Rubina Yasmin

Physical activity levels in Bangladeshi adults: results from STEPS survey 2010.

Objectives Physical inactivity is an established risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCD) and identified as the major public health concern worldwide. However, nationally representative and internationally comparable data on physical activity (PA) are lacking in Bangladesh. The objective of this paper was to determine nationally representative prevalence of PA levels among Bangladeshi adults. Study design Cross-sectional survey. Methods Data, on PA for this paper, were analysed from the NCD risk factors survey 2010 in Bangladesh. A standardized approach known as STEPS (STEPSwise approach to Surveillance for NCD risk factors) was followed for this survey. A total of 9275 adults (aged ≥ 25 years) were interviewed. Data on PA were processed and analysed according to Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) version 2 analysis framework. Results Of total 9275 respondents 4312 were men and 4963 women with a mean age of 42.4 (±13.5) years. Median MET-minutes of total PA in a typical week was double in rural areas (3360) than urban (1680) areas. The overall country wide prevalence of low PA was 34.5% (95% confidence interval, 33.5–35.5), urban 37.7% (36.3–39.1) and rural 31.6% (30.3–32.9). Women in general were more inactive (women, 53.6% [52.2–55.0], men 15.4% [14.9–17.1]). The main contributions to total PA were from work (urban 47.0%, rural 61.0%), and active commuting (38.0%, 30.0%) domains. Leisure-time PA represented only a small proportion (15.0%, 9.0%). Conclusions Insufficient physical activity is highly prevalent among the Bangladeshi adult population. Promoting overall PA at leisure-time and commuting considering country context can be feasible options with special attention to the women.

Prevalence, treatment patterns, and risk factors of hypertension and pre-hypertension among Bangladeshi adults

In Bangladesh, morbidity and mortality due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has increased over the last few decades. Hypertension is an important risk factor for NCDs, specifically cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to assess prevalence and risk factors for hypertension and pre-hypertension among adults in Bangladesh. Data for this analysis were collected during the national NCD Risk Factor Survey of Bangladesh conducted in 2010 from a representative sample of men and women, aged 25 years or above. The survey adopted a multistage, geographically clustered, probability-based sampling approach. WHO STEPS questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, behavioral risk factors, and physical measurements. Overall, 20% of the study population were hypertensive at study measurement. The prevalence of hypertension increased with age and body mass index (BMI). Twelve percent of the population were previously diagnosed with hypertension. Among these individuals, nearly half were not taking any medications to control their hypertension. Additionally, the prevalence of pre-hypertension was 43%, with higher levels among males, older age groups, and those with higher education, higher wealth index and high BMI. Predictors of hypertension, included older age, high BMI, and diabetes comorbidity. Based on this study, we estimate that 1 out of 5 Bangladeshi adults have hypertension. The risk of hypertension increases with older age and high BMI. Additionally, prevalence of pre-hypertension is high in Bangladesh in both rural and urban areas. Findings from this study can be used to inform public health programming to control the spread of NCDs in Bangladesh.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Antibiotics Usage among patients attending OPD of a Dental College Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Background : Antibiotics Resistance has been in the limelight of medical developments for long. The patient factor, mainly social aspect of it is overshadowed by ever growing new potent drugs and medical technologies. Bangladesh is no exception to the rest of the world. However, relatively fewer works have been published on the relationship between Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) and Antibiotics Resistance within Bangladesh. This study was done to assess the present status of knowledge, attitude and practice on the use of antibiotics among the people visiting a tertiary care dental hospital in Dhaka; Bangladesh. This will further assess the current status of knowledge on antibiotics and its resistance, attitude towards its use and practices pertaining to it among Bangladeshi general public. It is also aimed at evaluating the behavioral pattern towards use of antibiotics among these group within wide range of income groups and different educational backgrounds. Materials & Methods : A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among patients attending OPD of Dhaka Dental College & Hospital. Patients from all the social background participated in this study. Sample sizes of 562 patients were surveyed. Structured self–administered assessment questionnaire was used to collect the data. SPSS version 24 software was used for data analysis. Results : Of 562 respondents; 64% were female while male constituted 36%. Majority of them fell in the age group of 18-47 consisting of 84.4%. 62.4% of the respondents were married and majority 94% belonged to Muslim faith.93.2% of the respondents had at least primary level educational status. 52% of the respondents belonged to the low income group while 48% constituted high income group. 86.1% of the total respondents knew that indiscriminate use of antibiotics leads to certain harm to the body, while the majority, almost 97.5% have never heard of the term antibiotics resistance. There appears to be statistically significant relationship between the level of education and higher income group with that of KAP on antibiotics usage. Conclusions : The study population had variable understandings on antibiotics and its resistance. This study provides the need to educate people to make them change their mindset towards antibiotics. Most of the people don’t take antibiotics after their infections are subsided or after they become alright. A better and revised strategy of awareness campaign might be needed among the public to educate them on it. J MEDICINE JUL 2018; 19 (2) : 84-90