Nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and blood metabolites of growing cattle-fed fermented cassava pulp with added flavoring agents.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effect of adding flavoring agents to fermented cassava pulp (FCPU) on nutrient utilization, ruminal fermentation characteristics, and blood metabolites in growing cattle. Materials and Methods: A duplicated 3 × 3 Latin square design was randomly assigned to six growing beef cattle. Treatments were: 1) untreated FCPU (control), 2) 0.05% w/v vanilla-flavored FCPU, and 3) 0.05% w/v amyl acetate-flavored FCPU. Results: The results showed that flavoring agents did not affect dry matter intake (DMI) or digestibility of nutrients. Rumen pH and ammonia nitrogen concentrations did not change all treatments postfeeding. Flavoring added to FCPU after feeding did not affect total volatile fatty acid (VFA) or VFA percentage. However, propionic acid levels tended to be lower in the vanilla-flavored FCPU group than those in the unflavored FCPU group at 0 h postfeeding (p < 0.01). Growing bulls fed vanilla-flavored FCPU tended to have greater fungal zoospores in the rumen than those fed amyl acetate-flavored FCPU (p < 0.1) at 2 h after feeding. Dietary treatments did not affect blood glucose and urea nitrogen concentrations (p > 0.05). However, blood triglyceride concentration was greater for cattle fed a control diet than other treatments at 0 h postfeeding (p < 0.05) and tended to be higher than those fed vanilla-flavored FCPU at 2 h afterfeeding (p < 0.1). Conclusion: It was suggested that adding vanilla or amyl acetate flavor to the FCPU showed no adverse effects on ruminal fermentation, blood metabolites, or nutritional digestibility; however, it did not increase DMI.

Novel Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria with In Vitro Bioremediation Potential of Toxic Lead and Cadmium.

In this study, newly isolated lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were screened for the potential bioremediation capacity against toxic lead (Pb, II) and cadmium (Cd, II) with their bioaccessibility and survivability. Five strains were selected from eighteen previously isolated probiotic LAB strains based on heavy metal-resistant potentiality through in vitro disc-diffusion assay. These five strains were evaluated in vitro to explore the Pb and Cd binding and removal efficiencies using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. At the same time, their bioaccessibility and survivability were assessed in a dynamic in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model. The results revealed that all the tested strains were shown to have a high magnitude of minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 500 to 2000 mg/L with 5 to 25 mm growth inhibition zones. The results also demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) removal of Pb and Cd among five tested LAB strains. Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus LDMB02 showed the highest removal rates of Pb and Cd. It was also revealed that these strains significantly reduced Pb and Cd bioaccessibility from 42 to 50% and 40 to 58%, respectively. Moreover, these strains were shown to have significant survivability against Pb and Cd, ranging from 80.1 to 85.4% and 81.5 to 87.5%, respectively. This study recommends the immense potential exploit of LAB as a probiotic to protect human health from the adverse effects of Pb and Cd toxicity.

Fatty acid and amino acid profiles of cheese, butter, and ghee made from buffalo milk.

Objective: The objective was to assess the chemical composition, cholesterol, fatty acid (FAs), and amino acid (AAs) profiles of buffalo cheese, butter, and ghee. Materials and Methods: Buffalo milk (raw) was collected from the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) Dairy Farm, BAU, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh. Cheese, butter, and ghee were prepared at the Dairy Chemistry and Technology Laboratory, Department of Dairy Science, BAU, Mymensingh, Bangladesh, and subjected to subsequent analyses. The gross nutritional composition and AAs profile of milk were analyzed prior to the manufacture of cheese, butter, and ghee. The gross nutritional composition of milk and dairy products was analyzed by applying an automated milk analyzer and the Association of Agricultural Chemists techniques, respectively. The cholesterol, FAs, and AAs contents of cheese, butter, and ghee were determined by the Bangladesh Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Furthermore, atherogenic and thrombogenic indices were also calculated using reference equations. Results: The results indicated that the buffalo milk is a good source of first-rate nutrients (dry matter: 16.50%, fat: 7.50%, protein: 3.75%). Findings indicated that the butter was significantly rich with (p < 0.05) total solids and fat where higher (p > 0.05) protein, carbohydrate, and minerals were found in cheese. The saponification, Reichert-Meissl, Polenski, and Kirschner values of buffalo ghee were found to be 225, 30, 1.2, and 25, respectively. A significant (p < 0.05) variation was found in the cholesterol content of buffalo cheese, butter, and ghee. Butter and ghee had 40.14 and 39.57 mg more cholesterol, respectively, than cheese. The results revealed identical FA profiles except for C24:0 among the three dairy products where the major FA compositions were C4:0, C14:0, C16:0, and C18:0 and C18:1 cis-9. The atherogenicity index and thrombogenicity index of cheese, butter, and ghee were statistically similar (p > 0.05). Butter was found with the most conducive anti-atherogenic and anti-thrombogenic characteristics due to lower saturated and higher polyunsaturated FAs. However, all the AAs concentrations were statistically higher (p < 0.05) in cheese than in butter and ghee. Conclusion: To conclude, buffalo cheese is superior to butter and ghee as regards nutrient density, but consumers can choose other foods based on their choice.

