An intervention group (PLDP) and a control group (non-PLDP) were composed of 35 PLDP woman and 32 non-PLDP women (less than 3 months pregnant and at least 6 months past delivery) as well as 35 PLDP girls and 33 non-PLDP girls (5-12 yr). One woman and one girl were chosen from each of included households in each group. All households were selected from two thanas in Chapai Nawabganj district and matched for socio-economic features. Quantitative data on the females' dietary intake was collected with the single 24-hour dietary recall method combined with weighing of food replica. Information on poultry production, women's food preferences and knowledge of nutritious foods were recorded simultaneously with the purpose of relating these factors to food and nutrient intake. Finally, weight and height were measured in all females. One investigator undertook all interviews and body measurements in co-operation with one trained research assistant. Poultry stock and egg production in PLDP households were significantly higher than in non-PLDP households (P<0.001).

There were no clear significant differences in food intake of the two groups although PLDP women and girls tended to eat more fish than their non-PLDP counterparts (P=0.08/0.06). Body mass index was significantly higher in PLDP women compared to non-PLDP women (P<0.05; CI: 0.002-2.5 kg/m²) whereas weight-for-height Z-scores in the groups of girls were similar. Mean energy, fat and iron intakes of women and girls were inadequate and calcium intake of girls was also inadequate. Green leafy vegetables, small fish and fruit were highly preferred foods by the women and at the same time nutritious. Energy/fat dense foods such as oil were not emphasized in the nutritional advice given to the women.

The findings suggest that increased poultry production may be reflected in increased fish consumption by women and girls in the investigated season. Additionally, the higher BMI in PLDP women indicates that they have had an advanced food intake relative to non-PLDP women prior to the study which may be due to the impact of PLDP. The foods highly preferred by the women and valued as nutritious seem to be good sources of calcium and iron, which were inadequate in the females' diet. The inadequate intakes of energy and fat should be targeted by encouraging provision of energy rich and fat dense foods to women and especially girls. The women should be encouraged to add additional oil or other energy/fat dense foods. This could be done by increasing the production of crops which can be used for oil.