Association between women’s empowerment and diarrhea in children under five years in Bangladesh: a nationally representative study

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between women's empowerment and childhood diarrhea in Bangladesh using a nationally representative dataset. Methods We conducted a comprehensive analysis using data from 7,243 mother-child dyads extracted from the 2017/18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. Women's empowerment was assessed using multiple dimensions, including decision-making autonomy, involvement in household purchases, and visits to neighbouring homes, and considered as the major explanatory variable. Childhood diarrhea was the outcome variable. The association of the outcome variable with the explanatory variable was determined using multilevel logistic regression models adjusted for potential covariates. Results The analysis revealed a 5% prevalence of childhood diarrhea in Bangladesh. While no statistically significant association was found between women's empowerment and childhood diarrhea, an interesting trend emerged. Children of less empowered mothers showed a lower likelihood of experiencing diarrhea. Conversely, specific demographic factors were associated with an increased likelihood of childhood diarrhea, including higher maternal education, older child age, higher wealth quintiles, and residence in the Dhaka and Khulna divisions. Conclusion These findings suggest the importance of maternal care in reducing childhood diarrhea in Bangladesh, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions and policies to address the distinct challenges faced by various demographic groups. Further research is essential to better understand the underlying mechanisms and implications for public health strategies and policies in the context of Bangladesh.