Physicochemical characteristics, sensory profile, probiotic, and starter culture viability of synbiotic yogurt.

Objectives: This study aimed to envisage the effectiveness of adding three particular prebiotics (inulin, ß-glucan, and Hi-maize) to synbiotic yogurt's physicochemical properties, sensory characteristics, and survivability of the probiotic and starter cultures. Materials and Methods: The yogurt's gross composition, syneresis, water-holding capacity (WHC), viscosity, sensorial properties, and probiotic and starter cell stability were analyzed. The Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus M240-5 and Streptococcus thermophilus M140-2 were employed as yogurt starter bacteria, and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 as probiotic culture. The synbiotic yogurt was formulated with 5% sucrose and 0.7% artificial vanilla flavor. Results: The findings showed that when prebiotic ingredients were added to synbiotic yogurt, it had a significant impact on its sensory qualities, WHC, syneresis, and viscosity when compared to plain yogurt samples. The prebiotics did not affect the pH and titratable acidity of the yogurt samples. Additionally, the prebiotic supplementation did not influence the protein and fat content of synbiotic yogurt (p < 0.05). Prebiotics had an impact on the probiotic cell viability and total viable count (p < 0.05) compared to the plain sample, the 2.5% ß-glucan, 1.5% and 2.5% Hi-maize samples had the highest mean viability (8.95 Log CFU/ml). The starter culture ratio remained stable in response to the prebiotic levels. Conclusion: In summary, the production of synbiotic yogurts supplemented with Hi-maize and ß-glucan at 1.5% and 2.5%, respectively, is highly advised because these supplementations provide yogurt with acceptable syneresis, viscosity, WHC, and sensory attributes.

Effects of alternate nostril breathing exercise on cardiorespiratory functions in healthy young adults.

Introduction: Alternate nostril breathing (ANB) is an effective breathing exercise with therapeutic benefits on cardiorespiratory functions for healthy and diseased individuals. This study was conducted to assess the effects of ANB exercise on cardiorespiratory tasks in healthy adults. Materials and Methods: This randomized experimental study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Chittagong Medical College, Chattogram, from July 2017 to June 2018. A total of 100 1st-year students, aged between 18 and 20 years, were included by a random sampling method. Fifty participants (25 males and 25 females) were enrolled in the experimental group, while age- and body mass index-matched another 50 participants (25 males and 25 females) served as the control group. Experimental group participants performed ANB exercise for 4 weeks. Cardiorespiratory parameters (pulse rate, blood pressure, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1st s [FEV1], and peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR] were measured. Data were taken at the start and after 4 weeks in both groups. Results: Independent t-test showed no significant differences in the cardiorespiratory functions between the experimental and control groups among the male and female participants, except for the females' PEFR which showed small differences. On the other hand, repeated measure ANOVA shows significant improvement in the experimental groups among males (P < 0.001-0.028) and females (P < 0.001-0.001) in all the cardiorespiratory functions measured, except for the FEV1 and PEFR among males. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that cardiorespiratory functions were improved after breathing exercise, and therefore, ANB can be recommended for increasing cardiorespiratory efficiency.

