Economic disparity and child nutrition in Bangladesh.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the economic difference in nutrition of under-five children.
Methods: Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey data 1999-2000 were used for this study. In this study, quintiles were calculated on the basis of asset and wealth score by use of principal component analysis. To understand the nutrition status and health inequality concentration index was also calculated.
Results: The ratio of poorest to the richest indicates that stunting and underweight of the rural under-five children was almost two times higher than that of the richest children. The negative concentration index shows that higher rate of malnutrition among the under-five children from the poorest class. This inequality in health situation of the children can be explained in terms of income inequality. In Bangladesh, about 40% wealth is concentrated to 10% of the families. The results are discussed in terms of policy consideration.
Conclusion: It is expected that the findings will lead to consider alternative program strategies for the reduction of poor nutritional status of the children and their mothers.