Heavy metal analysis of water and sediments of the Kaptai Lake in Bangladesh: Contamination and concomitant health risk assessment.

In this study, concentrations of 9 heavy metals (Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb) in water and sediments of the Kaptai Lake were determined by neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry techniques to study their distribution and contamination in the lake. Average concentrations of Cr and Co in sediments, and Fe and Pb in water were higher than those of some international guideline values. Different environmental pollution indexes (individual and synergistic) suggested that the sediments of Kaptai Lake are minorly enriched by As and Zn, and have low severity of contamination at most of the sampling sites. For residential receptors exposed to the heavy metals in lake water, both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic hazards were assessed which indicated that there is no carcinogenic risk for As while Cr shows a slightly carcinogenic risk. Moreover, estimated potential ecological risks and different SQGs suggested low ecotoxicological risks in the sediments of Kaptai Lake. Multivariate statistical analyses revealed the correlation among the studied heavy metals and indicated that the origin of most of the metals is mainly lithogenic and a small number of metals (Cu and Pb) from anthropogenic sources. The results of this study will be helpful in developing a pollution control strategy for the lake.

Source specific sedimentary response towards the differential anthropogenic impacts in terms of potentially toxic elements in an urban river.

To investigate the interplay between varying anthropogenic activities and sediment dynamics in an urban river (Turag, Bangladesh), this study involved 37-sediment samples from 11 different sections of the river. Neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry were utilized to quantify the concentrations of 14 metal(oid)s (Al, Ti, Co, Fe, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn). This study revealed significant toxic metal trends, with Principal coordinate analysis explaining 62.91 % of the variance from upstream to downstream. The largest RSDs for Zn(287 %), Mn(120 %), and Cd(323 %) implies an irregular regional distribution throughout the river. The UNMIX-model and PMF-model were utilized to identify potential sources of metal(oid)s in sediments. ∼63.65-66.7 % of metal(oid)s in sediments originated from anthropogenic sources, while remaining attributed to natural sources in both models. Strikingly, all measured metal(oid)s' concentrations surpassed the threshold effect level, with Zn and Ni exceeding probable effect levels when compared to SQGs.

Clonal Blumea lacera (Burm. f.) DC. ameliorates diabetic conditions by modulating carbohydrate and lipid hydrolases: a combine in vivo experimental and chemico-biological interaction study.

Blumea lacera (Burm. f.) DC. is an aromatic annual herb that has traditionally been used to treat or protect against diabetes. Although it has infallible uses, its supply is limited due to its short lifespan. In this study, we aim to investigate the anti-diabetic potential of its micropropagated plants in type 2 diabetic mammalian (mouse) model and further expand the molecular mechanistic understanding of its activity. The water extract of the micropropagated plants was tested in mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. The extract effectively suppressed glucose levels prevented weight loss, and improved dyslipidemia in mice. Additionally, it improved liver injury as well as all investigated toxicity indicators, including serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and serum anti-inflammatory marker C-reactive protein. The intramolecular interaction study revealed that the innate polyphenolic constituents of this plant more profoundly inhibited α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase compared to the standard. The prolific bioactive compounds of the micropropagated plant could be attributed to these superior anti-diabetic effects, presumably via an elaborate inhibition of carbohydrate and lipid hydrolyzing enzymes. Thus, the obtained results provide solid experimental proof of the year-round utility of micropropagated plants as a standard source plant material of Blumea lacera (Burm. f.) DC. for drug research and therapeutic production.

Thermoluminescent characterization and defect studies of graphite-rich media under high dose neutron exposure.