RésuméIntroduction: La respiration nasale alternée (ANB) est un exercice de respiration efficace avec des avantages thérapeutiques sur les fonctions cardiorespiratoires pour les individus sains et malades. Cette étude a été menée pour évaluer les effets de l'exercice ANB sur les tâches cardiorespiratoires chez des adultes en bonne santé. Matériels et méthodes: Cette étude expérimentale randomisée a été menée au Département de physiologie, Chittagong Medical College, Chattogram, de juillet 2017 à juin 2018. Un total de 100 étudiants de 1ère année, âgés de 18 à 20 ans, ont été inclus par un échantillonnage aléatoire. méthode. Cinquante participants (25 hommes et 25 femmes) ont été inscrits dans le groupe expérimental, tandis que l'âge et l'indice de masse corporelle correspondaient à 50 autres participants (25 hommes et 25 femmes) servant de groupe témoin. Les participants du groupe expérimental ont effectué des exercices ANB pendant 4 semaines. Les paramètres cardiorespiratoires (fréquence du pouls, pression artérielle, capacité vitale forcée, volume expiratoire forcé en 1ère s [VEMS] et débit expiratoire de pointe [PEFR] ont été mesurés. Les données ont été recueillies au début et après 4 semaines dans les deux groupes. Résultats: Le test t indépendant n'a montré aucune différence significative dans les fonctions cardiorespiratoires entre les groupes expérimentaux et témoins parmi les participants masculins et féminins, à l'exception du PEFR des femmes qui présentait de petites différences.D'autre part, l'ANOVA à mesures répétées montre une amélioration significative dans les groupes expérimentaux chez les hommes (P < 0,001 à 0,028) et les femmes (P < 0,001 à 0,001) dans toutes les fonctions cardiorespiratoires mesurées, à l'exception du VEMS et du DEP chez les hommes Conclusion: Les résultats de cette étude suggèrent que les fonctions cardiorespiratoires ont été améliorées après un exercice respiratoire , et par conséquent, l'ANB peut être recommandé pour augmenter l'efficacité cardiorespiratoire.

Ongoing efforts to improve the management of patients with diabetes in Bangladesh and the implications.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence rates of patients with diabetes are growing across countries, and Bangladesh is no exception. Associated costs are also increasing, driven by costs associated with the complications of diabetes including hypoglycemia. Long-acting insulin analogues were developed to reduce hypoglycemia as well as improve patient comfort and adherence. However, they have been appreciably more expensive, reducing their affordability and use. Biosimilars offer a way forward. Consequently, there is a need to document current prescribing and dispensing rates for long-acting insulin analogues across Bangladesh, including current prices and differences, as a result of affordability and other issues. METHODS: Mixed method approach including surveying prescribing practices in hospitals coupled with dispensing practices and prices among community pharmacies and drug stores across Bangladesh. This method was adopted since public hospitals only dispense insulins such as soluble insulins free-of-charge until funds run out and all long-acting insulin analogues have to be purchased from community stores. RESULTS: There has been growing prescribing and dispensing of long-acting insulins in Bangladesh in recent years, now accounting for over 80% of all insulins dispensed in a minority of stores. This increase has been helped by growing prescribing and dispensing of biosimilar insulin glargine at lower costs than the originator, with this trend likely to continue with envisaged growth in the number of patients. Consequently, Bangladesh can serve as an exemplar to other low- and middle-income countries struggling to fund long-acting insulin analogues for their patients. CONCLUSIONS: It was encouraging to see continued growth in the prescribing and dispensing of long-acting insulin analogues in Bangladesh via the increasing availability of biosimilars. This is likely to continue benefitting all key stakeholder groups.

Rapid Assessment of Price Instability and Paucity of Medicines and Protection for COVID-19 Across Asia: Findings and Public Health Implications for the Future.

