Knowledge, attitude and practice towards antibiotic use and resistance among the veterinarians in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of antimicrobial resistance is a growing human and animal health concern around the world. When a number of studies have emphasized the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) regarding antibiotic use and resistance in humans, little attention has been paid to the veterinary sector. The aim of this study was to understand the KAP towards antibiotic use and resistance among veterinarians in Bangladesh. METHODS: A cross-sectional online based questionnaire survey was conducted from August to September 2020 among the registered veterinary practitioners. A self-administered Google form questionnaire consisting of 45 questions on knowledge, attitude and practice regarding antibiotic use and resistance was used. For statistical significance test we used Chi-square or Fisher's Exact test and logistic regression for factor analysis. RESULTS: A total of 208 registered veterinarians participated in this study. The study involved a majority of male participants, constituting 85.1%, while 54.8% of the participants held a Masters degree. Around 52% of the veterinarians were poultry practitioners. All respondents were familiar with antimicrobials. The participants (91.4%) knew that antibiotics cannot cure viral infections, while 97.6% believed that frequent antibiotic prescriptions rendered them less effective. Participants claimed that only they were eligible to prescribe drugs for the treatment of animals, and around 80% disagreed with adding antibiotics with feed/water as a growth promoter in livestock. Of the total participants, 87% believed that a local antimicrobial guideline would be more effective than an international one. A multivariable analysis revealed that male veterinarians have 2.37 times higher knowledge regarding antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) (OR = 2.37, CI = 1.01-5.59, p = 0.05). Veterinarians engaged in government services demonstrated a 2.59 times more favorable attitude towards AMU and AMR (OR = 2.59, CI = 0.99-6.73, p = 0.05). Additionally, respondents aged 31-35 were 0.45 times more likely to exhibit good practices (OR = 0.45, CI = 0.2-1.00, p = 0.05). However, gaps in practices were highlighted in our study, suggesting training deficiencies. CONCLUSION: The present study, for the first time conducted in Bangladesh, dictates that future interventions like academic courses, workshops, and seminars on antibiotic usage and resistance are needed to facilitate the knowledge, behavior and practice of veterinarians with regard to the rational use of antibiotics.

Induced abortion after advent of fetal sex detection technology and child sex at birth.

BACKGROUND: National level Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) is normal in Bangladesh despite its patriarchal social structures, strong son preference, and low fertility level, widely recognized as preconditions for Gender-Biased Sex Selection (GBSS). To better understand this anomaly, we examine the trend in SRB in a sub-district in Bangladesh and assess the impact of the introduction of fetal sex-detection technology and the history of induced abortion on child sex using longitudinal data. METHODS: We have used secondary data collected routinely by icddr, b's Matlab Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) between 1982 and 2018. All births occurring during this period (N = 206,390) were included in the analyses. We calculated the SRB and used multivariate logistic regression analyses to assess the likelihood of birth of a male child before and after the introduction of ultrasonogram in Matlab. RESULTS: Overall, SRB was within the natural limit (106) during 1982-2018 in Matlab. SRB among women with a history of induced abortion was 109.3 before the introduction of ultrasonography in 2001 and 113.5 - after 2001. Women's history of induced abortion prior to introduction of ultrasonogram (1982-2000) increased the likelihood of birth of a male child 1.06 times (AOR 1.06; 95% CI- 1.01-1.11). In the period after, however, this likelihood was 1.08 (AOR 1.08; 95% CI- 1.02-1.15). CONCLUSIONS: In a context with normal SRB, it was found to be skewed among women who had induced abortion. SRB was relatively more skewed among such women after the advent of ultrasonogram compared to a period without ultrasonogram. Moreover, induced abortion after introduction of fetal sex determination technology increased the likelihood of birth of a male child. These findings suggest the plausibility of GBSS in a sub-group. Further research is needed, particularly in regions with skewed SRB to examine whether GBSS is indeed a threat to Bangladesh.

Pesticide knowledge and attitude among the potato growing farmers of Bangladesh and determinant factors.