Thermoluminescence (TL) materials have a broad variety of uses in various fields, such as clinical research, individual dosimetry, and environmental dosimetry, amongst others. However, the use of individual neutron dosimetry has been developing more aggressively lately. In this regard, present study establishes a relationship between the neutron dosage and the optical property changes of graphite-rich materials caused by high doses of neutron radiation. This has been done with the intention of developing a novel, graphite-based radiation dosimeter. Herein, the TL yield of commercially graphite-rich materials (i.e. graphite sheet, 2B and HB grade pencils) irradiated by neutron radiation with doses ranging from 250 Gy to 1500 Gy has been investigated. The samples were bombarded with thermal neutrons as well as a negligible amount of gamma rays, from the nuclear reactor TRIGA-II installed at the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission. The shape of the glow curves was observed to be independent of the given dosage, with the predominant TL dosimetric peak maintained within the region of 163 °C-168 °C for each sample. By studying the glow curves of the irradiated samples, some of the most well theoretical models and techniques were used to compute the kinetic parameters such as the order of kinetics (b), activation energy (E) or trap depth, frequency factor (s) or escape probability, and trap lifetime (τ). All of the samples were found to have a good linear response over the whole dosage range, with 2B grade of polymer pencil lead graphite (PPLGs) demonstrating a higher level of sensitivity than both HB grade and graphite sheet (GS) samples. Additionally, the level of sensitivity shown by each of them is highest at the lowest dosage that was given, and it decreases as the dose increases. Importantly, the phenomenon of dose-dependent structural modifications and internal annealing of defects has been observed by assessing the area of deconvoluted micro-Raman spectra of graphite-rich materials in high-frequency areas. This trend is consistent with the cyclical pattern reported in the intensity ratio of defect and graphite modes in previously investigated carbon-rich media. Such recurrent occurrences suggest the idea of employing Raman microspectroscopy as a radiation damage study tool for carbonaceous materials. The excellent responses of the key TL properties of the 2B grade pencil demonstrate its usefulness as a passive radiation dosimeter. As a consequence, the findings suggest that graphite-rich materials have the potential to be useful as a low-cost passive radiation dosimeter, with applications in radiotherapy and manufacturing.

Neutron activation analysis of sediments of the Padma River adjacent to Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant: Elemental and multivariate statistical approach.

This study investigated the major and trace element concentrations in the sediments of the Padma River adjacent to the under-construction Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant to have baseline elemental concentration data. Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) was used to determine a total of twenty-three elements (Al, As, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Dy, Eu, Fe, Hf, La, Mn, Na, Sb, Sc, Sm, Ti, Th, U, V, Yb, and Zn). The calculation of the enrichment factor, geo-accumulation index, and pollution load index revealed that most of the sediment samples were minor to moderately contaminated by twelve elements (As, Ca, Ce, Cs, Dy, Hf, La, Sb, Sm, Th, U, and Yb). An ecological risk assessment by ecological risk factor, comprehensive potential ecological risk index, and sediment quality guidelines showed that the sampling locations were subject to harmful biological effects due to high concentrations of As and Cr in the sediments. Three multivariate statistical analyses identified two groups of elements based on their characteristics in the sediments. This study will act as baseline elemental concentration data for future studies concerning anthropogenic activities in this area.

Institutionalising co-management activities for conservation of forest resources: Evidence from the Sundarban mangrove forest management of Bangladesh.

Understanding local stakeholders' perceptions of co-management institutional activities serves a significant role in the proper functioning of the co-management institutions for the Sundarban mangrove forest conservation effort, but this currently remains unexplored. This study aimed to identify the current co-management institutions, co-management activities, and local people's understanding of these activities in the implementation of the co-management approach. The study was conducted in four villages in the Chandpai range of the Sundarban mangrove forest. Thematic content analysis was conducted on the qualitative data, which had been collected through key informant interviews at the local, regional and national levels, followed by focus group discussions in the study villages. The key forest co-management activities and practices identified were: forest protection and monitoring; meetings; local livelihood initiatives; and organisational supports. These co-management activities were implemented through institutions largely situated at the local level, through Village Conservation Forum, People's Forum and Community Patrol Group; higher-level institutions included the Co-management Committee, where local, district and national stakeholders were represented. Local people with forest dependency were participating in forest co-management activities and their awareness of forest conservation and social network had increased. In addition, people who had received training from government and non-government organisations reported benefits such as improved resource harvesting techniques, organisational skills and practical knowledge, which would be useful in times of natural disasters. However, local people also reported a range of issues affecting their full participation, which included top down decision-making, insignificant financial support, absence of alternate income sources, lack of meeting places for VCF members, gender inequality in participation, corruption and lack of skill-based training. A key governance issue for the local-level forest co-management institutions was limited access to the government organisations who oversaw policy and institutional control. In contrast, non-government organisations provided important institutional capacity-building support to local communities, and acted as a conduit to higher level committees. Broader impact could be achieved by fostering local participation, especially that of women, through genuine collaboration with other stakeholders, and extending the lessons learned from the study villages through exchange visits and sharing of ideas with other VCF villages in the area.

