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Samsudin NA, Othman H, Siau CS, Zaini Z'II. Exploring community needs in combating aedes mosquitoes and dengue fever: a study with urban community in the recurrent hotspot area. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1651. [PMID: 38902692 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18965-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aedes mosquitoes are the main vector of dengue infection, a global health threat affecting millions of people annually. Conventional prevention and control methods against dengue outbreaks have only achieved marginal success. Recognizing the complex issue at hand, a multilevel participatory approach is crucial. Thus, alternative strategies that involve community engagement are increasingly being considered and attempted. While community-based vector control programs have been conducted, sustaining behavioral changes among the population remains a challenge. This study aimed to identify the specific community needs in combating Aedes mosquitoes and dengue fever as a basis to guide the development of community-driven initiatives and foster a deeper sense of ownership in the fight against dengue. METHODS Between 1 August 2022 and 30 November 2022, we conducted a study in Hulu Langat district, Selangor, using a mixed-method design. All participants consented to the study, which comprised 27 participants (FGDs) and 15 participants (IDIs). The IDIs included two participants with a history of dengue fever, one community leader, one faith leader, seven local authorities, and four district health officers. Semi-structured interviews and discussions were performed among stakeholders and community members recruited via purposive and snowball sampling techniques. All interviews were audio-recorded before being analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS These results derived from qualitative data explored the perspectives and needs of communities in combating Aedes mosquitoes and dengue fever. Interviews were conducted with various stakeholders, including community members, leaders, and health officers. The study identified the necessity of decisive actions by authorities to address the impact of the dengue epidemic, the importance of community engagement through partnerships and participatory approaches, the potential benefits of incentives and rewards to enhance community participation, and the need for sustained community engagement and education, especially via the involvement of young people in prevention efforts. These findings provide valuable insights into the design of effective strategies against Aedes mosquitoes and dengue fever. CONCLUSIONS In short, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive approach involving multiple stakeholders in the fight against Aedes mosquitoes and dengue fever. The approach should incorporate efforts to raise awareness, provide practical resources, and foster community responsibility. The active involvement of teenagers as volunteers can contribute to long-term prevention efforts. Collaboration, resource allocation, and community engagement are crucial for effective dengue control and a healthier environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Adilah Samsudin
- Centre for Toxicology and Health Risk Studies (CORE), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 53000, Malaysia
| | - Hidayatulfathi Othman
- Centre for Toxicology and Health Risk Studies (CORE), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 53000, Malaysia.
| | - Ching Sin Siau
- Centre for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 53000, Malaysia
| | - Zul-'Izzat Ikhwan Zaini
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Cawangan Pulau Pinang, Kampus Bertam, Kepala Batas, Penang, 13200, Malaysia
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Hossain MJ, Das M, Islam MW, Shahjahan M, Ferdous J. Community engagement and social participation in dengue prevention: A cross-sectional study in Dhaka City. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e2022. [PMID: 38572117 PMCID: PMC10987789 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Dengue is a major public health concern in Bangladesh. This study aimed to assess the perceptions and practices of community members in Dhaka regarding community engagement and social participation for dengue prevention. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Dhaka City from May 2022 to December 2022. The respondents were randomly selected. The association between community participation and prevention practices was tested using the χ 2 test. Results The findings of this study indicate that the majority of participants (92%) believed that community effort would be relied upon in the event of a dengue outbreak. Environmental cleaning campaigns were the preferred approach, and religious leaders viewed them positively. This study also revealed significant variations in knowledge levels, with those involved in community efforts and mass gatherings demonstrating greater knowledge. This study sheds light on the demographic factors that influence dengue knowledge and provides valuable insights into the development of targeted public health interventions. Conclusion The study revealed negative perceptions and limited participation in dengue