The study aimed to assess the extent of pesticide use among potato-growing farmers in Bangladesh and its relationship with their knowledge, attitude, and socio-demographic characteristics. Data were collected from 553 farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire through multistage random sampling. Bivariate analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between the frequency of pesticide use and various socio-demographic factors. Results showed that out of 321 different pesticide brands reported, 50.5% were registered, while 47.7% were unregistered and 1.9% were banned. Among the registered pesticides, 5.6% were highly hazardous, 24.8% were moderately hazardous, and 6.2% were slightly hazardous as per World Health Organization category. A high percentage (96%) of farmers reported using pesticides in their fields, with 16.6% applying pesticides more than five times in a cropping season. Data revealed that majority of the farmers were aware of the negative effect of pesticides on health and environment. Most farmers used hand towels (77.9%) and ordinary shirts (70.0%) to cover their bodies to avoid pesticide exposure. Inappropriate disposal of empty pesticide containers was also observed. Negative binomial regression analysis revealed significant positive associations between the frequency of pesticide application and potato productivity, rate of fertilizer application, area of land owned by farmers, and their knowledge about the negative effects of pesticides on human health. The study suggests adopting integrated pest management practices, developing pest-resistant potato varieties, ensuring safe handling practices and disposal as well as stringent enforcement of laws to mitigate pesticide externalities and hence ensure sustainability in agriculture.

The seasonal variation and ecological risk of microplastics in the Lower Ganges River, Bangladesh.

Microplastic (MP) pollution has gained considerable attention in various ecosystems; however, it has received relatively less attention in freshwater-riverine environments than in other ecosystems. The Ganges River Delta, one of the world's most densely populated areas, is a potential source of MP pollution in the freshwater ecosystem. MPs were identified throughout the year in the lower Ganges River water. Seasonally, the highest abundance was observed during the monsoon (14.66 ± 2.06 MPs/L), followed by the pre-monsoon (13.46 ± 1.75 MPs/L) and post-monsoon (11.50 ± 0.40 MPs/L). Throughout the year, MP discharge was estimated at 4.12 × 1012 to 2.17 × 1013 MPs/year. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy identified plastic polymers in the water, like ethylene vinyl acetate, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, and nylon. Moderate contamination by MPs was assessed throughout the year. Significant correlations between MP abundance and both rainfall and discharge were observed. It is essential to implement preventative measures in the Ganges River Basin to mitigate MP pollution before the situation worsens. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Throughout the year, MP concentration ranged from 10.67 to 20.33 MPs/L The highest MP occurrence was observed in the monsoon season (14.66 ± 2.06 MPs/L) The lowest abundance was detected in the post-monsoon period (11.50 ± 0.40 MPs/L) There was a moderate level of MP contamination in the lower Ganges River water It was shown that discharge and rainfall were correlated with MP abundance.

A probabilistic risk assessment of heavy metal in water and sediment: An industrially affected urban river in Bangladesh.

Human welfare and biodiversity are at risk due to the deterioration of water and sediment quality. Particularly, in last few decades, global water and sediment quality degraded due to the rapid industrialization and urbanization. This study aimed to determine the concentration of nine heavy metals and metalloid (Pb, Cr, Cd, Hg, As, Mn, Ni, Cu, and Zn) and assess the ecological risks using different pollution indices (e.g., heavy metal pollution index [HPI], Nemerow pollution index [NI], geo-accumulation index [Igeo], contamination factor [CF], degree of contamination [CD] and pollution load index [PLI], ecological risk index [ERI]) in water and sediment of the Shitalakshya River, an industrially affected urban river of Bangladesh. For the first time, 20 water and sediment samples were collected across a wider geographical area of the Shitalakshya River during both monsoon and dry seasons and analyzed using the atomic absorption spectrometer. Average concentrations of heavy metals and metalloid in water were within the Bangladesh standard except for Cr (51.69 ppb) and Mn (228.20 ppb) during monsoon season, portraying potential ecological and human health risks. Besides, average concentration of Mn (549.75 and 370.93 ppb), Ni (549.75 and 370.93 ppb), and Cu (45.34 and 36.09 ppb) in sediment during both seasons were above international standard, implying risk to aquatic sediment biota. The average HPI values indicated moderate to high contamination, whereas the NI values implied polluted water in monsoon season with severe pollution in port area of the river. Similarly, Igeo, CF, CD, and PLI elucidated different levels of contamination in the sediment, particularly during dry season. The ERI values also referred moderate ecological risk in the sediment during dry season. Overall, our findings highlight the alarming level of heavy metal pollution in the Shitalakshya River, necessitating immediate action to protect the aquatic environment, sediment biota, and human health. PRACTITIONER POINTS: This study determined the concentration of heavy metals and metalloid in water and sediment of the Shitalakshya River, Bangladesh. The study revealed that the average concentration of Cr and Mn in water exceeded national standard, whereas Mn, Ni, and Cu in sediment exceeded international limit. Potential ecological risk of heavy metals was also assessed using different pollution indices. Calculated pollution indices indicated different degree of pollution, implying critical ecological condition due to heavy metal pollution in aquatic environment and sediment biota.

