Exploring Food Insecurity and Nutritional Challenges Among Rickshaw Pullers in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Rickshaw pullers in Dhaka city represent a significant portion of the urban workforce, often facing challenges related to food insecurity (FI) and nutrition. This study aimed to assess the FI status, diet quality, and nutritional status of rickshaw pullers in Dhaka city. A cross-sectional study was conducted across 10 locations in Dhaka city, enrolling 400 rickshaw pullers through convenience sampling. FI was assessed using the food insecurity experience scale (FIES), and dietary data were collected using the diet quality questionnaire (DQQ). Nutritional status was evaluated through anthropometric measurements. Logistic regression models were employed to identify factors associated with the outcome variables. Approximately 60% of the participants experienced moderate-to-severe food insecurity, with 6.8% classified as severely food insecure. The majority (57.3%) reported having debt, and more than half (52.5%) expected financial support to improve their living standards. Participants with higher education (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.56, p = 0.042) and higher household income (AOR = 0.20, p < 0.001) had lower odds of experiencing FI. Nearly half (48.8%) of the participants consumed a less diversified diet, with fewer than five food groups. Higher education levels (AOR = 2.74, p = 0.001) and a greater number of earning members (AOR = 2.30, p = 0.003) were significantly associated with better dietary diversity. About 9% of participants were underweight, whereas 10.4% were overweight. This study highlights a high prevalence of FI, financial strain, and inadequate dietary diversity among participants, with the coexistence of both underweight and overweight individuals. Targeted interventions, including food assistance programs, financial support, nutrition education, and workplace nutrition initiatives, are essential to improve food security and overall nutritional well-being.