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Siddik MAB, Pervin I, Syfullah MK, Ali A, Mahmud A, Hasan M, Hussen SM, Manjur M, Ahmed Z, Rahman MM. Post-COVID-19 internet addiction, depression, and pornography addiction among adolescents: Findings from a nationwide study in Bangladesh. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e2272. [PMID: 39055613 PMCID: PMC11269210 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Regulations response to COVID-19 has increased internet addiction (IA), depression, and pornography addiction (PA) among adolescents worldwide. The objective of this nationwide study was to assess the current prevalence rate of IA, depression, and PA after the post-COVID-19 period among school-going adolescents in Bangladesh. Methods A total of 8832 male and female adolescents participated in this research. The cross-sectional study was conducted online using a simple random sampling method. Including the sociodemographic variables, Young's IA Test (IAT-20) Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Pornography Craving Questionnaire (PCQ-12) were used to measure IA, depression, and PA. By SPSS version 25.0, the prevalence and correlation between IA, depression, and PA were analyzed using the Chi-square test, binary logistic regression, and a bivariate co-relation matrix. Results Sixty-three percent, 76.6%, and 62.9% of the students were suffering from IA, depression, and PA respectively. Depressive and anxious symptoms were significantly associated with IA. Female students were more depressed than males. Males were more addicted to pornography than females. Students who utilized social media but didn't exercise had greater depression and PA. IA, depression, and PA were correlated. Conclusion The research emphasizes the need for comprehensive mental health treatments, digital literacy programs, and family and teacher participation to reduce IA, depression, and PA among adolescents post-COVID-19. Promotion of physical exercise and supporting policies to build safer online settings for adolescents are also encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Abu Bakkar Siddik
- The Centre for Social Policy & JusticeDhakaBangladesh
- School of the EnvironmentNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Irin Pervin
- Department of SociologyBangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology UniversityGopalgonjBangladesh
| | | | - Akher Ali
- Department of Statistics and Data ScienceJahangirnagar UniversityDhakaBangladesh
| | - Al Mahmud
- School of Dental Sciences, Health CampusUniversiti Sains MalaysiaKelantanMalaysia
| | - Mahedi Hasan
- The Centre for Social Policy & JusticeDhakaBangladesh
- College of Media and CommunicationTexas Tech UniversityTexasUSA
| | | | - Monia Manjur
- Department of Social WorkNoakhali Science & Technology UniversityNoakhaliBangladesh
| | - Zobayer Ahmed
- Department of Economics & BankingInternational Islamic University ChittagongChittagongBangladesh
| | - Mohammad Meshbahur Rahman
- Department of BiostatisticsNational Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM)MohakhaliDhakaBangladesh
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Islam MA, Sathi NJ, Setu SP, Nahar MT, Khan MNA, Hasan M, Khan A, Hossen MM, Nibir MMAM, Khan B, Ali MS, Ali HM, Islam MN, Hossain MT. Knowledge, attitude, and practice of university students towards monkeypox in Bangladesh. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287407. [PMID: 37824512 PMCID: PMC10569525 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent outbreak of viral zoonotic disease-monkeypox-caused by the monkeypox virus, has infected many people worldwide. This study aims to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning monkeypox among university students in Bangladesh. Data were collected using purposive snowball sampling from 887 university students through an online survey using Google Form. The participants were mostly in their twenties (M = 22.33 [SD 2.01] years), and they spent, on average, 2.59 [SD 1.91] hours/day on electronic and social media. The participants generally showed moderate knowledge (39.5%), low attitude (25.1%), and moderate practice (48.6%) toward monkeypox, with 47.6% having had a moderate KAP score. Findings further showed that personal attributes of university students, i.e., age, sex, year of schooling, residence, living status, geographical distribution, e.g., division, were statistically and significantly associated with knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding monkeypox and overall KAP score. It is also apparent that health status, susceptibility to monkeypox, and exposure to social media were the most common factors significantly associated with knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding monkeypox and overall KAP score. The current study's findings underscore the need for developing appropriate information, education, and communication (IEC) materials and their dissemination, which could play an important role in reducing the risk of monkeypox and similar other infectious diseases, particularly among students in Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Akhtarul Islam
- Statistics Discipline, Science Engineering & Technology School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
- Collaborative Biostatistics Program, School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Nusrat Jahan Sathi
- Department of Quantitative Sciences (Statistics), International University of Business Agriculture and Technology, Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sarmistha Paul Setu
- Statistics Discipline, Science Engineering & Technology School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Mst. Tanmin Nahar
- Statistics Discipline, Science Engineering & Technology School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Md Nafiul Alam Khan
- Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mahamudul Hasan
- Statistics Discipline, Science Engineering & Technology School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Asaduzzaman Khan
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Md Mikail Hossen
- Mass Communication and Journalism Discipline, Social Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | | | - Bayezid Khan
- Development Studies Discipline, Social Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Sabuj Ali
- Department of Statistics, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science &Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