Exploring the factors behind socioeconomic inequalities in Antenatal Care (ANC) utilization across five South Asian natiaons: A decomposition approach.

Maternal and child mortality rates remain a significant concern in South Asian countries, primarily due to limited access to maternal care services and socioeconomic disparities. While previous studies have examined the factors influencing the utilization of antenatal care (ANC) services in individual countries, there is a lack of comparative analysis across South Asian nations. This study aims to investigate the factors affecting ANC utilization among women aged 15-49 in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Maldives, and Pakistan using the latest Demographic and Health Survey data. The study utilized a total weighted sample size of 262,531 women. Simple bivariate statistics and binary logistic regression were employed to identify potential factors influencing ANC utilization. Decomposition analysis and concentration curve (Lorenz curve) were used to assess inequality in ANC service utilization. The prevalence of ANC utilization varied across the countries, with Maldives having the highest (96.83%) and Bangladesh the lowest (47.01%). Women's and husbands' education, household wealth status, BMI, and urban residence were found to significantly influence maternal healthcare services utilization. Higher education levels, affluent wealth quintiles, and urban living were identified as significant contributors to socioeconomic disparities in accessing ANC services. This study highlights the crucial role of socioeconomic factors in the utilization of maternal healthcare services in South Asian countries. Governments should focus on improving healthcare infrastructure, addressing cultural barriers, and promoting education to address these disparities. Identifying context-specific causes of maternal healthcare utilization is essential to inform targeted interventions and policies aimed at improving access to ANC services and reducing maternal mortality rates.

Exploring the experiences and preferences of South Asian patients' of primary care in England since COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: Remote (digital and/or telephone) access and consultation models are being driven by national policy with the goal being that the National Health Service operate on a remote-first (digital-first) basis by 2029. Previous research has suggested that remote methods of access to care and consulting may act to widen health inequalities for certain patients and/or groups such as those from ethnic minorities. South Asian (SA) patients comprise the largest ethnic minority group in England. Understanding the experiences and needs of this group is critical to ensuring that general practice can deliver equitable, quality health care. METHODS: Qualitative study. 37 participants (from Indian, Pakistani and/or Bangladeshi background) were recruited to take part in either in-person preferred language focus groups or remote semistructured interviews in the English language. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes in the qualitative data. FINDINGS: Three major interlinked themes were identified: (1) reduced access, (2) reduced patient choice and (3) quality and safety concerns. The findings highlight access issues split by (i) general issues with appointment access via any remote means and (ii) specific issues related to language barriers creating additional barriers to access and care. Some patients valued the convenience of remote access but also raised concerns regarding appointment availability and reduced patient choice. Face-to-face consultations were preferable but less available. The findings underscore how participants perceived remote care to be of lesser quality and less safe. Concerns were greatest for those with limited English proficiency (LEP), with the removal of non-verbal aspects of communication and 'hands-on' care leading to perceptions of reduced psycho-social safety. CONCLUSION: SA patients' experiences of remote-led primary care access and care delivery were negative with only a minority viewing it positively and for certain limited scenarios. Face-to-face models of care remain the preferred mode of consultation, particularly for those with LEP. Hybrid models of access offer patients the greatest choice, and are likely to meet the varying needs of the South-Asian patient population going forwards. The remote first approach to primary care may be achievable as a service ideal, but its limitations need to be recognised and accounted for to ensure that primary care can be an equitable service, both now and in the future. PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Members of the public were involved in all phases of research in the study. This included co-working in partnership throughout the study including, reviewing patient-facing documents, recruiting participants, data facilitation, translation work, interpretation of the data and co-authors on this manuscript. The key to the success of our study was collaborative teamwork, which involved experienced members of the public with SA cultural knowledge working together with and integral to the research team for all components.