Background: Countries have introduced a variety of measures to prevent and treat COVID-19 with medicines and personal protective equipment (PPE), with some countries adopting preventative strategies earlier than others. However, there has been considerable controversy surrounding some treatments. This includes hydroxychloroquine where the initial hype and misinformation lead to shortages, price rises and suicides. Price rises and shortages have also been seen for PPE. Such activities can have catastrophic effects on patients where there are high co-payment levels and issues of affordability. Consequently, there is a need to investigate this further. Objective: Assess changes in the availability, utilization and prices of relevant medicines and PPE during the pandemic among a range of Asian countries. Our approach: Narrative literature review combined with interviews among community pharmacists to assess changes in consumption, prices and shortages of medicines and PPE from the beginning of March 2020 until end of May 2020. In addition, suggestions on ways to reduce misinformation. Results: 308 pharmacists took part from five Asian countries. There was an appreciable increase in the utilization of antimicrobials in Pakistan (in over 88% of pharmacies), with lower increases or no change in Bangladesh, India, Malaysia and Vietnam. Encouragingly, there was increased use of vitamins/immune boosters and PPE across the countries, as well as limited price rises for antimicrobials in India, Malaysia and Vietnam, although greater price rises seen for analgesics and vitamin C/immune boosters. Appreciable price increases were also seen for PPE across some countries. Conclusion: Encouraging to see increases in utilization of vitamins/immune boosters and PPE. However, increases in the utilization and prices of antimicrobials is a concern that needs addressing alongside misinformation and any unintended consequences from the pandemic. Community pharmacists can play a key role in providing evidence-based advice, helping to moderate prices, as well as helping address some of the unintended consequences of the pandemic.

Effects of alternate nostril breathing exercise on respiratory functions in healthy young adults leading stressful lifestyle.

Alternate nostril breathing (ANB) is one of the best and easiest breathing exercises (pranayama) of yoga that are good for health and physical fitness. ANB exercise has beneficial and therapeutic effects on respiratory function in both normal as well as diseased humans. This study was conducted with the objective of assessing the physiological effects of short-term ANB exercise on respiratory function in healthy adult individuals leading a stressful life. This prospective interventional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Chittagong Medical College (CMC), Chattogram, Bangladesh from July 2017 to June 2018. A total of 100 participants aged 18-20 years, studying in the first year in CMC, were included by using a simple random sampling method. Among them, 50 participants were enrolled in the experimental group. Age- and BMI-matched 50 participants constituted the control group. Height, weight were measured, and BMI was calculated. The participants of the experimental group performed ANB exercise over 4 weeks for 10 min/day. The control participants were neither trained nor allowed to practice nostril breathing during the whole study period. Respiratory parameters like forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1st second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were measured by using a digital spirometer (Chest graph HI-101, Japan). Readings were taken in a healthy upright sitting posture in the control and experimental group initially and after 4 weeks. Student's t-test was conducted by using SPSS for windows version-23. The mean value of FVC, FEV1, PEFR were significantly (P < 0.001) changed after the ANB exercise when compared to the values before breathing exercise. The results of this study suggest that respiratory function is significantly improved after the ANB exercise. Therefore, ANB can be recommended for increasing respiratory efficiency.

Antibiotic Use: A Cross-Sectional Study Evaluating the Understanding, Usage and Perspectives of Medical Students and Pathfinders of a Public Defence University in Malaysia.

Background: Antimicrobial prescribing behaviors are often influenced by the local culture and prescribing appropriateness of medical doctors and other health care professionals. Globally, antimicrobial utilization practices have a profound impact on antimicrobial resistance and are a tremendous public health concern. The aim of this survey was to explore the knowledge and attitudes of medical students from the National Defence University of Malaysia regarding antimicrobial usage and antimicrobial resistance. Research design and methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The study population consisted of undergraduate medical students in each year group from the National Defence University of Malaysia. Students receive limited formal training on the use of antibiotics in their curriculum, and most of this learning is opportunistic whilst on clinical placement. Universal sampling was used as the study population was small. Data were collected utilizing a previously validated instrument regarding antibiotic use. Simple descriptive statistics were used to generate frequencies and percentages with SPSS V21. This research was approved by the Centre for Research and Innovation Management, National Defence University of Malaysia. Results: 206 questionnaires were distributed with a response rate of 99.03%, 54% (110) male, and 46% (94) female. Out of the respondents, 65% (132) had used antibiotics in the last year. Respondents displayed a moderate level of knowledge about antibiotics. Conclusions: This study revealed that the older the student was, or when the year of study and total knowledge score was higher, the students were less likely to stop antimicrobials when they felt better or use leftover antibiotics without consulting a doctor. Therefore, the nearer the students were to graduation, the better their knowledge and skills were, and this translated into their own behaviors regarding use of antimicrobials. This finding has clear implications for curriculum design and the inclusion of formal teaching throughout the medical program on antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, more research is needed on this topic, including the prescribing habits and antibiotic use of practicing doctors.