prevention among participants, with the majority demonstrating a poor understanding of preventive measures. While some showed positive attitudes towards community engagement, significant disparities existed in participation, highlighting the need for targeted educational campaigns and enhanced community mobilization efforts. Moreover, the importance of multisectoral collaboration is emphasized, underscoring the need for coordinated efforts among health departments, NGOs, religious institutions, and community leaders to effectively combat dengue transmission. Recommendations include ongoing educational initiatives, targeted interventions to promote community involvement, and fostering collaboration across sectors to strengthen dengue prevention efforts and to safeguard public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Jubayer Hossain
- Population Health Studies Division, Center for Health InnovationResearch, Action, and Learning—Bangladesh (CHIRAL Bangladesh)DhakaBangladesh
| | - Manisha Das
- Population Health Studies Division, Center for Health InnovationResearch, Action, and Learning—Bangladesh (CHIRAL Bangladesh)DhakaBangladesh
- Dhaka Medical College and HospitalDhakaBangladesh
| | - Md Wahidul Islam
- Population Health Studies Division, Center for Health InnovationResearch, Action, and Learning—Bangladesh (CHIRAL Bangladesh)DhakaBangladesh
- Department of MicrobiologyJagannath UniversityDhakaBangladesh
| | - Muhibullah Shahjahan
- Population Health Studies Division, Center for Health InnovationResearch, Action, and Learning—Bangladesh (CHIRAL Bangladesh)DhakaBangladesh
- Department of MicrobiologyJagannath UniversityDhakaBangladesh
| | - Jannatul Ferdous
- Population Health Studies Division, Center for Health InnovationResearch, Action, and Learning—Bangladesh (CHIRAL Bangladesh)DhakaBangladesh
- Department of MicrobiologyJagannath UniversityDhakaBangladesh
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Siddique AB, Omi NT, Rasel SM, Hoque SSB, Rahman N, Sarker S, Ghosh A, Ahmed I, Akash Y, Ahmed A, Sikder MT. Assessment of perceived dengue risk and prevention practices among youth in Bangladesh. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3940. [PMID: 38365884 PMCID: PMC10873384 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54238-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Dengue fever is a global public health concern, especially in countries like Bangladesh. This study examines youth perceived dengue risk, and preventive practices, providing valuable insights into their behavior regarding this mosquito-borne disease. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in various regions of the Dhaka district in Bangladesh. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 1,358 participants using convenience sampling, spanning the period from September 2 to October 10, 2023. A semi-structured questionnaire covered informed consent, socio-demographic data, and questions about perceived dengue risk scale (12 items), and prevention practice (13 items). Participants' mean age was 22.02 ± 1.58 years. The average scores for perceived dengue risk, and prevention practices were found to be 51.39 ± 12.01 (out of 96), and 55.57 ± 14.55 (out of 104) respectively. Previous dengue history, history of other vector-borne diseases, gender, educational level, father's educational qualification, employment status, adequate sleep duration, father's occupation, etc. are factors associated with higher risk and prevention practices regarding dengue. The research underscores the importance of tailoring prevention strategies for different demographics, raising awareness, and promoting active engagement in preventive measures. These insights are crucial for developing effective public health policies and campaigns to combat dengue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Bakkar Siddique
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh.
- Centre for Advanced Research Excellence in Public Health, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh.
- International Centre for Research, Innovation, Training and Development (ICRITD), Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- AMR Reference Laboratory (Research), Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka, 1341, Bangladesh.
- Health and Environmental Epidemiology Laboratory (HEEL), Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh.
| | - Nishat Tamanna Omi
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Sayed Mohammad Rasel
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Sayeda Samira Binte Hoque
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Naimur Rahman
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Sanjida Sarker
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Ankon Ghosh
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Imtiaz Ahmed
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Yeasin Akash
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Ayesha Ahmed
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
- Health and Environmental Epidemiology Laboratory (HEEL), Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Md Tajuddin Sikder
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh.
- Health and Environmental Epidemiology Laboratory (HEEL), Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh.