Effects of maternal exposure to biomass cooking fuel on birth size and body proportionality in full-term infants born by vaginal delivery.

It remains unclear whether and how maternal exposure to biomass fuel influences infant anthropometry or body proportionality at birth, which are linked to their survival, physical growth, and neurodevelopment. Therefore, this study seeks to explore the association between household-level exposure to biomass cooking fuels and infant size and body proportionality at birth among women in rural Bangladesh. A total of 909 women were derived from the Pregnancy Weight Gain study, which was conducted in Matlab, a rural area of Bangladesh. Infant's weight (g), length (cm), head circumference (cm), small for gestational age (SGAW), short for gestational age (SGAL), low head circumference for gestational age (SGAHC), ponderal index, and cephalization index at birth were the outcomes studied. Of the women, 721 (79.3%) were dependent on biomass fuel. Compared to infants born to mothers who used gas for cooking, those born to biomass users had lower weight (ß - 94.3, CI - 155.9, - 32.6), length (ß - 0.36, 95% CI - 0.68, - 0.04), head circumference (ß - 0.24, CI - 0.47, - 0.02) and higher cephalization index (ß 0.03, CI 0.01, 0.05) at birth. Maternal biomass exposure is more likely to lead to symmetric SGA, although there is evidence for some brain-sparing effects.

Economic Burden of Healthcare Services on Cancer Survivors in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a critical public health issue that imposes a considerable economic burden, especially in low-resource countries. In Bangladesh, there has been a noticeable lack of research focusing on the economic burden associated with cancer. AIMS: This study aimed to examine the economic burden of cancer care and the contributing factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 623 cancer patients. Data were collected between January and May 2022. The magnitude of the economic burden (no burden to extreme burden) was the outcome variable. A logistic regression model was performed to determine the associated factors of the economic burden of cancer. RESULTS: Overall, 34% of cancer survivors experienced extreme economic burden due to treatment costs. Patients with prostate (relative risk ratio, RRR = 23.24; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.97, 273.70), bone (RRR = 5.85; 95% CI: 1.10, 31.04), and liver cancer (RRR = 4.94; 95% CI: 1.29, 18.9) reported significantly higher extreme economic burden compared to patients with other cancers. The economic burden was significantly higher for patients diagnosed with Stage III (RRR = 38.69; 95% CI: 6.17, 242.72) and Stage IV (RRR = 24.74; 95% CI: 3.22, 190.11) compared to Stage 0. Patients from low-income households suffered from nine times more extreme burden (RRR = 8.85; 95% CI: 4.05, 19.36) compared with those from high-income households. CONCLUSION: Our study found a disproportionately high economic burden among patients with cancer, across disease sites, stages, and income quintiles. The burden was significantly higher among patients with prostate, bone, and liver cancer, and those diagnosed with advanced stage. The findings underscore the importance of early cancer detection before metastasis which may lead to more efficient treatment, avoid disease progression, lower disease management costs, and better health outcomes. Patients from low-income households experience an extreme economic burden due to cancer, highlighting the need for affordable healthcare services, financial support, and healthcare subsidies.