Phytochemical profiling of Blumea laciniata (Roxb.) DC. and its phytopharmaceutical potential against diabetic, obesity, and Alzheimer's.

Blumea laciniata (Roxb.) DC. is a folk medicinal annual herb of the Asteraceae family that grows in South and Southeast Asia. In order to evaluate its phytopharmaceutical potential against diabetic, obesity, and Alzheimer's, a comprehensive phytochemical profile, in vitro and in silico enzyme inhibitory activity against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, lipase, cholinesterases, and tyrosinase along with in vitro antioxidant activity were performed. Additionally, in vivo antidiabetic activity and acute toxicity were also evaluated. The total phenolic content in various organs follows the following order: old leaf > flower bud > young leaf > flower > young stem > old stem > root, while total flavonoids followed the order: flower bud > old leaf > young leaf > flower > young stem > old stem > root. The identified phenolic compounds are 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, syringic acid, rosmarinic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, catechin, catechol, (-) epicatechin, rutin, quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol, which are also expressed differently in various organs. Solvent extracts demonstrated strong antioxidant activity as well as varying levels of inhibition against the enzymes tested, with strong inhibitory activity against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase. Thirteen phenolic compounds displayed strong binding affinity in silico against studied enzymes, thus documented as bioactive. Furthermore, solvent extracts significantly suppressed blood glucose levels in mice with induced diabetes and extracts were not acutely toxic. The results suggest that Blumea laciniata (Roxb.) DC. could be a potential candidate for developing new phytopharmaceuticals and bioactive ingredients.

Determination of in vitro antioxidant activity and in vivo antineoplastic effects against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma of methanolic extract of Sphagneticola calendulacea (L.) Pruski.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Sphagneticola calendulacea (L.) Pruski (S. calendulacea) is a well-known medicinal plant that is widely used in traditional medicine. This study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant and antineoplastic properties of S. calendulacea leaf. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE: Methanol was used as a solvent to prepare leaf extract from the dried leaf of S. calendulacea (MESL). We have evaluated the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of MESL, and using five different assays; we have also evaluated the antioxidant property of MESL. In vivo antineoplastic activity of MESL against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells in experimental mice was also explored. RESULTS: The phytochemical analysis of MESL exhibited the total phenolic, and total flavonoid contents in the dry extracts were 32.86 mg/gm of gallic acid equivalent and 127.26 mg/gm of catechin equivalent, respectively. Moreover, MESL also showed promising scavenging activity in all assays (IC50 value ≥70.5 µg/mL). In the in vivo antineoplastic assay, MESL showed increased EAC cell death at the doses of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg body weight. MESL administration also induced apoptosis of EAC cells, significantly inhibited EAC cell growth, and increased the life span of EAC cell-bearing mice compared to EAC cell-bearing control mice. CONCLUSIONS: All findings of this study suggest potential antioxidant and antineoplastic properties of MESL.