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Abourashed A, de Best PA, Doornekamp L, Sikkema RS, van Gorp ECM, Timen A, Bartumeus F, Palmer JRB, Koopmans MPG. Development and validation of the MosquitoWise survey to assess perceptions towards mosquitoes and mosquito-borne viruses in Europe. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1777. [PMID: 38245571 PMCID: PMC10799950 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52219-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to climate change and the expanding geographical ranges of key mosquito species, several mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs) have recently emerged in Europe. Understanding people's perceptions and behaviours towards these viruses and the mosquitoes capable of transmitting them is crucial for implementing effective prevention measures and targeted communication campaigns. However, there is currently no appropriate validated survey for European populations to assess this. This study developed and validated a standardized survey, based on the Health Belief Model (HBM), to assess perceptions of mosquitoes and MBVs among Europe's residents. The survey was distributed online to United Kingdom (UK), Dutch and Spanish participants through panel providers. Survey validity and reliability were tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Cronbach's alpha. The optimised survey was completed by 336 UK, 438 Dutch and 475 Spanish residents, respectively, and the HBM items passed our validity and reliability testing in all three countries. The final survey has 57 questions, including 19 validated HBM items, and questions to assess demographic characteristics, knowledge, prevention measures and behavioural determinants. Our MosquitoWise survey bridges researchers' understandings of European residents' perceptions and knowledge as a first step to improve preventive behaviour towards mosquitoes and MBVs and guide prevention and communication initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayat Abourashed
- Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, The Netherlands.
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), 17300, Blanes, Spain.
| | - Pauline A de Best
- Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, The Netherlands
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, 3721 MA, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Doornekamp
- Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Reina S Sikkema
- Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, The Netherlands
- Centre for Avian Migration, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, 6708 PB, The Netherlands
| | - Eric C M van Gorp
- Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Aura Timen
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, 3721 MA, The Netherlands
- Department of Primary and Community Care, RadboudUMC, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
- Athena Institute, VU University, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Frederic Bartumeus
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), 17300, Blanes, Spain
- Centre de Recerca Ecològica i Aplicacions Forestals (CREAF), 08193, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08010, Barcelona, Spain
| | - John R B Palmer
- Department of Political and Social Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08005, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marion P G Koopmans
- Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, The Netherlands
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Naqvi SAA, Sajjad M, Tariq A, Sajjad M, Waseem LA, Karuppannan S, Rehman A, Hassan M, Al-Ahmadi S, Hatamleh WA. Societal knowledge, attitude, and practices towards dengue and associated factors in epidemic-hit areas: Geoinformation assisted empirical evidence. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23151. [PMID: 38223736 PMCID: PMC10784149 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23151] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Dengue is one of Pakistan's major health concerns. In this study, we aimed to advance our understanding of the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) in Pakistan's Dengue Fever (DF) hotspots. Initially, at-risk communities were systematically identified via a well-known spatial modeling technique, named, Kernel Density Estimation, which was later targeted for a household-based cross-sectional survey of KAPs. To collect data on sociodemographic and KAPs, random sampling was utilized (n = 385, 5 % margin of error). Later, the association of different demographics (characteristics), knowledge, and attitude factors-potentially related to poor preventive practices was assessed using bivariate (individual) and multivariable (model) logistic regression analyses. Most respondents (>90 %) identified fever as a sign of DF; headache (73.8 %), joint pain (64.4 %), muscular pain (50.9 %), pain behind the eyes (41.8 %), bleeding (34.3 %), and skin rash (36.1 %) were identified relatively less. Regression results showed significant associations of poor knowledge/attitude with poor preventive practices; dengue vector (odds ratio [OR] = 3.733, 95 % confidence interval [CI ] = 2.377-5.861; P < 0.001), DF symptoms (OR = 3.088, 95 % CI = 1.949-4.894; P < 0.001), dengue transmission (OR = 1.933, 95 % CI = 1.265-2.956; P = 0.002), and attitude (OR = 3.813, 95 % CI = 1.548-9.395; P = 0.004). Moreover, education level was stronger in bivariate analysis and the strongest independent factor of poor preventive practices in multivariable analysis (illiterate: adjusted OR = 6.833, 95 % CI = 2.979-15.672; P < 0.001) and primary education (adjusted OR = 4.046, 95 % CI = 1.997-8.199; P < 0.001). This situation highlights knowledge gaps within urban communities, particularly in understanding dengue transmission and signs/symptoms. The level of education in urban communities also plays a substantial role in dengue control, as observed in this study, where poor preventive practices were more prevalent among illiterate and less educated respondents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Ali Asad Naqvi
