formula. 

2.10 Data Collection Technique 

Data was collected after getting approval of the Institution Ethical Review Board (IERB), Enam Medical 

College, Savar, Dhaka. Then permission was obtained from the Head Teacher of the selected school. The 

objective of the study will be briefed to the teachers and students and verbal consent will be taken. Data 

was collected by face-to-face interview & measurement of vitals by the researcher himself / herself. Data 

collection was done between 11 am to 3 pm, when they are free especially during lunch break or leisure 

period. Height was measured to the nearest 0.1cm by using portable stadiometer (The reliability of 

instrument was checked before using tools) standing upright on a flat surface without shoes. Body weight 

was measured with light clothing to the nearest 0.1Kg with balance placed on hard flat surface and 

checked and adjusted for zero. Each student was interviewed for about 10 -15 minutes. 

 



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2.11 Plan for Data Analysis 

The gathered data was checked for accuracy and completeness. Data was edited, organized and coded 

manually and entered into Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 30. Descriptive statistics 

was used to calculate mean, median, standard deviations, and frequency of subjects and inferential 

statistics was done. The finding of data was presented through relevant table, bar graphs and pie chart. 

2.12 Ethical Considerations in the Setting 

The study setting was designed to ensure ethical considerations were prioritized. Researchers obtained 

permission from local education authorities and school administrators before initiating the study. 

Informed consent was secured from parents or guardians, ensuring that they understood the purpose of 

the study and their rights as participants. 

The study setting for assessing the nutritional status of rural primary school children in Bangladesh was 

carefully selected to reflect the realities of rural life. By focusing on schools and their surrounding 

communities, the research aimed to capture a comprehensive picture of the factors influencing child 

nutrition. The insights gained from this setting were expected to inform targeted interventions and 

policies aimed at improving the nutritional status of children in rural Bangladesh. 

2.13 Data Presentation 

Data was presented with tables so that data can be visualized at a glance easily. Descriptive statistics 

were presented with frequency tables and inferential statistics were presented with tables. 

 

3. Result and Discussion 

In this chapter, the results of this study are presented under the following headings: 

 

Table 1. Distribution of Socio Demographic Characteristics of the Participants (n=139) 

Variables Categories Frequency Percentage (%) 
Mean ± SD 

 

Age (Years) 

(Minimum-6; 

Maximum-12) 

6 12 8.6 
 

 

 

9.03 ± 1.655 

7 18 12.9 

8 22 15.8 

9 21 15.1 

10 41 29.5 

11 18 12.9 

12 7 5.0 

Gender Male 64 46.0 
 

Female 75 54.0 

Religion Islam 121 87.1 
 

Hindu 18 12.9 

 24 1 .7 



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Mother Age 

(Minimum-24; 

Maximum-48) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25 6 4.3 
 

 

 

 

 

33.85 ± 5.355 

26 2 1.4 

27 7 5.0 

28 10 7.2 

29 4 2.9 

30 13 9.4 

31 3 2.2 

32 15 10.8 

33 8 5.8 

34 7 5.0 

35 19 13.7 

36 8 5.8 

37 3 2.2 

38 9 6.5 

40 5 3.6 

41 4 2.9 

42 7 5.0 

43 1 .7 

45 2 1.4 

46 4 2.9 

48 1 .7 

 

 

Mother’s 

Education 

No formal 

education 

3 2.2 
 

Primary 72 51.8 

SSC 33 23.7 

HSC 18 12.9 

Bachelor Degree 5 3.6 

Master Degree 8 5.8 

Number of 

Household Member 

(Minimum-3; 

Maximum-8) 

 

 

3 14 10.1 
 

4.49 ± 1.017 

4 74 53.2 

5 28 20.1 

6 16 11.5 

7 6 4.3 

8 1 .7 

 Service holder 30 21.6 
 

Business 18 12.9 



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Occupation of 

Household Head 

Day laborer 76 54.7 

Emigrant 15 10.8 

Primary Source of 

water of household 

Tube well 51 36.7 
 

Supply 88 63.3 

 

 

 

Family income 

(Minimum-6000; 

Maximum-50000) 

 

 

6000 1 .7 
 

 

 

 

 