COVID-19 vaccination uptake in remote areas-Evidence from a panel survey in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination has proven to be an essential strategy in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to discern the factors influencing both the intentions for and actual behavior regarding COVID-19 vaccination among remote, rural populations in Bangladesh. METHODS: The study utilized panel survey data comprising 1,698 randomly selected household heads. These are predominantly illiterate, of Muslim religion, middle-aged, and male, with agriculture or day labor as primary income source. They reside in 36 locations distributed along the whole 250 km length of the Jamuna River in Bangladesh. Data collection occurred through face-to-face and telephone interviews conducted between September 2021 and October 2022. Descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Squares regression models were employed to assess influence factors for COVID-19 vaccination intentions and uptake. The analyses considered the constructs of the Health Belief Model alongside sociodemographic characteristics such as gender, age, religion, education, and income source. RESULTS: Survey respondents showed a notably high willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine promptly upon its availability. However, the effectiveness of the Health Belief Model in elucidating COVID-19 vaccination uptake was limited, except for its availability component. Older individuals, those with higher levels of education, and individuals employed in government or formal sector occupations were prompt in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine as it became available. Gender, religion, and the presence of dependents in the household did not exert a significant influence on vaccination uptake. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that a strong willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine correlated with an increased likelihood of vaccine uptake once it was available. These findings suggest that a widespread distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to low-income and remote areas could have served as a vital strategy in mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Understanding cervical cancer awareness in hard-to-reach areas of Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study involving women and household decisionmakers.

INTRODUCTION: In Bangladesh, the uptake of cervical cancer screening is low. Lack of knowledge and understanding of symptoms and risk factors contributes to low screening uptake. The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms and to measure the association with socio-demographic characteristics among women and household decisionmakers living in hard-to-reach areas of Bangladesh. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in five districts in Bangladesh among women aged between 30 and 60 years, their husbands, and their mothers-in-law from April to September 2022. Data were collected using a modified version of the validated AWACAN questionnaire tool. The significance level was considered at p-value <0.05 and odds ratios with 95% confidence. RESULTS: Nearly 50% of participating women in hard-to-reach areas of Bangladesh and their family decisionmakers had low levels of knowledge of the risk factors and symptoms of cervical cancer. Only 20% of respondents in our survey knew about HPV, the most important risk factor for developing cervical cancer. Most respondents were familiar with the terminology of cervical cancer as a disease; however, approximately 40% of respondents did not know that not adhering to cervical cancer screening could be seen as a risk factor. Women do not make decisions about participation in cervical cancer screening on their own. Knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms among decisionmakers was significantly associated with higher education and higher household monthly expenditure. CONCLUSION: Women, their husbands, and mothers-in-law in hard-to-reach areas of Bangladesh had limited knowledge about cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms. Engaging these key decision-makers in targeted health education is vital to improve screening uptake. Conduction of future research to identify and address screening barriers is also essential for effective prevention efforts.

Informing an investment case for Japanese encephalitis vaccine introduction in Bangladesh.

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a major threat to human health. Bangladesh is considering introducing a JEV vaccine; however, the investment case is hampered by a limited understanding of key aspects of JEV ecology. We conducted a seroprevalence study in a high-incidence region using an assay that limits cross-reactivity with dengue virus. We also trapped mosquitoes and collected information about potential host species. We used mathematical models to recover risk factors for infection and underlying probabilities of severe disease and death. We observed 19.0% [95% confidence interval (CI):17.1 to 21.1] of JEV antibodies. On average, 0.7% (95% CI: 0.2 to 2.0) of the susceptible population gets infected yearly, with pig proximity being the main human infection risk factor. Our traps captured 10 different mosquito species that have been linked with JEV transmission. We estimated that 1 in 1000 infections results in severe disease, 1 in 10,000 results in death, and 76% of severe cases are missed by surveillance.

A potential toxicological risk assessment of heavy metals and pesticides in irrigated rice cultivars near industrial areas of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Rice intake represents a significant pathway through which humans accumulate heavy metals. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of heavy metal and pesticide contamination in rice cultivars irrigated with industrial wastewater near Dhaka, Bangladesh, a region heavily influenced by industrial activities. This study employed a unique methodology that not only quantified the concentrations of heavy metals and pesticide residues in rice grains but also extended to evaluating the physicochemical properties of rice stems, husks, soil, and irrigation water. The findings revealed alarmingly high levels of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and mercury in the soil and irrigation water, with concentrations in some cases exceeding the World Health Organization safety thresholds by 2 to 15 times. Notably, the rice grains also exhibited significant contamination, including substantial amounts of diazinon and fenitrothion pesticides, exceeding the established safety limits. The study employed hazard quotients (HQs) and cancer risk (CR) assessments to evaluate the potential health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated rice. The results indicated HQ values were greater than 1 for rice grains across the sampled fields, suggesting a considerable non-carcinogenic health risk, particularly from lead exposure, which was found at levels twice the standard limit in all the sampling fields. Moreover, the CR values for As, Pb, Cd, Co, and Mn highlighted a significant carcinogenic risk in several instances.

