Prevalence, Knowledge, Causes, and Practices of Self-Medication During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Introduction During the COVID-19 pandemic, self-medication (SM) has become a critical element in the healthcare system. SM can ease the burden on hospitals and medical resources by treating minor illnesses. However, inappropriate SM practices can lead to adverse drug reactions, drug resistance, and incorrect diagnoses, resulting in poor health outcomes. Methods To evaluate the prevalence, knowledge, causes, and practices of SM among the Bangladeshi population during the COVID-19 outbreak, a cross-sectional survey with structured questionnaires was conducted in Chittagong City, Bangladesh, from March to May 2022. The survey included 265 participants, with an average age of 35.09 years, and a multiple-choice questionnaire was used to gather information. Results The study found that 64.15% of the respondents had sufficient knowledge of SM, while 35.8% had insufficient knowledge. The primary reasons for SM during the pandemic were the influence of friends/family (90.74%), fear of infection or contact with COVID-19 cases (73.15%), and fear of quarantine or self-isolation (72.22%). Analgesics/pain relievers (84%) were the most commonly used drugs for SM for COVID-19 prevention and treatment. Antiulcerants/antacid (42%), vitamin C and multivitamins (42%), and antibiotics (32%) were also frequently used. Conclusion This study suggests that SM is prevalent among Chittagong City residents, particularly those with less than a tertiary education. The study highlights the importance of building awareness about SM practices and taking necessary steps to control them.

Status of female sexual dysfunction among postmenopausal women in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Women's sexual health and physical desire for sex are most important for their emotional and physical well-being. This study aimed to examine the status of sexual dysfunction among postmenopausal women in Bangladesh and assess the significant risk factors behind this. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 45-55 years in four public and private hospitals in Bangladesh from April 2021 to June 2021 using a multi-stage sampling technique to enroll the study participants. The female sexual function index (FSFI) scale measured the prevalence of FSD, and the relationship of independent risk factors were assessed using a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: The total score of FSFI among postmenopausal Bangladeshi women was 18.07 ± 8.51. Among 260 participants, the prevalence of FSD was 56.9%. Out of all the significant risk factors, increasing age, urban population group, multiparous, homemakers, duration of menopause, and postmenopausal women with no hormone therapy were significantly associated with FSD. In contrast, those with regular physical activity were protective of FSD. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, a significant proportion of postmenopausal Bangladeshi women are enduring sexual dysfunction. Proper hormonal therapy and non-hormonal therapies such as physical activity and pelvic floor muscle (Kegel) exercise with adequate counseling are helpful to cope in this distressing situation.

COVID-19 risk of infection and vaccination during Ramadan fasting: knowledge and attitudes of Bangladeshi general population.

There is some debate whether COVID-19 infection and vaccination will hamper Ramadan among the Muslim population worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the total proportion of the Bangladeshi population who has adequate knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 risk of infections and vaccination during Ramadan fasting. A cross-sectional study had conducted among 502 adult participants of Bangladesh. We have used a structured questionnaire which had implemented through a face-to-face interview by trained data collectors. Data were analyzed using statistical package software SPSS version 25.0. Of the 502 participants, 50.2% were male, and most (49.6%) lived in urban areas. About 72.5% and 76.30% reported having adequate knowledge and a positive attitude, respectively, regarding COVID-19 risk of infection and vaccination during Ramadan fasting. Among all variables, no formal education and up to class 8 education had significantly associated with inadequate knowledge (OR = 5.14, 95% CI = 1.63-16.19, and OR = 6.42, 95% CI = 2.55-16.19). Educational status was also associated with attitude (OR = 3.68, 95%CI = 1.17-11.55). Current smokers reported a negative attitude in comparison to non-smokers (OR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.36-4.50). In conclusion, our study found overall moderate knowledge and attitude among the Bangladeshi population towards COVID-19 infection and vaccination. Government should continue its efforts to increase the knowledge and attitude level to a higher level, and anti-smoking campaigns should strengthen to make people stop smoking to reduce the COVID-19 severity.