18460.43 ± 

9534.275 

8000 13 9.4 

10000 24 17.3 

12000 19 13.7 

15000 20 14.4 

18000 1 .7 

20000 20 14.4 

22000 2 1.4 

25000 10 7.2 

28000 2 1.4 

30000 17 12.2 

35000 2 1.4 

40000 5 3.6 

45000 2 1.4 

50000 1 .7 

 

This chart shows the mean age of the participant was 9.03 (SD = 1.655) years. More than (29.5%) of the 

participants belong to the age of 10 years. Most of the (54%) participants were female and Most of the 

(87.1%) participants religion is Islam. The mean age of Mother is 33.85 (SD = 5.3559) years. Among 

them (29.5%) mother was under 35 years old. It was found that 51.8% mother has only primary 

education. 53.2% children belong to the family having 4 members only. Occupation of the head of 

household was found day labors constitute 54.7%. In terms of drinking water 63.3% children depends on 

supply water on and 36.7% children used tube well water. Monthly income ranges from 6000 to 50000 

Taka where 17.3% family owned 10000 Taka. 

 

Table 2. Anthropometric Measurement 

Variables Categories Frequency Percentage (%) 

 

 

 

9 1 .7 

11 1 .7 

12 8 5.8 



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BMI 13 15 10.8 

14 35 25.2 

15 24 17.3 

16 10 7.2 

17 10 7.2 

18 3 2.2 

19 12 8.6 

20 7 5.0 

21 4 2.9 

22 3 2.2 

24 3 2.2 

25 2 1.4 

26 1 .7 

 

Out of 139 respondents only 22.3% (31) respondents found within the normal range of BMI according 

to WHO and rest of others respondents fall into under nutrition category. 

 

Table 3. Disease Suffered from Last Six Months 

Variables Categories Frequency Percentage (%) 

Have you suffered from Diarrhea for 

the last 6 month 

Yes 36 25.9 

No 103 74.1 

Have you suffered from ARI for the 

last 6 month 

Yes 72 51.8 

No 67 48.2 

Do you have Worm infestation Yes 21 15.1 

No 118 84.9 

 

Table 3 shows that among 139 respondents most of them (74.1%) did not suffer from diarrhea in previous 

6 months. On the other hand, 51.8% children suffered from ARI at the same time. Interestingly 84.9% 

participants mentioned that they do not have any worm infestation.  

 



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Table 4. Dietary Habit  

Variables Categories Frequency Percentage (%) 

 

Which of these meals did you eat 

yesterday? 

 

 

Breakfast 139 100.0 

Morning snack 98 70.5 

Lunch 126 90.6 

Evening snack 101 72.7 

Dinner 139 100.0 

 

Table 4 displays that 100% respondents have their breakfast and dinner; 70.5% have morning snack, 

90.6% lunch and 72.7% have their evening snack. That means only 70.5% respondents have had all type 

meals the day before date of data collection. 

 

Table 5. Dietary Habit and Health Conditions of Participants 

Variables Categories Frequency Percentage (%) 

Did you skip breakfast three or more 

times last week 

Yes 24 17.3 

No 115 82.7 

Did you skip Lunch three or more 

times in last week 

Yes 15 10.8 

No 124 89.2 

Do you eat a meal from a fast food 

restaurant two or more times last week 

Yes 106 76.3 

No 33 23.7 

Are you on a special diet for medical 

reasons 

Yes 14 10.1 

No 125 89.9 

Are you a vegetarian Yes 6 4.3 

No 133 95.7 

Do you have any problems with your 

appetite like not feeling hungry 

Yes 27 19.4 

No 112 80.6 

Do you have any problems with your 

appetite like feeling hungry all the 

time 

Yes 8 5.8 

No 131 94.2 

 

From this chart it is found that A small percentage of participants (17.3%) reported skipping breakfast 

three or more times in the past week. This indicates that the majority of participants prioritize breakfast. 

The vast majority (82.7%) did not skip breakfast, suggesting that breakfast is an important meal for most 

of the respondents. Only 10.8% of respondents skipped lunch three or more times, which is a relatively 

low percentage. The majority of respondents (89.2%) did not skip lunch, which suggests that lunch is 

typically not missed by most participants. A significant proportion of respondents (76.3%) reported 



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eating fast food two or more times in the past week. This indicates a high consumption of fast food among 

the group, pointing to potentially unhealthy eating habits. Only 23.7% of respondents avoided fast food, 

which implies that a smaller number of participants are mindful of their fast-food intake. A small 

percentage of respondents (10.1%) follow a special diet due to medical reasons, indicating that dietary 

restrictions for health reasons are relatively uncommon in this group. The majority (89.9%) are not on a 

special diet for medical reasons, suggesting that most participants do not face medical dietary restrictions. 