XRCC1 and XPD polymorphisms: clinical outcomes and risk of prostate cancer in Bangladeshi population.

BACKGROUND: In Bangladesh, only a fraction of prostate cancer patients are diagnosed annually due to lack of symptom awareness and screening challenges, resulting in high mortality. Aiming to improve screening methods, we evaluated X-ray cross-complementing gene 1 (XRCC1) Arg194Gln and Xeroderma pigmentosum group D (XPD) Lys751Gln polymorphisms to determine their relevance as potential markers for predicting prostate cancer risk, severity and clinical parameters in Bangladeshi population. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study included 132 prostate cancer patients and 135 healthy controls. Genotype analysis was done from blood samples by the PCR-RFLP method. The XRCC1 Trp/Trp genotype was associated with prostate cancer (ORadj = 5.51; 95% CI = 1.13-26.78; p-value = 0.03) compared to Arg/Arg genotype. No significant association was found between the XPD variants and prostate cancer risk. The XRCC1 Trp/Trp genotype increased prostate cancer risk in smokers and non-smokers but was statistically non-significant. In individuals without a family history of cancer, the XRCC1 Trp/Trp genotype had a non-significant 4.64-fold higher risk (ORadj=4.64; 95% CI = 0.88-24.36; p-value = 0.07), while the XPD Gln/Gln had a 2.66-fold non-significant higher risk (ORadj=2.66; 95% CI = 0.88-8.10; p-value = 0.09). The XRCC1 Trp/Trp variant was associated with hematuria risk, higher mean serum creatinine, and mean prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in prostate cancer patients. The XPD Gln/Gln variant was only associated with higher mean serum creatinine levels. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that XRCC1 screening may be used as a biomarker for prostate cancer to improve early diagnosis in Bangladesh.

Madrasa student's health-related quality of life and its associated factors: a cross-sectional study from Bangladesh.

The evidence clearly shows that education greatly impacts people's well-being. Bangladesh has two main education systems-general and traditional religious schooling. The current study aimed to measure the quality of life of madrasa students and find out the factors influencing it. This was a cross-sectional study on a group of madrasa students in the Mirpur area of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data were collected using two-stage stratified random sampling between April and May 2022. The final sample size was 373. The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was calculated using the KIDSCREEN-10 index, and the median split was used to categorize the score into 'good' and 'poor' categories. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all statistical tests. Among the participants, most (56%) reported having a good HRQoL. The median age (IQR) of the participants was 10.0 (8.0-12.0) years. Most of the participants were male (91%) and were not orphans (95%). The current study also found that a higher feeling of safety (AOR 3.7; 95% CI 1.3-10.4; p = 0.016) increased the odds of having good HRQoL. However, having a present illness decreased the odds (AOR 0.6; 95% CI 0.4-0.9; p = 0.10) of having a good HRQoL. The key results show that the majority reported a good HRQoL. Promoting students' physical, mental, and social well-being through health education, anti-bullying initiatives, regular school health screening, and institutional & community involvement can help to improve the overall HRQoL of madrasa students.

Assessment of mental well-being and its socio-economic determinants among older adults in the Rohingya refugee camp of Bangladesh.