Impact of social networks on the choice of place of delivery among ethnic women in Bangladesh.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims at exploring the present situation of the delivery place and the impact of social networks on the choice of delivery place among the ethnic women in Bangladesh. METHODS: Data were collected through face to face interviews using a structured questionnaire from a sample of 205 married ethnic - Garo and Mandai - women in Madhupur Upazilla of Tangail district. A stepwise binary logistic regression analysis is run to explain the impact of social networks on the choice of delivery place (the place where the women actually did deliver a baby) of ethnic women in Bangladesh. RESULTS: Descriptive statistics show that of the total deliveries 37.7% among Garo- and 13% among Mandai women take place in institutions (hospitals and clinics). The regression model reveals that next to ethnicity and husband's occupation, network size has a significant positive relationship, while reproductive health-related constraints have a significant negative relationship with the choice of delivery place of ethnic women. Based on these, this study suggests that if the social networks of ethnic women increase, the probability of their institutional delivery may increase. CONCLUSION: The personal social networks of ethnic women may motivate them on their choice of institutional delivery in Bangladesh. This finding may contribute to the development of pathways to stimulate ethnic women's reproductive health behaviour in the developing countries context.

Heavy metal contamination and ecological risk assessment in water and sediments of the Halda river, Bangladesh: A natural fish breeding ground.

This study reports the mass fractions of Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, As, Ni, Cu, Cd, Hg, and Pb in water and sediments of the Halda river, Bangladesh, and studies the distribution, contamination, and potential ecological risks of the metals and metalloid. The average mass fractions of As, Cd, and Pb are relatively higher in sediments compared to those in background values, whereas Al, Fe, Mn, and Pb concentration fractions in water are higher than the international guideline values. The results of the different contamination indices indicate that Halda river sediments are minorly contaminated by As and Pb and moderately to considerably contaminated by Cd. The ecological risk assessments indicate considerable to high ecological risk due to Cd. Multivariate statistical analysis reveals the origin of the contaminants in the river, and indicate that Cr, Zn, Pb, and Cd are from anthropogenic activities while the other metals originate from natural lithogenic actions.

Disaggregate level estimates and spatial mapping of food insecurity in Bangladesh by linking survey and census data.

Food insecurity is an important and persistent social issue in Bangladesh. Existing data based on socio-economic surveys produce divisional and nationally representative food insecurity estimates but these surveys cannot be used directly to generate reliable district level estimates. We deliberate small area estimation (SAE) approach for estimating the food insecurity status at district level in Bangladesh by combining Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2010 with the Bangladesh Population and Housing Census 2011. The food insecurity prevalence, gap and severity status have been determined based on per capita calorie intake with a threshold of 2122 kcal per day, as specified by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics.The results show that the food insecurity estimates generated from SAE are precise and representative of the spatial heterogeneity in the socioeconomic conditions than do the direct estimates. The maps showing the food insecurity indicators by district indicate that a number of districts in northern and southern parts are more vulnerable in terms of all indicators. These maps will guide the government, international organizations, policymakers and development partners for efficient resource allocation.

WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT AND INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE IN BANGLADESH: INVESTIGATING THE COMPLEX RELATIONSHIP.

The aim of this study was to assess whether women's empowerment ensures reduced intimate partner violence (IPV). The differential relationship between women's empowerment and IPV among married women in Bangladesh was investigated using 2007 Demographic and Health Survey data. Logistic regression models were used to assess whether women's empowerment had any influence on their likelihood of experiencing IPV while controlling for other covariates. The analyses revealed that older cohorts of women, who were more empowered, were more vulnerable to physical violence than less-empowered, younger women. The likelihood of being affected by physical violence among less-empowered, childless women was greater than that of more-empowered women with only male children. Less-empowered, uneducated women were more likely to experience physical violence than more-empowered, primary-educated women. Less-empowered women who had been married for less than 5 years were more likely to suffer from physical violence than more-empowered women who had been married for more than 19 years. The likelihood of experiencing sexual violence was not found to have any significant association with women's empowerment. The findings suggest that although women's empowerment in Bangladesh is gradually improving, some sub-groups of empowered women are still susceptible to IPV.

Prospect of phytoaccumulation of arsenic by Brassica juncea (L.) in Bangladesh.