| | - Habib Mohammad Ali
- Department of Media Studies and Journalism, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Nazrul Islam
- Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Tanvir Hossain
- Sociology Discipline, Social Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
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Pitol MNS, Patwary MM, Aurnob S, Ahmed S, Islam MA, Dash HK, Hasan T, Ruhani A, Islam MAF, Saha C. Exploring media consumption and mental health among young adults during the second wave of COVID-19 in Bangladesh. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20371. [PMID: 37767469 PMCID: PMC10520809 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study examined the association between media exposure and mental health during the second wave of lockdown among the general population of Bangladesh. Methods A total of 449 adult participants were enrolled in the study to evaluate their levels of exposure to total media, electronic media, and social media. Mental health was assessed using a 7-item generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7) scale. A multivariate logistic regression model was constructed to explore the relationships between media exposure levels and anxiety. The models included covariates such as sex, daily working hours, health problems, media distraction, and income from social media. Results The results showed that 44.5%, 39.2%, and 16.3% of participants reported low, medium, and high levels of exposure to different media during the COVID-19 period, respectively. Additionally, 96.4%, 2.7%, and 0.9% of participants had low, medium, and high levels of exposure to electronic media, respectively, and 89.1%, 10.5%, and 0.4% of participants had low, medium, and high levels of exposure to social media, respectively. The overall prevalence of anxiety was 25.38% among the respondents. Participants with high levels of total media exposure were significantly more likely to experience anxiety, with an odds ratio of 2.75 (95% CI = 1.40-5.14, p < 0.01). Females were 2.26 times more likely to experience anxiety than males (95% CI = 1.37-3.74, p < 0.01), and participants with health problems were also more likely to develop anxiety compared to those who did not. Conclusion Our results show a positive relationship between increased media exposure and anxiety levels, providing useful insights for both academics and public health practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Najmus Sayadat Pitol
- Mangrove Silviculture Division, Bangladesh Forest Research Institute, Muzgunni, Khulna-9000, Bangladesh
| | - Muhammad Mainuddin Patwary
- Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative, Khulna, Bangladesh
- Environmental Science Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh
| | - Shanewaz Aurnob
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Shakil Ahmed
- Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Ariful Islam
- Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh
| | - Hready Kumar Dash
- Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh
| | - Tamjid Hasan
- Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh
| | - Ahmed Ruhani
- Industrial Engineering and Management, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Al Forhad Islam
- Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh
| | - Chameli Saha
- Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh
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Rajasekhar T, Naveen KHS, Raghav P, Aneja J, Thirunavukkarasu P, Dutta G, Srinivasan S, Sharma PP, Gupta MK, Goel AD. Exploring internet addiction and its associated factors among college students in Western Rajasthan, India: A mixed-methods study. Indian J Psychiatry 2023; 65:839-852. [PMID: 37736232 PMCID: PMC10510635 DOI: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_201_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background With near universal use of internet by college students, there is propensity for internet addiction (IA) among them. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and predict the factors for internet addiction among college students in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India, and qualitatively explore the factors associated with internet addiction. Materials and Methods Explanatory sequential (QUAN-QUAL) mixed-methods design was used. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among three streams of undergraduate colleges (health, engineering, and others). Survey instruments included Young's internet addiction test (IAT), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) Items. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) among the students with mild-to-moderate levels of addiction were conducted to understand the reasons for excessive internet use. Results The prevalence of internet addiction (IA) among the college students was 51% and the rates for mild, moderate, and severe addiction were 31.8%, 18.5%, and 0.7%, respectively. Predictors of IA were male gender, age in years, age of first internet use in years, urban origin, accessing internet at college, mobile internet use, using internet to make online friendship, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, and stress. Qualitative study identified five major themes related to situations initiating internet use for nonacademic purpose, content of internet use, triggers for internet overuse/addiction (IA), perceived impact of IA, and measures to overcome IA. Conclusions Internet addiction was found to be highly prevalent in college students across various streams. Qualitative results provide deeper insights into IA among college students. It is imperative to screen for IA among the students and devise suitable preventive interventions, which can be easily implemented at community level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thota Rajasekhar
- Department of Community Medicine, Narayana Medical College, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Kikkeri Hanumantha Setty Naveen
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Pankaja Raghav
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Jitender Aneja
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Prasanna Thirunavukkarasu
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Gitashree Dutta
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Srikanth Srinivasan
