A recent cross-sectional study conducted in Bangladesh has revealed links between dietary habits in the South-Western, Southern, Central, and Eastern regions and an increased risk of heart disease. Utilising data from the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2016-17, the research analysed dietary patterns among 77,207 participants aged 30 and older.
Supervised by Prof Md Ruhul Amin of Dhaka University Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, the study included contributions from Rafid Hassan of the Institute, Masum Ali of International Food Policy Research Institute, Dhaka, Sanjib Saha of Health Economics Unit, Lund University, Sweden and Sadika Akhter of Deakin University, Australia.
The study was published on PLOS ONE on July 18, 2024.
Heart disease poses a significant health challenge in Bangladesh, with a self-reported prevalence of 3.6 per cent. The study found geographic disparities, noting higher rates in the South-Western, Southern, Central and Eastern regions, with Khulna reporting prevalence as high as 5.2 per cent. In contrast, regions like Mymensingh in the Northern, Central-North and South-Eastern hill tracts had rates as low as 1.7 per cent.
Researchers categorised three primary dietary patterns -- the "festival pattern," the "pickles and fast foods pattern," and the "rice and vegetable pattern." The "pickles and fast foods pattern," characterised by high consumption of processed and fast foods, was associated with a 50 per cent increased risk of heart disease. Conversely, the "rice and vegetable pattern," which includes rice, starchy vegetables, and leafy greens, was linked to a 22 per cent lower risk.
The "festival pattern," featured high intakes of pulses, fruits, processed rice, dairy, sugar, sweetmeats, fats, oils, spices, meat, and carbonated drinks typically consumed during festivities. The "pickles and fast foods pattern," was heavily loaded with pickles, fast foods, non-carbonated drinks, deep-fried snacks, biscuits, prepared foods, wheat, non-starchy vegetables, fish, and jam. The "rice and vegetable pattern" included rice, starchy vegetables, salt, leafy vegetables, non-starchy vegetables and spices.
These findings are specially alarming for people in the South-Western, Southern, Central and Eastern regions of the country, where dietary practices have shifted toward unhealthy options. While the "festival pattern" includes healthier foods, its sugary components can negate health benefits. The prevalence of fast foods and deep-fried snacks in the regions can contribute to obesity and inflammation, key risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
The study also highlights that heart disease risk is compounded by socioeconomic factors and geographic disparities. This complex interplay underscores the need for region-specific interventions that account for local food availability and cultural practices.
Despite these trends, the research points to the potential for positive change through dietary education and improved access to nutritious foods.
The study calls for a collaborative effort between government, health organisations, and communities to foster environments that support healthy eating.
Talking to the Daily Observer, Prof Ruhul Amin emphasised the importance of promoting healthier eating habits, such as increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while discouraging the intake of fast foods and sugary snacks.
He also recommended public awareness campaigns, educational programmes, and economic measures-like taxing unhealthy foods and subsidising healthier options to encourage better dietary choices.