The phytoaccummulation of arsenic by Brassica juncea (L.) was investigated for varying concentrations selected within the range that is evident in Bangladeshi soil. B. juncea (Rai and BARI-11) was grown in the hydroponic media under greenhouse condition with different concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 15, 30, 50 and 100 ppm) of sodium arsenite. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) was used to analyze the data. Mapping of potential area of phytoaccumulation of arsenic by B. juncea was done using Geographic information system (GIS). Arsenic was detected at lower concentrations (0.5 and 1.0 ppm) only at root system of the plant. For higher concentrations (15, 30, and 50 ppm) arsenic was detected both in the root and shoot systems. The results suggested that at 15 and 50 ppm uptake was higher compared to 30 ppm. For 100 ppm of arsenic no plant growth was observed. In Bangladesh, where concentration of arsenic is at lower level and present only at rooting zone, B. juncea may be used for phytoaccumulation of arsenic keeping usual agronomic practices. However, for higher concentrations, B. juncea can be regarded as a good accumulator of arsenic where uptake of arsenic was up to 1% of total biomass of the plant.

Factors affecting unmet need for contraception among currently married fecund young women in Bangladesh.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to explore the factors associated with unmet need for contraception among currently married fecund women under age 25, in Bangladesh. METHODS: This study utilised a cross-sectional data (n = 4982) extracted from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2011. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of unmet need for contraception among currently married fecund young women. RESULTS: The unmet need for contraception was 17% and contraceptive prevalence was 54% in this young group. Total demand for contraception was 71% and the proportion of demand satisfied was 77%. The results suggest that region, place of residence, religion, husband's desire for children, visits of FP workers, decision-making power on child health care, reading about FP in newspaper/magazine and number of births in three years preceding the survey were significant predictors of unmet need for contraception. CONCLUSIONS: The BDHS of 2011 found that unmet need for contraception among currently married, fecund women under 25 years old is higher than the national level, and hence different or more intensive programme initiatives are required for them than for older women. The present study identifies important predictors of unmet need for contraception among fecund married Bangladeshi women under age 25.

Elemental distribution of metals in urban river sediments near an industrial effluent source.

To study the compositional trends associated with the spatial and layer wise distribution of heavy metals as well as the sediment response towards the untreated chemical wastes, we have analyzed river (Buriganga, Bangladesh) sediments by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). In nine sediment samples 27 elements were determined where Na, Al, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, As, Rb, Cs, La, Ce, Sm, Dy, Hf, Th and U were determined by INAA and Cu, Sr, Ba, Hg and Pb were determined by EDXRF. Pollution level and the origin of pollutants were evaluated by the aid of geo-accumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), pollution load index (PLI) and the inter-element correlation analysis. Major elements are somehow buffered even though the pollution level is severe while the trace metals seem to be highly responsive. Among the heavy metals, Cr is the dominant pollutant, though the pollution level varies systematically with the sampling depth and the distance from the contamination source. Positive linear correlation between Cr and Zn (0.94) ensures the similar anthropogenic source(s) for these two metals, but the sediments of this study respond differently depending upon their geochemical behavior. Rare earth elements (here La, Ce, Sm and Dy), Th and U seem to have crustal origin and the Th/U ratio varies from 2.58 to 4.96.

Nutritional status of under-five children in Bangladesh: a multilevel analysis.

The nutritional status of under-five children is a sensitive sign of a country's health status as well as economic condition. This study investigated the differential impact of some demographic, socioeconomic, environmental and health-related factors on the nutritional status among under-five children in Bangladesh using Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2007 data. Two-level random intercept binary logistic regression models were used to identify the determinants of under-five malnutrition. The analyses revealed that 16% of the children were severely stunted and 25% were moderately stunted. Among the children under five years of age 3% were severely wasted and 14% were moderately wasted. Furthermore, 11% of the children were severely underweight and 28% were moderately underweight. The main contributing factors for under-five malnutrition were found to be child's age, mother's education, father's education, father's occupation, family wealth index, currently breast-feeding, place of delivery and division. Significant community-level variations were found in the analyses.

Sensitivity variation for H, B, Si, Cl, Ca and Cd in solid materials by prompt gamma-ray analysis with a special emphasis on the presence of hydrogen.