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Prem Prakash Sharma
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Manoj Kumar Gupta
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Akhil Dhanesh Goel
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
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Internet addiction and loneliness among school-going adolescents in Bangladesh in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from a cross-sectional study. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13340. [PMID: 36743850 PMCID: PMC9889277 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Internet addiction (IA) by children and adolescents is a concern for parents. The intensity of this problem has increased in the context of COVID-19 pandemic across the world. Here we aimed to evaluate internet usage patterns, addiction to internet use, and mental health among Bangladeshi school-going adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted this cross-sectional study among 502 school-going adolescents. Pre-structured questionnaire was used to collect information related to demographics and the internet usage pattern. We assessed the prevalence of IA and loneliness using the internet addiction test (IAT) scale and UCLA-3 loneliness scale. The prevalence of IA and loneliness among Bangladeshi school-going adolescents were 88.25% and 72.51%, respectively. Individuals with English-medium education, higher classes, high economic status, mobile internet connection, online gaming habits, and living without family showed significantly higher levels of IA. Moreover, a high proportion of loneliness was observed among individuals with high financial conditions, mobile internet connection, and who watch movies on the internet. The present study findings suggest a strong association between demographics, internet usage patterns, IA, and the mental health of adolescents. These results would have practical inferences in clinical psychology, psychotherapy, and related fields. Based on this finding, the healthcare authorities and professionals can develop an inclusive interventional approach for adolescents who suffer from IA and mental health disorders.
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Hossain MT, Ahammed B, Jahan N, Islam MA, Rahman MM, Khan B, Sarker MJA, Nibir MMAM, Hasan M, Hasib M, Rahman R, Islam MN. Prevalence and predictors of pornography exposure during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: A web-based cross-sectional study on students in Bangladesh. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1046813. [PMID: 36605242 PMCID: PMC9807871 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1046813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pornography exposure, particularly among students, in Bangladesh, has increased in the twenty-first century. However, pornography exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic, when people were compelled to "stay at home" and relied extensively on the internet for all forms of activities, including academia, socializing, and communication, has remained unexplored. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of pornography exposure among students during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine the associated predictors. Methods A web-based cross-sectional study was carried out among students with certain specifications, i.e., current students at high school/college/university with access to the internet and valid social media accounts. By administering a semi-structured e-questionnaire using Google Forms, a total of 646 valid responses were retained for this study. The data were analyzed in two phases by Pearson's Chi-square and multiple logistic regression model, using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 25. The results were expressed as an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results The findings suggest that 75.9% of students were exposed to pornography during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and preferred to watch the amateur/professional genre of pornography. Pornography exposure was significantly associated with age and relationship status, as students aged 22-24 years (95% CI: 1.01-2.41; p = 0.045) and over 25 years (95% CI: 1.61-10.03; p = 0.003) were more likely to watch pornography, while married students and those in relationships (95% CI: 1.24-3.49; p = 0.006) also watched pornography during the pandemic. In contrast, students who were living alone (95% CI: 0.38-0.92; p = 0.021), were living in the Khulna division (95% CI: 0.16-0.52; p < 0.001) or had a negative attitude toward pornography (95% CI: 0.94-0.99; p = 0.002) were less likely to be exposed to pornography. Conclusion Pornography exposure was higher among students in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic, and religiosity and disapproving attitudes toward pornography negatively influenced the pornography exposure. For a better understanding of the complex dynamics of socio-demographic issues with pornography exposure among students, extensive research is required for policymakers to devise appropriate strategies and interventions to ensure healthy and safe sex life for the younger population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Tanvir Hossain
- Sociology Discipline, Social Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh,*Correspondence: Md. Tanvir Hossain
| | - Benojir Ahammed
- Statistics Discipline, Science, Engineering and Technology School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Nusrat Jahan
- Sociology Discipline, Social Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Akhtarul Islam
- Statistics Discipline, Science, Engineering and Technology School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Mostafizur Rahman
- Department of Disaster Management and Resilience, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Bangladesh University of Professionals, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Bayezid Khan
- Development Studies Discipline, Social Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Juwel Ahmed Sarker
- Department of Development Studies, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
| | | | - Mahamudul Hasan
- Statistics Discipline, Science, Engineering and Technology School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Mir Hasib