Only 4.3% of respondents are vegetarians, which is a very small proportion, showing that vegetarianism 

is not common in this sample. A very high percentage (95.7%) of participants are not vegetarians, 

indicating that the vast majority of people in this group consume meat. About 19.4% of respondents 

report issues with appetite, particularly not feeling hungry. This suggests that a notable proportion of 

people may face irregular eating habits or conditions affecting appetite. The majority (80.6%) do not 

report issues with appetite, indicating that most participants do not have significant problems with hunger 

or appetite. Only 5.8% of respondents report feeling hungry all the time, which is a relatively low 

percentage, indicating that excessive hunger is not a widespread issue. The vast majority (94.2%) do not 

experience constant hunger, suggesting that most respondents have normal eating patterns without 

excessive hunger. 

 

Table 6. Dietary Consumption Pattern of Participante 

Variables Categories Frequency Percentage (%) 

Which of these foods did you eat last 

weeks?     Grains 

Rice 139 100.0 

Roti 114 82.0 

Noodles 101 72.7 

 

 

Vegetables 

Green leafy 

vegetables 

109 78.4 

Potatoes 139 100.0 

Brinjal 94 67.6 

Tomatoes 31 22.3 

Ladies finger 55 39.6 

Pumpkin 71 51.1 

Carrot 27 19.4 

 

              Fruits 

Jackfruit 9 6.5 

Mango 25 18.0 

Banana 124 89.2 

Guava 105 75.5 

Apple 79 56.8 

Orange 74 53.2 



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Milk and other Dairy product 

Cows milk 117 89.3 

Yogurt 60 45.8 

Ice cream 69 52.7 

 

Meat and Meat Alternative 

Meat 132 99.2 

Fish 128 96.2 

Egg 131 98.5 

 

Fat and sweets 

Cake 111 79.9 

Candy 130 93.5 

Ghee 18 12.9 

Cream 34 24.5 

Sugars 139 100.0 

 

This chart shows that out of 139 respondents, Rice was consumed by all respondents. Roti was consumed 

by 82% of respondents, making it a popular choice, but not as universal as rice. Noodles were consumed 

by about 73% of respondents, which is a significant portion but less common than rice or roti. Green 

leafy vegetables were consumed by 78% of respondents. Potatoes are a universal food in this sample, 

with all respondents consuming them, highlighting their importance. Brinjal (eggplant) is consumed by 

67.6% of the respondents, a moderate but significant figure. Only 22.3% of the respondents consumed 

tomatoes, indicating they are less common in this sample’s diet. Ladies finger was consumed by about 

40% of respondents, showing a moderate level of consumption. 51.1% respondents consumed pumpkin. 

Carrot consumption is relatively low, with only 19.4% of the sample eating it. Jackfruit was consumed 

by only a small fraction (6.5%) of respondents. Mangoes were consumed by 18% of the respondents, 

showing moderate popularity. Bananas were consumed by 89.2% of respondents, making them the most 

popular fruit in this dataset. Guava is a common fruit with 75.5% of respondents consuming it. Apples 

were consumed by more than half of the respondents (56.8%), making them relatively popular. Oranges 

were consumed by 53.2% of respondents, showing a moderate level of consumption. Cow’s milk is a 

highly popular dairy product, consumed by 89.3% of respondents. Yogurt is consumed by nearly half of 

the sample (45.8%), making it moderately popular. Ice cream is consumed by 52.7% of respondents, 

showing a moderate level of popularity. Meat is consumed by almost all respondents, with 99.2% of the 

sample including it in their diet. Fish consumption is also very high, with 96.2% of respondents eating it. 

Eggs are consumed by 98.5% of the respondents, reflecting widespread consumption of this protein 

source. Cake is consumed by 79.9% of respondents, making it a popular sweet item. Candy is consumed 

by 93.5% of respondents, showing it is a very popular choice among sweets. Ghee (clarified butter) has 

a relatively low consumption rate (12.9%), suggesting it is less commonly used in daily diets. Cream is 

consumed by 24.5% of the sample, which is a small but notable proportion. Sugars were consumed by 

all respondents, making it a universal dietary component. 