Older adults residing in refugee settlements with unhealthy living environments, inadequate access to health care services, and limited psychosocial support are vulnerable to experience mental health problems jeopardizing their mental well-being. The present study aims to explore the mental well-being status and its socio-economic determinants among the older adults living in the Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged ≥ 60 residing in five sub-camps within the Rohingya refugee camp of Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews conducted between November and December 2021. The 14-item Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale was used to assess mental well-being. A cumulated score was derived using the scale ranging from 14 to 70, with higher scores indicating greater levels of mental well-being. A generalized linear regression model was used to examine the socio-economic factors associated with the mental well-being of older adults. A total of 864 older adults participated in the study having a mean mental well-being score of 45.4. Regression analysis revealed that the difference in the logs of mental well-being score was expected to be significantly lower among participants aged 70-79 years (ß: - 1.661; 95% CI: - 2.750 to - 0.572; p = 0.003), aged ≥ 80 years (ß: - 3.198; 95% CI: - 5.114 to - 1.282; p = 0.001), and those with any non-communicable chronic conditions (ß: - 2.903; 95% CI: - 3.833 to - 1.974; p < 0.001) when compared to their counterparts. Conversely, the difference in the logs of mental well-being score was expected to be significantly higher among individuals with formal schooling (ß: 3.370, 95% CI: 1.855 to 4.886, p < 0.001) and those having additional income besides aid (ß: 1.629; 95% CI: 0.642 to 2.615; p = 0.001), compared to their respective counterparts. Our findings highlight the need to provide psychosocial assistance to older individuals, particularly those who live in large families, suffer from chronic diseases, and live in socio-economic deprivation.

Knowledge, attitude, and practices related to lead pollution among adolescents and caregivers of young children living near Used Lead Acid Battery (ULAB) recycling sites in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Lead, a potent neurotoxin, causes irreversible damage to the nervous system, and low- and middle-income countries face huge health and economic productivity losses due to childhood lead exposure. In Bangladesh, informal Used Lead Acid Battery (ULAB) recycling sites are an important source of lead pollution. Little is known about lead awareness among communities exposed to ULAB recycling. Therefore, this study aims to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to lead pollution among caregivers of young children and adolescents living adjacent to informal ULAB sites. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 732 mothers of young children and adolescents in 4 districts of Bangladesh (survey and observation). Simple and multiple linear regression was conducted to describe patterns and predictors of lead-related knowledge and practices. RESULTS: 60% of respondents had heard the name 'lead' ("shisha"). The mean knowledge score was low (19 out of 44). Residents of high-risk districts, male respondents, and those with more than 5 years of schooling were significantly more likely to have higher knowledge scores than others. In terms of attitude, 52% of respondents perceived lead to be risky for human health but 43% thought lead pollution was controllable. Observation of households for lead exposure revealed that 63% of children and adolescents play or pass by ULAB sites, 29% ate non-food items, 41% of households had visible paint chips on the walls, 59% households used polished turmeric and 15% used lead-soldered cans to store foods. Among protective practices, 70% reported cleaning floors, 84% consumed iron-rich foods, and 48% consumed calcium-rich foods. CONCLUSIONS: The population had a high potential for lead exposure. Their knowledge about lead was limited, and risk perception was moderate. To reduce lead exposure and increase knowledge and awareness among the at-risk population, it is crucial to take measures such as mass awareness campaigns through media and schools. It is important to strengthen the implementation of existing policies, such as policies on leaded gasoline, paints, and lead-acid batteries, that can address the sources of lead exposure for the community.

Self-perceived halitosis and associated factors among university students in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Bad breath (halitosis) is a common problem affecting psycho-social wellbeing of young people. We aimed to explore the extent of self-perceived halitosis and associated factors among university students in Dhaka, Bangladesh. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among university students from November 2021 to April 2022. Six private and two public universities were approached. A total of 318 participants were conveniently selected for the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Students unwilling to participate were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine factors associated with halitosis. Statistical analysis was conducted using Stata Version 17. RESULTS: A total of 55.97% of students had self-perceived halitosis, with females (74.53%) having a significantly higher proportion than males (36.94%) (p < 0.001). A significantly higher proportion of halitosis was found among participants who were overweight ( 61%), had obesity (60.77%), smoked cigarette (46.79%), consumed alcohol (71.43%), lacked exercise (66.29%), were on unhealthy diet (57.35%), consumed coffee/tea (61.35%), breathed through mouth (64.60%), brushed tooth infrequently (85.71%), changed toothbrush after 6 months (77.42%), did not use toothpaste (94.74%), did not use/ sometimes used fluoride toothpaste (75.76%), lacked dental floss use (60.85%), did not use toothpick (62.87%), did chew or sometimes chewed sugar-free chewing gum (75.82%), did not clear / cleaned tongue sometimes (76.14%), did use mouth freshener regularly or occasionally (64.97%), did not use or used mouthwash sometimes (58.87%) were also associated with higher self-perceived halitosis (p < 0.05 for all). Students with gum bleeding, swollen gums, dry mouth, dental caries, food accumulation, and tooth sensitivity had a significantly (p < 0.05 for all) higher proportion of self-perceived halitosis (76.85%, 81.82%, 72.50%, 67.78%, 64.13% and 67.40%, respectively) compared to those without this problem. Being female (OR = 5.04; 95% CI: 2.01-12.62; p < 0.001), alcohol consumers (OR 7.35; 95% CI: 1.77-30.50; p = 0.006); not using sugar free chewing gum (OR = 0.25; 95% CI: 0.10-0.58; p = 0.001), lack of tongue cleaning (OR 4.62; 95% CI: 2.16-9.84; p < 0.001), and gum bleeding (OR = 7.43; 95% CI: 3.00-18.35; p < 0.001) were independently associated with halitosis on multivariable regression. CONCLUSION: This study reveals a high proportion of self-perceived halitosis and relevant factors. There should be more public education on the causes of halitosis and potential management approaches.

