NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND HEALTH BEHAVIORS OF RICKSHAW-PULLERS IN KUSHTIA TOWN, BANGLADESH

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the nutritional status and health behavior of the rickshaw pullers in Kushtia municipality, Bangladesh and also to analyze the various factors associated with malnutrition and its impact on health with the help of a pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire. A total 200 rickshaw pullers were enrolled in this study with the average age of 35. Anthropometric measurements and health behavior related questionnaire were collected from March to May, 2016 at Kushtia municipality. The results elucidated that about 26% of rickshaw puller’s BMI level was below 18.5 (underweight). Almost all of the Rickshaw pullers (91%) didn’t wash hand before eating (with soap). About 57% and 65% of rickshaw puller used open latrine didn’t use soap after toilet. Approximately 61% of Rickshaw puller had affected one or more communicable and non-communicable diseases. Especially 58% was addicted in smoking. Most of the rickshaw puller’s (about 66%) monthly income is BDT. 7000-8000. The study suggests that low income and poor nutritional and health related knowledge were the main causes for poor nutritional and health status in Rickshaw pullers.