 



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Table 7. Household Amenities and Lifestyle Habits 

Variables Categories Frequency Percentage (%) 

Do you have a gas stove where you live Yes 108 77.7 

No 31 22.3 

Do you have a refrigerator where you live Yes 99 71.2 

No 40 28.8 

Did you participate in physical activity in 

the last week 

Yes 124 89.2 

No 15 10.8 

Do you spend more than 2 hours per day 

watching TV or playing mobile game 

Yes 59 42.4 

No 80 57.6 

 

This chart shows thata majority of the respondents (77.7%) have a gas stove at their residence and a 

smaller portion of respondents (22.3%) do not have a gas stove at home, indicating that alternative 

cooking methods might be used. 71.2% of respondents have a refrigerator at home, showing that most 

households have access to refrigeration, which is important for food storage and preservation. 71.2% of 

respondents have a refrigerator at home, showing that most households have access to refrigeration, 

which is important for food storage and preservation. 28.8% of respondents do not have a refrigerator, 

which could imply reliance on other methods for food preservation or may indicate a lower standard of 

living for this portion of the population. A large majority (89.2%) of respondents engaged in physical 

activity in the past week, indicating that most people in this group prioritize or have access to 

opportunities for physical activity. Only 10.8% of respondents did not engage in physical activity in the 

last week, which could suggest a lower level of physical inactivity in the population. 42.4% of 

respondents reported spending more than two hours per day on TV or mobile games, which highlights a 

significant portion of the population engaged in screen time for entertainment. A larger percentage 

(57.6%) do not spend more than two hours a day on these activities, suggesting that the majority of people 

engage in other activities or have less screen time. 

 

4. Discussion 

In this study, the children’s ages range from 6 to 12 years, with a mean age of 9.03 and SD ± 1.655 years. 

The majority of children are aged 10 years (29.5%), followed by 8 years (15.8%), 9 years (15.1%), and 

7 years (12.9%). The youngest group (6 years) is 12%, while the oldest group (12 years) has the least 

representation at 5%. This indicates a tendency toward a central distribution of ages, with a peak at age 

10, suggesting that this group may be over represented in the sample. 

The result revealed that a striking gender disparity is evident with female children (54%) than male 

children (46%), indicating a relatively balanced gender distribution in the sample. The majority of the 

participants belong to the Islamic faith (87.1%), while a smaller portion belongs to Hinduism (12.9%). 



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This suggests that the community sampled is predominantly Muslim. The mothers’ ages range from 24 

to 48 years, with a mean age of 33.85 ± 5.355 years. The most common age groups for mothers are 30 

years (9.4%) and 35 years (13.7%), which suggests that a substantial proportion of mothers are in their 

early to mid-thirties. Other age groups: Ages 24 and 48 are represented minimally (0.7% each), while 

ages 27, 28, and 32 have more moderate frequencies. This distribution might reflect common 

childbearing ages, with a concentration around the thirties. 

The majority of mothers have primary education (51.8%), followed by SSC (23.7%) and HSC (12.9%). 

A smaller portion of mothers have attained a Bachelor’s degree (3.6%) or Master’s degree (5.8%). This 

suggests a lower level of higher education in the sample, with a dominant focus on primary and secondary 

education. It indicates that educational attainment could influence various aspects of children 

development. The number of household members ranges from 3 to 8, with a mean of 4.49 ± 1.017 

members. The most common household size is 4 members (53.2%), followed by 5 members (20.1%) and 

6 members (11.5%). There are only a few households with 7 or 8 members, and one household has 3 

members. This indicates a tendency towards smaller family sizes, with 4-member households being the 

most common. 

The most common occupation of the household head is day laborer (54.7%), followed by service holders 

(21.6%) and business owners (12.9%). A small percentage of households are headed by emigrants 

(10.8%). This distribution reflects a working-class community, with a strong reliance on manual labor 

and informal employment. The majority of households get their water from supply (63.3%), while a 

smaller percentage use tube wells (36.7%). This suggests that public water systems are more commonly 

used, but some households still rely on private or traditional water sources like tube wells. 

The family income ranges from 6000 to 50,000, with a mean of 18,460.43 ± 9,534.275. The income 

range with the highest frequency is 10,000 (17.3%), followed by 15,000 (14.4%) and 20,000 (14.4%). 

