Do mothers exposed to domestic violence and lower status have more malnourished children? Evidence for Bangladesh

Abstract: Using data from the 2007 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS), this research uses a logistic probability model to determine the associations between maternal characteristics, such as the exposure to physical domestic violence and low women’s status, and the risk of develop problems of malnutrition in children under 5 years. Using anthropometric indicators of malnutrition such as stunting (low height-for-age), underweight (low weight-for-age) and wasting (low weight-for-height), the results indicate that children, whose mothers were exposed to domestic physical violence, are at increased risk of having problems of stunting. Also, it was found that children, whose mothers are classified as low-status women, have a higher risk of develop wasting problems. It is noteworthy that no evidence of gender bias against girls was found in this study. The results call for the implementation of a public policy to create awareness in society Bangladeshi where more attention should be given to this fact, since it generates externalities which affects the vulnerability and health of the children, not only in the short run but also in the long run.