Class of 2024

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE (KAP) OF MENSTRUAL HYGIENE AMONG ADOLESCENT HIGH SCHOOL GOING GIRLS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 13 TO 18 IN BHUAPUR (TANGAIL), BANGLADESH

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE (KAP) OF MENSTRUAL HYGIENE AMONG ADOLESCENT HIGH SCHOOL GOING GIRLS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 13 TO 18 IN BHUAPUR (TANGAIL), BANGLADESH Sworna, Sarmin Akter Background: Menstruation is a natural biological process that is experienced by women and it has a great impact on physical and social health. It is important to maintain the menstrual hygiene to reduce different health complications. Due to social norms, lack of menstrual and hygiene knowledge, resources, hygiene products, and menstrual products women and girls can't maintain menstrual hygiene which can increase different health risks for them. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the current KAP of menstrual hygiene among high school-going adolescent girls in Bhuapur (Tangail), Bangladesh. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among four different villages of Bhuapur, Tangail. This study included 300 adolescent girls between the ages of 13 to 18 who were having periods and studying in high school in grades 7 to 10 in Bhuapur. A pre-tested semi- structured questionnaire was used to collect the information from the participants. Data was analyzed by using SPSS software. Besides, the chi-square was calculated to assess the association between independent and dependent variables. Result: This study found that 50% of the participants knew about menstruation before their menarche and their source of information was their mother but only 33% knew that menstrual blood came from the uterus. 26% of the participants couldn’t do exercises and 15% couldn’t eat certain types of food (such as sour, cold water, cucumber, red meat, etc.) during menstruation. Besides, 64% of the participants used sanitary pads 32.7% used reusable clothes and others used new clothes. Among the participants, 73.3% changed their absorbent three times or more in a day and others twice a day. Moreover, only 23% used soap and water to clean their genital area. 76.3% of the participants felt comfortable at school during their menstruation. The result of this study found that those who knew about menstruation before their menarche, were significantly associated with good practices (used sanitary pads) and changed their absorbent regularly means three times or more a day (P<0.05). Conclusion: According to this study, there was a significant association between menstrual knowledge and practices. Among the participants, who knew about menstruation before their menarche, they showed better hygiene practices. However, many girls still didn’t have enough knowledge about menstruation and how to practice menstrual hygiene. Therefore, schools, families and communities can arrange informative workshops for the girls about menstruation and hygiene practices to provide proper information.

Association Between Electronic Gadget Use with Physical and Mental Health Wellbeing Among the Students in Natore District, Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Association Between Electronic Gadget Use with Physical and Mental Health Wellbeing Among the Students in Natore District, Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study Khatun, Mst Alpona Background Use of electronic gadgets are increasing day by day among adolescents and that can cause different types of health issues and addiction into it. This study defined the association between electronic gadgets use and the health issues faced by the adolescents in Baraigram, Natore, Bangladesh. Method A total of 387 secondary school and higher secondary school students age between 14 to 18 years old participated in the study. The children were asked questions relating to their access to electronic gadgets, time spent on outdoor activities, and whether they experienced any health-complications as an after-effect of the usage. A cross table was adapted considering time spent on gadgets as an independent variable and health problems (physical and mental) as the dependent variable. Data were collected through using the structured questionnaire by face to face interviewing. Result This study has found that almost all of the participants use the electronic gadgets as mobile/smart phone (98.2%). 88.6% of the participants use their gadgets because of study purposes and doing the online classes. Among the participants practicing physical activity is very less. 74.2% of the participants do less than one hour of physical activity (mostly go to school, coaching or private by walk rather than other outdoor activities like playing or exercise practicing). There is an association observed between electronic gadget use and physical health problem (Headache, back pain, hand pain, eye problem, sleeping disturbance and visual disturbance) and mental health problem (mostly loneliness and shortness of temper) (p<0.05). Conclusion The study has found a significant association between electronic gadgets use and health complications among the adolescent students.

