Health and Nutritional Outcomes Among Young Females and Children in Southwest Bangladesh

This study aims to examine how societal and climate changes influence the nutritional status and fish consumption of young women over a 10 year period in southern Bangladesh, and how these factors affect their children's health. A cohort of 240 adolescents first studied in 2017 will be followed to assess changes in their dietary patterns, nutritional status, climate perceptions and mitigation practices, as well as the nutritional status of their children aged 6 months to 5 years. The study in 2017 sampled 60 adolescent girls in each of four rural communities, plus a semi-rural community around a fish processing plant, representing in total 5 communities. Of these 60 X 5 = 300 girls, the current study follows up the individuals in the rural communities representing a cohort of 240. Bangladesh faces high rates of adolescent malnutrition, with many girls married before 18 and suffering from chronic nutrient deficiencies. These issues have long-term impacts on health, productivity, and intergenerational well-being. By linking the fisheries and aquaculture sector, a key to Bangladesh's economy with public health and nutrition, this research aims to guide targeted policies for vulnerable coastal communities.

NCT Number	NCT07541742
Lead Sponsor	University of Copenhagen Collaborators: Noakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), University of Stirling, University of Aberdeen, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
Conditions	Nutritional Status, Micronutrient Status, Omega 3 Fat Status, Diet Diversity, Markers of Inflammation, Climate Adaptation, Climate Change Awareness
Enrollment	240 participants
Start Date	2026-04-15
Primary Completion	2026-08-05 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-12-10 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-05-06