Nutritional Status of Women of Reproductive Age in a Rural Area of Southwestern Bihar during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Health and well-being of any population are reflected by its nutritional status, which is mainly determined by two important factors, namely dietary intake and the food habits. About 22.9% of women in reproductive age (15–49 years) in India and about 30.4% of women in Bihar are undernourished, with a body mass index (BMI) of <18.5 kg/m2. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study were to assess the nutritional status and to find out the association between sociodemographic variables and nutritional status of women in the reproductive age group in a rural area of southwestern Bihar. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 311 women of the reproductive age group residing in rural field practice area of NMCH, Sasaram, who gave informed consent to participate in the study. Results: After analysis, it was found that 74% of the women consumed a mixed Indian diet, 24% of women took their first meal in the afternoon and in 64% of women, diet diversity was not maintained, about 74% of the women are within the normal range of BMI. Diet diversity was maintained in the literate group with educational status above the primary level and the association between diet diversity and educational status was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded from the study that women of reproductive age in this part of Bihar also suffer from a dual burden of malnutrition, with the majority being undernourished, whereas a few also being suffering from a higher waist–hip ratio.