Seasonal dimensions of energy protein malnutrition in rural bangladesh: The role of agriculture, dietary practices, and infection

The influence of seasonal variations in agriculutral practices, dietary intakes and illness on the nutritional status of preschool children was examined in this longitudinal study of approximately 200 woman‐child pairs in rural Bangladesh. The seasonal nature of cropping patterns was associated with varying levels of rice prices, agriculture wage rates, and household food stocks. Rice prices were highest, household food stocks lowest and agricultural demand weakest in August‐October, the months preceding the major rice harvest. Maternal work patterns also varied by season with the peak demand on women's time coincident with postharvest rice processing activities. Breastfeeding frequency declined during the months when maternal activities increased, suggesting that time available for childrearing activities varied seasonally. Seasonal patterns in diarrheal disease and…