- Department of Geography, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Sajjad
- Department of Geography, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Aqil Tariq
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, College of Forest Resources, Mississippi State University, 775 Stone Boulevard, Mississippi State, 39762-9690, MS, USA
| | - Muhammad Sajjad
- Centre for Geo-computation Studies and Department of Geography, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Liaqat Ali Waseem
- Department of Geography, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Shankar Karuppannan
- Department of Applied Geology, School of Applied Natural Sciences, Adama Science and Technology University, Adama P.O. Box 1888, Ethiopia
| | - Adnanul Rehman
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710127, China
| | - Mujtaba Hassan
- Department of Space Science, Institute of Space Technology, Main Islamabad Expressway, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Saad Al-Ahmadi
- Department of Computer Science, College of Computer and Information Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 51178, Riyadh, 11543, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wesam Atef Hatamleh
- Department of Computer Science, College of Computer and Information Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 51178, Riyadh, 11543, Saudi Arabia
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Hossain MS, Noman AA, Mamun SMAA, Mosabbir AA. Twenty-two years of dengue outbreaks in Bangladesh: epidemiology, clinical spectrum, serotypes, and future disease risks. Trop Med Health 2023; 51:37. [PMID: 37434247 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-023-00528-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue is the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne disease and has become a major public health threat, particularly for tropical and subtropical countries including Bangladesh. This comprehensive review aims to summarize the overall scenario of dengue, including disease burden, clinical spectrum, seroprevalence, circulating serotypes/genotypes, and spatial distribution since the first recorded outbreak in Bangladesh. Since the first recorded outbreak in 2000, dengue epidemiology has shown the typical epidemic pattern with more frequent and bigger outbreaks and gradual geographic expansion to non-endemic regions in Bangladesh. For instance, highly confined Rohingya refugee camps that provide shelters to nearly 1.2 million forcibly displaced vulnerable Myanmar nationals in Cox's Bazar district confronted a massive outbreak in 2022. Recent major outbreaks are found to be associated with the emergence of serotype DENV-3, which was undetected for a long time. Consequently, changes in serotypes might be attributed to increased severity in clinical manifestation in recent years. The existing weak surveillance and risk management systems are inadequate to deal with impending dengue risks. The healthcare system, particularly at the district level, is not prepared to manage impending large-scale dengue outbreaks in Bangladesh. Our findings would contribute to the development of strategies for dengue control and management in Bangladesh as well as other similar settings elsewhere in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Sorowar Hossain
- Department of Emerging and Neglected Diseases, Biomedical Research Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- Department of Environmental Science and Management, Independent University, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | - Abdullah Al Noman
- Department of Emerging and Neglected Diseases, Biomedical Research Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - S M Abdullah Al Mamun
- Department of Emerging and Neglected Diseases, Biomedical Research Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abdullah Al Mosabbir
- Department of Emerging and Neglected Diseases, Biomedical Research Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Department of Hematology & BMT Unit, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Fernandez-Guzman D, Caira-Chuquineyra B, Calderon-Ramirez PM, Cisneros-Alcca S, Benito-Vargas RM. Sociodemographic factors associated to knowledge and attitudes towards dengue prevention among the Peruvian population: findings from a national survey. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e071236. [PMID: 36944464 PMCID: PMC10032396 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the frequency of knowledge and attitudes towards dengue prevention among the Peruvian population, as well as the sociodemographic factors associated with reported knowledge and attitude outcomes. DESIGN/SETTING A cross-sectional study was conducted, based on information from the National Survey of Budget Programs of Peru, 2019. PARTICIPANTS We included 57 829 respondents with a mean age of 40.3±17.4 years, of whom 52.8% were women and 87.6% were from urban areas. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES Knowledge about dengue infection (transmission, symptoms, importance of going to a health centre and not self-medicating) and preventive attitudes to avoid infection. RESULTS Of all the respondents, 36.2% (n=23 247) presented good knowledge about dengue and 11.6% (n=7890) had a higher number of preventive attitudes (≥3 attitudes). In the multivariate regression analysis, we found that being female (for knowledge: aPR (adjusted prevalence ratio): 1.03; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.03; and for attitude: aPR: 1.02; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.02), being married/cohabiting (for knowledge: aPR: 1.02; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.03; and for attitude: aPR: 1.01; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.02) and residing in the jungle (for knowledge: aPR: 1.14; 95% CI 1.12 to 1.16; and for attitude: aPR: 1.09; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.11) were associated with better knowledge and more preventive attitudes. In addition, we found that being an adolescent (for knowledge: aPR: 0.97; 95% CI 0.96 to 0.99; and for attitude: aPR: 0.99; 95% CI 0.97 to 0.99), and belonging to the Quechua ethnic group (for knowledge: aPR: 0.93; 95% CI 0.91 to 0.94; and for attitude: aPR: 0.98; 95% CI 0.97 to 0.99) were associated with a lower proportion of adequate knowledge and fewer preventive attitudes. CONCLUSIONS Our study found a high proportion of poor knowledge and few preventive attitudes towards dengue in the Peruvian population. That highlights the requirement to implement national strategies to educate people about dengue and promote preventive attitudes, considering the factors found.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shanelin Cisneros-Alcca
- Escuela Profesional de Medicina Humana, Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco, Cusco, Peru
| | - Raysa M Benito-Vargas
- Escuela Profesional de Medicina Humana, Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco, Cusco, Peru
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Khudri MM, Rhee KK, Hasan MS, Ahsan KZ. Predicting nutritional status for women of childbearing age from their economic, health, and demographic features: A supervised machine learning approach. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0277738. [PMID: 37172042 PMCID: PMC10180666 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malnutrition imposes enormous costs resulting from lost investments in human capital and increased healthcare expenditures. There is a dearth of research focusing on the prediction of women's body mass index (BMI) and malnutrition outcomes (underweight, overweight, and obesity) in developing countries. This paper attempts to fill out this knowledge gap by predicting the BMI and the risks of malnutrition outcomes for Bangladeshi women of childbearing age from their economic, health, and demographic features. METHODS Data from the 2017-18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey and a series of supervised machine learning (SML) techniques are used. Additionally, this study circumvents the imbalanced distribution problem in obesity classification by utilizing an oversampling approach. RESULTS Study findings demonstrate that the support vector machine and k-nearest neighbor are the two best-performing methods in BMI prediction based on the coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE). The combined predictor algorithms consistently yield top specificity, Cohen's kappa, F1-score, and AUC in classifying the malnutrition status, and their performance is robust to alternative standards. The feature importance ranking based on several nonparametric and combined predictors indicates that socioeconomic status, women's age, and breastfeeding status are the most important features in predicting women's nutritional outcomes. Furthermore, the conditional inference trees corroborate that those three features, along with the partner's educational attainment and employment status, significantly predict malnutrition risks. CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that predicts BMI and one of the pioneer studies to classify all three malnutrition outcomes for women of childbearing age in Bangladesh, let alone in any lower-middle income country, using SML techniques. Moreover, in the context of Bangladesh, this paper is the first to identify and rank features that are critical in predicting nutritional outcomes using several feature selection algorithms. The estimators from this study predict the outcomes of interest most accurately and efficiently compared to other existing studies in the relevant literature. Therefore, study findings can aid policymakers in designing policy and programmatic approaches to address the double burden of malnutrition among Bangladeshi women, thereby reducing the country's economic burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mohsan Khudri
- Department of Economics, Fogelman College of Business and Economics, The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Kang Keun Rhee
- Department of Economics, Fogelman College of Business and Economics, The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | | | - Karar Zunaid Ahsan