- Mass Communication and Journalism Discipline, Social Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Rumana Rahman
- English Discipline, Arts and Humanities School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Nazrul Islam
- Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
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Problematic internet usage: the impact of objectively Recorded and categorized usage time, emotional intelligence components and subjective happiness about usage. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11055. [PMID: 36281419 PMCID: PMC9587279 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Most research on Problematic Internet Usage (PIU) relied on self-report data when measuring the time spent on the internet. Self-reporting of use, typically done through a survey, showed discrepancies from the actual amount of use. Studies exploring the association between trait emotional intelligence (EI) components and the subjective feeling on technology usage and PIU are also limited. The current cross-sectional study aims to examine whether the objectively recorded technology usage, taking smartphone usage as a representative, components of trait EI (sociability, emotionality, well-being, self-control), and happiness with phone use can predict PIU and its components (obsession, neglect, and control disorder). A total of 268 participants (Female: 61.6%) reported their demographic and completed a questionnaire that included Problematic Internet Usage Questionnaire short form (PIUQ–SF–6), Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form (TEIQue-SF), level of happiness with the amount and frequency of smartphone use, and living conditions (whether alone or with others). Their smartphone usage was objectively recorded through a dedicated app. A series of one-way ANOVA revealed no significant difference in PIU for different living conditions and a significant difference in the subjective level of happiness with phone usage (F (3, 264) = 7.55, p < .001), as well as of the frequency of usage where the unhappy group had higher PIU (F (3, 264) = 6.85, p < .001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that happiness with phone usage (β = −.17), the actual usage of communication (β = .17), social media (β = .19) and gaming apps (β = .13), and trait EI component of self-control (β = −.28) were all significant predictors of PIU. Moreover, gender, age, and happiness with the frequency of phone usage were not significant predictors of PIU. The whole model accounted for the total variance of PIU by 32.5% (Adjusted R2 = .287). Our study contributes to the literature by being among the few to rely on objectively recorded smartphone usage data and utilizing components of trait EI as predictors.
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Islam MA, Nahar MT, Khan MNA, Butt ZA, Monjur-Al-Hossain ASM, Barna SD, Rahman MM, Halder HR, Hossain MZ, Hossain MT. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices concerning Black Fungus during COVID-19 Pandemic among Students of Bangladesh: An Online-Based Cross-Sectional Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:9146. [PMID: 35954512 PMCID: PMC9368364 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection with COVID-19 and its control entailing steroids and immunomodulatory medications disrupted normal immune function. The ensuing immunological disorder led to the rise of another infection-Black Fungus (Mucormycosis). However, the spread of Black Fungus can be minimized through proper knowledge, informed attitude, and conscious preventive practice. This study aimed to assess students' knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding Black Fungus amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. METHODS This cross-sectional study was carried out among Bangladeshi students from June to July 2021. Using Google Forms, an e-questionnaire was developed for this web-based survey, and the participants were selected through a snowball sampling approach. RESULTS Out of the 2009 participants, more than half were female (53.5%), and the majority were at an age between 18 and 25 years (31.5%) and had received higher secondary (HSC) schooling (77.8%), while around 61% resided in urban areas. Findings revealed that most of the students (63.8%) spent around 2 h on electronic and social media to become informed about COVID-19 and Black Fungus. Approximately 33% of the students showed low KAP scores (32.9%), whereas around 26% had high KAP scores. Our results show a significant association between KAP and sex, schooling, living status, residence, and media exposure. CONCLUSION The knowledge of Black Fungus considerably varies among Bangladeshi students considering the place of residence, age, sex, living arrangement, and media exposure. Policymakers should emphasize awareness among people focusing on the results of this study to increase deterrent attitudes and protective practices to minimize the risks of being infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Akhtarul Islam
- Statistics Discipline, Science Engineering & Technology School, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh; (M.A.I.); (M.T.N.); (M.N.A.K.)
| | - Mst. Tanmin Nahar
- Statistics Discipline, Science Engineering & Technology School, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh; (M.A.I.); (M.T.N.); (M.N.A.K.)
| | - Md. Nafiul Alam Khan
- Statistics Discipline, Science Engineering & Technology School, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh; (M.A.I.); (M.T.N.); (M.N.A.K.)
| | - Zahid Ahmad Butt
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - A. S. M. Monjur-Al-Hossain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh;
| | - Sutapa Dey Barna
- Department of Business Administration, International Standard University, 69 Mohakhali C/A, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh;
| | - Md. Mostafizur Rahman
- Department of Disaster and Human Security Management, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Bangladesh University of Professionals, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh;
| | - Henry Ratul Halder
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada;
| | - Mohammed Zaber Hossain
- Department of English, Bangladesh Military Academy, Bhatiari, Chattogram 4315, Bangladesh;
| | - Md. Tanvir Hossain
- Sociology Discipline, Social Science School, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh;
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