First Molecular detection of Theileria annulata in Bangladesh.

In South Asia, Theileria annulata is known to be less pathogenic to local breeds of Bos indicus cattle comparing to Bos taurus cattle and some of mix breeds between them. Seroepidemiological surveys have revealed high sero-prevalence of T. annulata in asymptomatic local breeds of cattle in Bangladesh. Therefore, these asymptomatic infection in local breeds can be infectious sources to more sensitive breeds. In this study, 59 bloods of cattle showing no symptom were screened by species specific PCRs for hemoto-protozoan parasites, to prove the existence of T. annulata parasite in asymptomatic cattle in Bangladesh. The T. annulata infection was confirmed along with other parasitic species, and this is the first report of T. annulata DNA detection in Bangladesh.

Self-medication of antibiotics: investigating practice among university students at the Malaysian National Defence University.

Background: Self-medication of drugs to alleviate symptoms is a common global behavior, helping relieve burdens on health services, but many drugs eg, antibiotics are prescription-only. Self-medication of antibiotics (SMA) is an irrational use of drugs, contributing to microbial resistance increasing health care costs and higher mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to assess SMA among university students. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among medical and non-medical students of the National Defence University of Malaysia. A validated instrument was used to gather data. Ethics approval was obtained. Random and universal sampling was adopted, and SPSS 21 was used for data analysis. Results: A total of 649 students participated in the study: 48.5% male and 51.5% female, 39.3% reported self-medicating with antibiotics. Penicillin, doxycycline, clarithromycin were the antibiotics most used with the majority reporting no adverse drug reactions. Cost savings and convenience were the principal reasons for SMA which were mainly obtained from local retail pharmacies. Despite medical students (particularly the more senior) having better knowledge of antibiotic use than non-medical students, 89% of all research participants responded that practicing SMA was a good/acceptable practice. Conclusion: SMA is common amongst Malaysian students and, despite understanding why SMA is unwise, even medical students self-medicate.

A cross-sectional study evaluating the knowledge and beliefs about, and the use of antibiotics amongst Malaysian university students.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of antibiotics into modern medicine has changed clinical care by saving millions of lives. However, misuse of antibiotics has led to their benefits being overshadowed by the development of antimicrobial resistance. AIMS OF STUDY: This study aimed to assess university students' knowledge and beliefs about and their use of antibiotics. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 674 medical and non-medical students of the National Defence University of Malaysia, using universal and convenience sampling methods. The data was collected using a validated questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS 24, and the MANOVA test and Logistic Regression were used to explore the associated factors. RESULTS: More than half of the respondents' knowledge was low and their health beliefs outdated. Age, race and program were significantly associated with up-to-date knowledge and beliefs about antibiotic use, factors associated with finishing a course of antibiotics were studying medicine, personal health, and ethnicity. The significant factors associated with antibiotic self-prescribing were beliefs having been prescribed antibiotics during the last one year, and trusting the doctors who did not prescribe antibiotics. CONCLUSION: This study has identified a concerning low knowledge about antibiotics amongst some Malaysian university students, reflected in use of un-prescribed antibiotics and a lack of adherence to treatment. There is a need for educational interventions for students regarding antibiotic usage and resistance issues.

Empathy among undergraduate medical students: A cross-sectional study in one Malaysian public medical school.

