Maternal Employment and Nutritional Outcomes in Rural Bangladeshi Children

Background: Maternal employment and caregiving practices significantly influence children's nutritional outcomes. In urban Bangladesh, working mothers face challenges in balancing their careers and childcare, which can impact their children's health. Objective: To investigate the influence of maternal employment, socio-demographic factors, childcare practices, and maternal knowledge on the nutritional status of children under 5 years of age in rural Bangladesh Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three upazilas (Rampal, Botiaghata, and Dumuria) of Khulna District, Bangladesh, from July to December 2023. The study involved 190 working mothers of children under 5 years of age. Data were collected through structured interviews, including maternal socio-demographics, feeding practices, and childcare arrangements. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measures, including height-for-age (stunting), weight-for-age (underweight), and weight-for-height (wasting). Dietary diversity scores were calculated based on food group consumption. Statistical analyses determined associations between maternal and child characteristics and nutritional outcomes. Results: The mean age of mothers was 34.2 ± 5.6 years, and 72.1% had a master’s degree. The majority (68.4%) worked as secondary school teachers. Nutritionally, 15.8% of children were stunted, 12.1% underweight, and 8.4% wasted. A positive association was found between exclusive breastfeeding, maternal education, and children's dietary diversity with improved nutritional outcomes (p < 0.05). Grandparent caregiving was associated with a lower risk of poor nutrition (adjusted OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.45-0.94). Maternal working hours (>8 hours) negatively impacted children's nutrition (adjusted OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.24-2.78). Conclusion: This study highlights the significant influence of maternal education, breastfeeding, and childcare arrangements on children's nutritional status in urban Bangladesh. There is a need for supportive policies to help working mothers balance their roles and ensure better nutritional outcomes for their children.