Senior Thesis

Project Proposal Title: Examining the Physical and Mental Health of the Aging Population in the Chittagong Hill Tracts “Khagrachari and Rangamati” – A Cross-Sectional Study.

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Project Proposal Title: Examining the Physical and Mental Health of the Aging Population in the Chittagong Hill Tracts “Khagrachari and Rangamati” – A Cross-Sectional Study. Marma, Umayching Background: Bangladesh's older populations, especially in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, are increasing consistently, and with this comes a range of physical and mental health problems. Older individuals among indigenous groups have chronic illness, mobility limitations, and emotional issues like loneliness and depression. All these are compounded by poor healthcare access, economic limitations, and weak support systems. Objective: This study probes the physical as well as psychological health conditions of elderly people within the Khagrachari and Rangamati districts with a particular interest in indigenous peoples. It further examines their consumption of healthcare service and the extent to which their families and societies support them. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 75 elderly aged 60 years and above through a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS to identify prevalent health conditions, availability of healthcare, and determinants of their quality of life. Results: The most common chronic illness was hypertension (38.7%), with diabetes (14.7%) and cardiovascular disease (9.3%) as the next in line. Mental illnesses were common as well, with 72% of participants having moderate signs of depression or anxiety. Despite the majority being able to manage their daily living activities independently, many still needed assistance. Healthcare access was varied, with costs being a key barrier. Support from family and community was accessible but often lacking to meet their full needs. Conclusion: The study brings to focus the need for better healthcare services among elderly persons in indigenous groups, that is, in managing chronic conditions and mental illness. Strengthening healthcare systems, creating awareness, and enhancing community-based services can help lead to a better and more dignified life for the elderly in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Prevalence and determinants of mental health status among the school going children in Chattogram: A school-based Cross-sectional study.

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Prevalence and determinants of mental health status among the school going children in Chattogram: A school-based Cross-sectional study. Sen, Shima Background: Mental health contributes immensely to the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of school children, which affects their learning achievements and growth. Socioeconomic status, family, school stress, academic pressure, and peer relations all contribute to mental health outcomes. Positive social relations promote resilience, while negative social relations such as bullying and academic pressure increase vulnerability to anxiety and depression. Adolescence is a high-risk age, with 16% of global health burden due to mental disorders. In low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh, challenges like teenage pregnancy, limited mental health resources, and behaviors that put health at risk worsen the situation. Social determinants like gender norms and financial constraints further limit access to care. The prevalence and determinants of mental health disorders in school-going children will be assessed through this cross-sectional study to inform policies that provide an environment of support within schools and enhance adolescent well-being. Methodology: Prevalence and determinants of mental health among school students in Chattogram district will be ascertained by a cross-sectional study. A multi-stage sampling method will be used, where the schools will be selected randomly and subsequently stratified within the sampled schools for varied representation. Data will be collected via standardized questionnaires in the interviews, focusing on mental health status and risk factors such as socioeconomic status, school stress, and peer relationship. The sample size of estimated 385 participants gives enough statistical power for pertinent analysis. The procedure will help establish patterns of mental health and causal factors behind them and guide focused interventions towards maximizing well-being among adolescents. Result: The study assessed socio-demographic characteristics, physical activity, drug abuse, injury, violence exposure, and mental wellbeing among school-going students in Chattogram. Most of the students were females (66.7%), 14 years old (46.7%), and were in Grade 9 (54.7%). Most of the students were moderately active with 90.7% engaging in physical activity; however, sedentary behavior and prolonged sitting were areas of concern. Alcohol consumption and smoking tobacco were minimal (9.3% each), while peer pressure affected the consumption. Injuries involved 46.7% of the students with one or more injuries, with falls being the leading cause, and contact with physical violence was not much. Mental issues dominated the scene, as 14.7% had been bullied, 53.3% were lonely, and 48% had problems with sleep because of anxiety. Worryingly, 13.3% considered suicide, with the immediate need for school mental health interventions and support systems. Conclusion: The present study points towards some alarming facts regarding school-going students in Chattogram regarding their physical and mental well-being. Sedentary lifestyle and excessive sitting are prevalent among most of the students, who otherwise exercise. Tobacco and alcohol use are low, but peer influenced. Injuries due to falls, and exposure to violence are concerns that continue. Mental health issues such as loneliness, anxiety, and suicidal thinking are common, indicating the requirement of urgent interventions. Specialized mental health services, antibullying programs, and initiatives to build healthier environments are required for improving students' welfare and overall well-being.