Background: Empathy is one of the cardinal components for physician-patient relationships, optimal outcomes in patient care, improved patient satisfaction, greater adherence to therapy, and lower malpractice liability. It is also considered an essential quality for health-care professionals to practice medicine. The aim of the present study was to assess the empathy level of medical students of Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) National Defense University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2017 which recruited medical students of UPNM. The Empathy Quotient, a self-reported questionnaire, was utilized for data collection. The total empathy score of the questionnaire is 80. Results: Majority of the respondents were male (60.9%), year-V students (26.6%), Malay (70.5%), and cadet officer (69.6%). The overall mean score achieved by the respondents was 36.76 ± 9.18, and 74.4% of the respondents scored more than 30. The empathy scores of the students were significantly affected by the gender (t = 2.371; df = 205; P < 0.05), year of study (F = 2.553; df = 4/202; P < 0.05), and examination grades (F = 3.488; df = 2/204; P < 0.05). The findings showed that female students are more empathetic than their male counterparts. Further, the post hoc Tukey test analysis revealed that Year-V students are more empathetic than their junior counterparts and students who got highest grade are more empathetic. Conclusions: To improve the empathy level of the UPNM medical students, appropriate educational strategies and interventions should be designed and implemented in the curriculum to inculcate, maintain, and enhance empathy.

RésuméArrière-plan: L'empathie est l'un des éléments essentiels dans les relations médecin-patient, des résultats optimaux en matière de soins aux patients, d'une meilleure satisfaction des patients, d'une plus grande observance du traitement et d'une réduction de la responsabilité en cas de faute professionnelle. La pratique de la médecine est également considérée comme une qualité essentielle pour les professionnels de la santé. Le but de l'étude actuelle était d'évaluer le niveau d'empathie des étudiants en médecine de l' Université Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) Université de défense nationale de Malaisie, Kuala Lumpur, Malaisie. Méthodes: Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale menée en 2017 qui recrutait des étudiants en médecine de l'UPNM. Le quotient d'empathie, un questionnaire auto-déclaré, a été utilisé pour la collecte de données. Le score total d'empathie du questionnaire est de 80. Résultats: La majorité des répondants étaient des hommes (60,9%) et des étudiants de la cinquième année (26,6%), officier malais (70,5%) et officier cadet (69,6%). Le score moyen global obtenu par les répondants était de 36,76 ± 9,18 et 74,4% des répondants ont obtenu plus de 30 points. Les scores d'empathie des élèves étaient significativement affectés par le sexe (t = 2,371; df = 205; p < 0.05, année d'étude (F = 2,553; df = 4/202; P <0,05) et notes d'examen (F = 3,4488; df = 2/204; P <0,05). Les résultats ont montré que les étudiantes sont plus empathiques que leurs homologues masculins. En outre, l'analyse post-hoc de Tukey a révélé que les élèves de la cinquième année sont plus empathiques que leurs camarades juniors et que les élèves ayant obtenu la meilleure note sont plus empathiques. Conclusions: Pour améliorer le niveau d'empathie des étudiants en médecine de l'UPNM, des stratégies et des interventions éducatives appropriées devraient être conçues et mises en œuvre dans le programme pour inculquer, maintenir et renforcer l'empathie. Mots-clés: Empathie, notes d'examen, Malaisie, étudiants en médecine, année d'études.

Prevalence of stress among medical students: a comparative study between public and private medical schools in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Throughout the world all health professionals face stress because of time-pressures, workload, multiple roles and emotional issues. Stress does not only exist among the health professionals but also in medical students. Bangladesh has currently 77 medical colleges 54 of which are private. This study was designed to collect baseline data of stress-level among Bangladeshi students, which we believe will form the basis for further in depth studies. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on medical students from 2 public and 6 private medical-schools in Bangladesh. All medical schools have common curriculum formulated by the Government of Bangladesh. The study population was 1,363 medical students of Year-III and IV of academic session 2013/2014. Universal sampling technique was used. The period of study was February to June 2014. Data was collected using a validated instrument, compiled and analysed using SPSS version-20. RESULTS: A total of 990 (73%) out 1,363 medical students participated in the study, of which 36% were male and 64% were female. The overall prevalence of stress of the study population was 54%. 53% of male and 55% of female were reported suffering from stress. 54% of Year-III students and 55% of Year-IV were noted suffering from stress. There was statistically significant (p = 0.005) differences in the level of stress between public (2.84 ± 0.59) and private (2.73 ± 0.57) medical schools student. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of Bangladeshi medical students are suffering from measureable academic stress. It would be pertinent if the relevant authorities could address the issue so as to provide a conducive medical learning environment.