Prevalence and Determinants of antenatal depression among pregnant women in Chittagong, Bangladesh

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Prevalence and Determinants of antenatal depression among pregnant women in Chittagong, Bangladesh Oyshori, All Shafa Sadia Background: Antenatal depression is a significant concern for pregnant women globally, especially in low- and middle-income nations where rates are notably higher than in developed countries. Hormonal changes, psychosocial factors, and prior mental health issues contribute to this condition, posing risks for both mothers and children, including adverse impacts on child development and increased chances of poor fetal growth and miscarriage. Studies from various countries, such as Ethiopia, Rwanda, Malaysia, and Bangladesh, emphasize social support as protective against antenatal depression, while intimate partner violence (IPV) stands out as a risk factor. In rural areas of Bangladesh and neighboring countries such as Nepal and Pakistan, factors such as illiteracy, poverty, and violence during pregnancy contribute to a higher prevalence of antenatal depression. Consequently, this research aims to delve into the prevalence and determinants of antenatal depression among pregnant women in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Methodology: A cross-sectional study used a structured questionnaire and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to identify depressive symptoms in pregnant women. Data were collected from Jameson Red Crescent Maternity Hospital and Memon Maternity Hospital, selecting pregnant women aged 18 and above through simple random sampling, excluding those with specific medical conditions. Data collection involved face-to-face interviews with 273 participants, covering sociodemographic details, pregnancy-related characteristics, EPDS scores, intimate partner violence, and social support. Depression was categorized using a locally validated EPDS with a cut-off score of ≥13. Subsequently, data were inputted into SPSS software for consistency checks and error corrections before analyzing to ascertain associations. Result: The study revealed that 35.9% of pregnant women experienced severe antenatal depression. The study found that gestational melitus diabetes (GDM), lack of social support, lifetime experience of emotional, physical or sexual abuse, and lower emotional support from the partner is associated with AND. Conversely, social support from friends and family decreased the risk (p < 0.05), while feeling controlled by a partner increased it (p < 0.05). Other factors like a family history of mental illness and a lack of interest in activities were also associated (p < 0.045 and p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion: This study highlights a concerning prevalence of severe antenatal depression, urging targeted interventions and policy measures. Factors like lower education levels, gestational diabetes, previous mental health concerns, stressful life events, intimate partner violence (IPV), and lifetime abuse underscore the need for wide-reaching awareness campaigns and maternal education efforts while the absence of social support and partner control poses significant risks. Therefore, developing a strategic plan within Bangladesh's National Mental Health Policy to address antenatal depression is imperative for early detection and intervention.

Prevalence and Determinants of Postpartum Depression among women in Magura, Bangladesh

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Prevalence and Determinants of Postpartum Depression among women in Magura, Bangladesh Surovi, Mst Mhanaz Pervin Background: A major public health concern is postpartum depression (PPD), especially in low-resource environments like Bangladesh. There aren't many studies on postpartum depression prevalence and risk factors in Bangladesh, particularly in specific regions like Magura, despite the disease's detrimental consequences on mother and child health. Methodology: In Magura, Bangladesh, 269 postpartum mothers participated in a cross-sectional study. A consecutive sampling method was used to choose the participants. Women who delivered in the selected hospitals will be recruited one after another based on their delivery time as sequence following taking consent. Prenatal and postpartum depression symptoms, social support, obstetric history, and other relevant risk factors were all assessed through structured interviews and standardized screening instruments including the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). After that appropriate statistical techniques were used to analyze the data at SPSS software. Result: In Magura district, 33.1% of postpartum women experience depression, while 66.9% do not. The majority are young (mean age 24.63 years), Muslim (89.6%), housewives (96.7%), and married (100%). Over half completed secondary education (52.8%), with the largest income bracket earning 5000-15000. Regarding pregnancy, 44.2% are primigravida, 79.9% underwent cesarean section, and 18.6% had hypertension. Mood swings were reported by 42.4% during pregnancy, and 34.9% perceive life as stressful post-pregnancy. Only 1.1% reported experiencing intimate partner violence. The study findings reveal a noteworthy correlation between postpartum depression and support received after pregnancy (P < 0.005). Similarly, a significant relationship is observed between postpartum depression and sleeping schedules post-pregnancy (P < 0.005). Conclusion: The study emphasizes the high rate of PPD among women in Magura, Bangladesh, and stresses the significance of addressing the risk factors associated with it by means of focused interventions and all-encompassing programs for maternal health. In order to reduce the prevalence of PPD and enhance maternal mental health and well-being in the area, it is imperative that initiatives be made to enhance education, socioeconomic position, social support networks, marital relationships, prenatal mental health care, and postpartum care services.