Prevalence of PCOD and Its Determination Among the Reproductive Age Group in Chattogram, Bangladesh

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Prevalence of PCOD and Its Determination Among the Reproductive Age Group in Chattogram, Bangladesh Mim, Umme Honey Background: Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a common hormonal illness that affects reproductive aged women, causing hormonal abnormalities, infertility, metabolic issues, and a lower quality of life. On the other hand, PCOD remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, especially in areas where awareness is low and healthcare access is limited. In Bangladesh, and particularly in the Chattogram region, the rising number of PCOD cases is becoming a growing day by day. However, research exploring its prevalence and the contributing factors is still limited. Differnces in lifestyle, dietary patterns, and healthcare patterns, and healthcare availability between urban and rural areas may play a significant role in identifying how PCOD develops and is managed, but these factors remain understudied. The aim of this study is assess the prevalence of PCOD and Its determination among the reproductive age group women in Chattogram and also explore how nutrition influences PCOD symptoms. By analyzing dietary habits and healthcare access in both urban and rural areas, I hope to generate valuable insights that can inform future interventions, help in public health intiatives, and guide policy recommendations to improve PCOD managment and awareness across the region. Methodology: A cross-sectional study there was 173 participants to assess their knowledge, awareness, diagnosis and trearment-seeking behavior about PCOD. Agreement papers were provided to the participants and discussed in detail before the surveys started. A written agreement was depending on the participnat’s comfort level. The research participants were have the full freedom to leave the study at their own convenience. Following data collection, they were input into SPSS software and examined for coherence and errors. Using SPSS software, the collected information was analyzed to determine the connection. Result: The highest proportion of participants was aged 26–35 years (71 participants, 40%), followed by 16–25 years (63 participants, 36%), and 36–45 years (41 participants, 24%). The majority of participants had primary education (63%), followed by secondary (49%), higher secondary (33%), and graduate/postgraduate education (18%), while only 12% had no formal education. Education levels were consistently higher among one group across all categories. The majority (56.6%) of respondents were uninformed about the disease, with social media (14.9%) and family or friends (14.9%) serving as key sources of knowledge. Despite rising frequency, diagnosis remains difficult, with just 57.7% of individuals receiving a formal diagnosis, mostly by symptom evaluation (28.6%) and ultrasonography (19.4%). Notably, 41.3% were confused about their PCOD status, indicating a significant prevalence of underdiagnosis. Lifestyle variables influenced disease prevalence, with urban women having a greater incidence of PCOD, most likely due to sedentary lifestyles and increased intake of processed foods. Rural women, on the other hand, had nutritional deficits and limited access to healthcare, delaying diagnosis and treatment even further. Alarmingly, just 22.3% of diagnosed women were receiving treatment, with financial restrictions (5.1%) and a lack of knowledge (2.9%) posing significant hurdles to access to healthcare. Conclusion: The research emphasizes the critical need for higher awareness, early diagnosis, and enhanced healthcare services to combat PCOD in Bangladesh. Improving public health policies, combining nutrition education, and promoting accessible healthcare access can all significantly improve outcomes for affected women. Overcoming stigmas from society and economic obstacles is crucial for encouraging prompt medical intervention.

Prevalence and determinants of depression among university students in Chittagong, Bangladesh: A Cross-sectional Study

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Prevalence and determinants of depression among university students in Chittagong, Bangladesh: A Cross-sectional Study Zafar Ahmed, Samiha Background: Depression remains a critical public health challenge globally, with escalating prevalence among university students in low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. In Chittagong, cultural, academic, and socioeconomic pressures exacerbate mental health risks, yet regional determinants of depression remain underexplored. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of depression among university students in Chittagong, Bangladesh, focusing on socio-demographic, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered to 391 students aged 18–25 from public and private universities. The PHQ-9 validated tool measured depression severity. Multi-stage stratified and convenience sampling ensured diverse representation. Ethical protocols included informed consent and data anonymization. Data were analyzed via SPSS (version 24), employing univariate, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses to identify associations. Result: The prevalence of depression was alarmingly high (80.1%), with 36.1% mild, 25.6% moderate, and 18.4% moderately severe/severe cases. Key determinants included irregular dietary habits (meal skipping: p <0.05), poor sleep quality (p <0.05), sedentary behavior, and inadequate family support (p <0.05). Socio-demographic factors such as first-year enrollment (55% moderate depression) and female gender (61.1% severe depression) showed trends but lacked 3 statistical significance. Students in Computer Science reported higher depression rates, potentially linked to academic rigor. Conclusion: This study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions addressing modifiable lifestyle factors and strengthening psychosocial support systems in universities. Recommendations include integrating mental health services, promoting sleep hygiene and nutrition education, and fostering peer/family support networks. Policymakers should prioritize mental health in national strategies to mitigate this crisis, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 3 for equitable well-being. Addressing these determinants holistically could enhance student resilience and academic outcomes in Bangladesh.