Influence of Maternal Lifestyle and Child Health Practices on the Health and Nutrition of Children Under Five Years Old: A Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Background and Aims Child nutrition is crucial for a country's economic development. In Bangladesh, nearly half of the children under five suffer from malnutrition, with higher rates in rural areas. This study aims to identify factors linked to malnutrition in children in a rural area of the Mymensingh district, Bangladesh. Methods This cross‐sectional study involved face‐to‐face interviews with 500 mothers using a questionnaire. Data were organized in an Excel spreadsheet for bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results We found that 27% of children were malnourished. Bivariate analysis (Chi‐square test) showed that age, mode of delivery, intake of vitamin A capsules, and mothers' educational status significantly impacted malnutrition (p < 0.05). Multivariate binary logistic analysis using WHZ, HAZ, and WAZ scores revealed that male children were more prone to malnutrition than females, and mother's education played a major role in child nutrition. As children age, their susceptibility to malnutrition increases. Factors such as C‐section delivery, timely intake of vitamin A capsules, family income, mother's employment status, and regular consumption of nutritional foods significantly influence child malnutrition. Conclusion The Bangladesh government must take proactive measures to address child malnutrition by prioritizing female education and well‐being. Effective interventions can help eradicate malnutrition, improving children's health, education, and livelihoods.