The effects of neutron scattering by matrix hydrogen in geological samples were examined in order to accurately determine their chemical compositions by neutron-induced prompt gamma-ray analysis (PGA). Three different matrix materials including basaltic reference rock sample (JB-2) mixed with chemical reagents including H-containing ones were analyzed by using thermal and/or cold neutron-guided beams of JRR-3 at Japan Atomic Energy Agency. The sensitivity change of elements with the variation of the H concentrations was evaluated for disk and spherical target geometries. The results show that the analytical sensitivities of B, Cl and Cd in disk samples seem to increase with increasing the matrix H concentrations by the irradiation of both thermal and cold-neutron beams. The sensitivity enhancement of B for disk-shaped JB-2 mixed with up to 2% mass H is within the analytical uncertainty associated with PGA with a thermal-neutron beam.

Comparison of multiple prompt γ-ray analysis and prompt γ-ray analysis for the elemental analysis of geological and cosmochemical samples.

Multiple prompt γ-ray analysis (MPGA) and conventional neutron-induced prompt γ-ray analysis (PGA) are nondestructive analytical methods for bulk chemical compositions, and their analytical capabilities were compared for elemental analyses of geological and cosmochemical samples. Detection sensitivities of PGA are often restricted by poor signal-to-noise ratios and interferences from different origins. MPGA can substantially reduce the background level, especially for hydrogenous samples, relative to PGA, which opens up a possibility to use lower energy prompt γ-rays of some trace elements. Although it is one of the major constituent elements of rock samples, Mg is hard to be determined by PGA. With MPGA, Mg contents could be determined with reasonable consistency with their corresponding recommended values in geological and cosmochemical samples by carefully selecting suitable coincident prompt γ-ray energy pairs without interference correction. MPGA was applied to a hydrogenous meteorite, Ivuna, which contains H at 2% mass level. MPGA detection limits for most of the elements studied can be reduced up to 1 order of magnitude when compared with PGA detection limits under the present experimental conditions.

High fertility regions in Bangladesh: a marriage cohort analysis.

Bangladesh represents one of the few countries in south Asia where the pace of fertility decline has been unprecedented over the last three decades. Although there has been significant reduction in fertility levels at the national level, regional variations continue to persist, especially in Sylhet and Chittagong where the total fertility rates are well above the country average. Using data from three consecutive Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys (BDHSs) this paper assesses how fertility patterns in Sylhet and Chittagong differ from the rest of Bangladesh through a marriage cohort analysis of the parity progression ratios, and examines the factors determining the transition rates to higher parity in these two regions. Three cohorts of women are identified: those married during 1965-1974, 1975-84 and 1985-94. The results show that the probability that a woman from the recent cohort in Sylhet or Chittagong who had a third birth will have a fourth birth is nearly twice that of her counterpart in other regions. Social characteristics such as education, occupation, religion and residence have no effect on fertility in Sylhet and Chittagong. Additional period-specific analyses using the 2007 BDHS data show that women in Sylhet are considerably more likely to have a third or fourth birth sooner than those in other divisions, especially Khulna. The findings call for specific family planning policy interventions in Sylhet and Chittagong ensuring gender equity, promoting female education and delaying entry into marriage and childbearing.

Consistency in reporting condom use between husbands and wives in Bangladesh.

Consistency in reporting contraceptive use between spouses is little understood, especially in developing settings. This research challenges the accuracy of measuring contraceptive prevalence rate, which is traditionally calculated based on women's responses. Multinomial logistic regression techniques are employed on a couple dataset from the 1999-2000 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) to investigate the consistency in reporting condom use between husbands and wives. The level of inconsistency in reporting condom use was about 46%, of which about 32% was explained by husbands reporting condom use while wives did not, and 14% by wives reporting condom use while husbands did not. Regression analysis showed that couple education and age difference between the spouses are significant determinants of inconsistent reporting behaviour. The findings suggest the need for alternative approaches (questions) in the DHS to ensure consistency in the collection of data related to use of family planning methods.