Factors associated with obesity among female workers in small and cottage industries in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Females in low- and middle-income countries are vulnerable to obesity due to biological factors such as fat distribution and reproductive physiology and social constraints including limited physical activity and caregiving roles. In Bangladesh, occupational research has largely focused on ready-made garment workers, while females in small and cottage industries such as shrimp processing, handloom, pottery, and nakshi kantha remain underrepresented despite their substantial workforce contribution. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of obesity among female workers in selected small and cottage industries and to examine occupational, lifestyle, and dietary factors associated with obesity. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2023 and February 2024 among 350 female workers aged 18-60 years across four small and cottage industry sectors (handloom, shrimp farming, pottery, and nakshi kantha) in selected districts of Bangladesh. Study sites were purposively selected to represent major production clusters, and participants were recruited consecutively within sites, limiting generalizability. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. BMI was measured by trained nutritionists, with obesity defined as ≥ 25 kg/m² (WHO South-East Asia). Associations were examined using chi-square tests and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses with a priori covariate selection, reporting crude odds ratios (COR) and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Obesity prevalence was 36.0%. In the multivariable analysis, factors significantly associated with obesity included age 31-45 years (AOR 1.979, 95% CI: 1.026-3.819), sedentary work (AOR 2.954, 95% CI: 1.363-6.400), sitting ≥ 8 h/day (AOR 4.233, 95% CI: 2.147-8.346), gastrointestinal complaints (AOR 3.180, 95% CI: 1.237-8.178), physical inactivity (AOR 2.478, 95% CI: 1.131-5.429), screen time ≥ 2 h/day (AOR 3.750, 95% CI: 1.983-7.092), and daily soft drink and energy drink consumption (AOR 2.884, 95% CI: 1.196-6.955). Model fit was acceptable (Hosmer-Lemeshow p = 0.070; Omnibus test p < 0.001; Nagelkerke R² = 0.397). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity was common and associated with modifiable occupational and lifestyle factors rather than industry type. These findings suggest potential value in workplace-oriented interventions targeting sedentary behavior, physical inactivity, and unhealthy beverage consumption in similar informal work settings.