Healthcare services access challenges and determinants among persons with disabilities in Bangladesh.

Persons with disabilities in LMICs facing numerous challenges in accessing essential healthcare services. However, this understanding is lacking so far in LMICs and Bangladesh. This study aimed to explore the pattern and determinants of healthcare services access among persons with disabilities in Bangladesh. We analysed data from 4293 persons with disabilities extracted from the 2021 National Survey on Persons with Disabilities. The outcome variable was healthcare services access within three months of the survey, categorized as either "yes" or "no" based on perceived needs. Several individual, household, and community-level factors were considered as explanatory variables. We utilized a multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression model to explore the association of the outcome variable with explanatory variables. The analysis included stratification by age groups: 0-17 years and 18-95 years. One out of every four persons with disabilities in Bangladesh reported that they could not access healthcare services based on their needs within three months of the survey. The main reasons for not accessing services were healthcare costs (52.10%), followed by lack of family support (27.0%), and absence of healthcare facilities in their areas of residence (10.10%). Among those who did receive healthcare services, the majority reported accessing them from governmental hospitals (26.49%), followed by village practitioner (20.52%), and private healthcare centres (19.87%). There was a higher likelihood of accessing healthcare services among persons with disabilities residing in households with higher wealth quintiles and living in the Chattogram and Sylhet divisions. Unmarried or divorced/widowed/separated persons with disabilities reported lower likelihoods of accessing healthcare services. The findings of this study emphasize the need for policies and programs to ensure healthcare services for persons with disabilities in Bangladesh. This entails raising awareness about the importance of providing healthcare services for this demographic, as well as considering healthcare services as part of social safety net programs.

Assessment of physiological and biochemical responses of chilli (Capsicum annuum) varieties in floating bed cultivation for adaptation to waterlogged areas of Bangladesh.

Chilli (Capsicum annuum ) is an important spice crop in Bangladesh. This crop is very sensitive to waterlogging. Floating agriculture is an innovative system led by the local people of the southern region of Bangladesh, in which seedlings of vegetables are produced in low-lying areas using different aquatic macrophytes. An experiment was carried out to evaluate the viability of chilli cultivation in waterlogged areas, based on physiological and biochemical responses using floating agriculture. Eight different chilli varieties were subjected to floating agriculture in two different agronomic seasons. A soil-based chilli cultivation system was also trialled, to compare the utility of this method. To evaluate the performance of chilli in floating beds, plant water status, photosynthetic parameters, and leaf tissue concentrations of Na+ , K+ , NO3 - and PO4 3- , chlorophyll, ascorbic acid and proline were assessed. This study shows that macrophytes utilised in floating beds provide favourable conditions for chilli cultivation under waterlogged conditions. Among the different varieties, Sakata 653 in summer and Jhilik in winter responded better than others. As the performance of chilli in the floating agriculture system was satisfactory in comparison with soil-based cultivation, floating agriculture can be an alternative agronomic method for chilli cultivation in waterlogged areas of Bangladesh.