The highest income reported is 50,000, but this is only 0.7% of the sample, indicating that the majority 

of families earn below this threshold. The mean income and distribution suggest that most families fall 

in the middle-income bracket, though there are significant disparities. 

The result shows a significant portion of the population in lower to mid-range BMI categories, which 

generally corresponds to normal or healthy weight classifications (e.g., categories around 14 to 19). This 

could suggest that the population under study is generally in a healthy weight range. Categories at the 

extremes, such as BMI 9 (underweight) or BMI 26 (overweight), could be indicative of health concerns. 

The small frequencies in these categories may suggest that underweight or overweight conditions are not 

prevalent, but it is still important to monitor these groups for potential health risks. The concentration in 

the mid-range BMI categories (13 to 16) may suggest the need for public health initiatives targeting both 

weight management and education about maintaining a healthy BMI range. This is especially true if there 

is an indication of rising trends in BMI across this population. The Similar studies had found in the study 

done nutritional status among 7-12 years’ children at rural areas of Sylhet in Bangladesh was assessed 

by the anthropometric Process. Nutritional status is the condition of health of the individual as influenced 



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by the utilization of the nutrients. Study showed that 45.67% primary school children were suffering 

from underweight and 46.67% had normal BMI (Nath et al.,2019). 

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in selected rural areas of Bangladesh, targeting 

children aged 6 to 12 years enrolled in primary schools. A total of 139 children were randomly selected 

for the study. Data collection involved anthropometric measurements (height and weight), dietary 

assessments through 24-hour dietary recall, and socio-economic surveys that included household income, 

parental education, and food security status. 

Anthropometric Measurements: Anthropometric measurements were taken to assess the nutritional status 

of the children. The World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards were used to classify the 

children into categories of stunting (height-for-age), wasting (weight-for-height), and underweight 

(weight-for-age). 

Stunting: The study found that approximately 30% of the children were stunted, indicating chronic 

malnutrition. Stunting was more prevalent among children from lower socio-economic backgrounds, 

with rates reaching 40% in households with an income below the poverty line. 

Wasting: The prevalence of wasting was found to be around 15%. This acute form of malnutrition was 

particularly concerning, as it indicates a recent and severe lack of food intake or illness. Wasting rates 

were higher among children who reported recent episodes of illness, such as diarrhea or respiratory 

infections. Underweight: About 25% of the children were classified as underweight. This condition 

reflects both acute and chronic malnutrition and was significantly associated with inadequate dietary 

intake and poor maternal education. 

 

5. Conclusion 

The nutritional status of rural primary school children in Bangladesh is a pressing public health concern 

that reflects broader socio-economic challenges faced by the country. This study has highlighted the 

alarming prevalence of malnutrition among this vulnerable population, with significant rates of stunting, 

wasting, and underweight observed. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions 

to address the multifaceted issues contributing to poor nutritional outcomes. 

The high rates of stunting (30%), wasting (15%), and underweight (25%) among rural primary school 

children indicate a critical state of undernutrition that can have long-lasting effects on physical and 

cognitive development. These conditions not only hinder children’s growth but also impair their 

educational performance and future productivity, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and malnutrition. The 

study has shown that socio-economic factors, such as household income, maternal education, and food 

security, play a significant role in determining the nutritional status of children. Families with lower 

income levels and limited access to diverse food sources are more likely to have malnourished children. 

Furthermore, maternal education emerged as a crucial determinant, with educated mothers demonstrating 

a greater awareness of nutrition and health practices, leading to better dietary choices for their children. 

 



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6. Recommendations 

Improving Nutritional Status: Efforts should be made to address the undernutrition issue, possibly 

through better access to nutritious foods and improved awareness about balanced diets. 

Health Interventions: The high incidence of ARI and the potential for waterborne diseases like diarrhea 

suggests a need for better sanitation, access to healthcare, and disease prevention strategies. 

Reducing Fast Food Consumption: Given the high frequency of fast-food consumption, promoting 

healthier, home-cooked meals could be beneficial for long-term health. 

Encouraging Healthy Habits: While physical activity levels were generally good, the significant portion 

of children spending excessive time on screens should be addressed with initiatives encouraging outdoor 

play and active lifestyles. 

Addressing the nutritional status of rural primary school children in Bangladesh requires a multi-faceted 

approach that encompasses immediate interventions, long-term strategies, and community engagement.  

 

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