- Public Health Leadership Program, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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Saghir MA, Ahmed WAM, Dhaiban MMA, Osman ME, Abduljabbar NI. Knowledge, attitude, and practices of the community toward dengue fever in Shabwah Governorate, Yemen: a descriptive study. J Egypt Public Health Assoc 2022; 97:27. [PMID: 36464718 PMCID: PMC9719877 DOI: 10.1186/s42506-022-00121-5] [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: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Yemen, dengue fever (DF) is a widespread, locally endemic infectious disease, with high morbidity and mortality which mainly affects impoverished regions. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of the Shabwah community in Yemen regarding DF characteristics and prevention. METHODS The present study is a cross-sectional community-based study conducted in Shabwah Governorate, Yemen, between June 2021 and November 2021. Simple random sampling was used to select the sample (n = 370), and a validated closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect data. RESULTS In total, 370 individuals participated in this study; most respondents were female (N = 247, 66.8%), and more than half (N = 214, 57.8%) were younger than age 30. More than 50% of the population had completed a primary or secondary school, while approximately 33.03% of them were illiterate. Furthermore, more than half (53.5%) of the population had good knowledge of DF, while most of those educated at a university level (64.1%) had good attitude toward DF. Most of the population (68.4%) had good practice toward DF. Moreover, participants with a university level education, followed by those who completed secondary school, had significantly higher knowledge and practice scores than primary school and illiteracy (P = 0.05). CONCLUSION The results of the study indicate that the residents of Yemen's Shabwah Governorate are well-informed about the symptoms and signs of DF, have a positive attitude toward the disease, and employ appropriate preventive measures. Health education via various media should be mandated to increase community awareness and dispel misconceptions about DF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Ali Saghir
- Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, International University of Africa, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Waled A. M. Ahmed
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Albaha University, Al Bahah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Murwan Eissa Osman
- Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, International University of Africa, Khartoum, Sudan
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Hasan MM, Sahito AM, Muzzamil M, Mohanan P, Islam Z, Billah MM, Islam MJ, Essar MY. Devastating dengue outbreak amidst COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh: an alarming situation. Trop Med Health 2022; 50:11. [PMID: 35078540 PMCID: PMC8786620 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-022-00401-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue fever is a viral infection caused by Aedes mosquitoes that has recently expanded fast in many of the WHO member states globally. Female mosquitoes, mostly Aedes aegypti and, to a smaller degree, Aedes albopictus, disseminate dengue virus. Dengue fever has been more common in recent decades all across the world, and Bangladesh is no exception. As the COVID-19 outbreak wreaks havoc, the following rise in dengue illnesses has been a source of considerable concern. As the health care has been stretched thin in these dangerous times, the vulnerable population has been left at the mercy of these two viral infections. Lack of knowledge, major legislative changes, poor eradication initiatives, and a lack of financing resources have all contributed to the increase in numbers. Stakeholders and policymakers must begin taking meaningful actions and implementing well-thought-out adjustments immediately, or the situation will worsen, resulting in the loss of thousands of innocent lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | | | | | - Parvathy Mohanan
- Department of General Medicine, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Zarmina Islam
- Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Md Masum Billah
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Life Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammod Johirul Islam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
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Alam NE, Islam MS, Khabir MIU, Suriea U, Islam MM, Mohiuddin RB, Akter S, Mahamud N, Bappy MNI, Sardar D, Mahmud S, Chowdhury K, Mohiuddin AKM. The scenario of knowledge, attitude and practice of the Bangladeshi population towards thalassemia prevention: A nationwide study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0001177. [PMID: 36962681 PMCID: PMC10022238 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Thalassemia is one of the most common life-threatening yet preventable congenital hemoglobin disorders especially in South Asian regions like Bangladesh. It has become a rising public health concern for Bangladesh as 6-12% of the population are carriers and many of them are unaware of it. The purpose of the study is to inspect the knowledge and attitude towards thalassemia among the general people of Bangladesh. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in eight administrative regions of Bangladesh between January and October of 2020. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect information about thalassemia and socio-demographic characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with knowledge of thalassemia. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Of the 1,248 participants, only 47.4% had heard of thalassemia. Half of the participants who heard about the disease had no idea that thalassemia was not a transfusion transmitted disease. Only 49.8% of participant correctly identified consanguineous marriages as an important risk factor. Majority of them knew that marriage between two carriers can lead to a child with thalassemia major. About 72.5% knew that blood tests are a diagnosis method to determine thalassemia. Among the socio-demographic variables, the level of education of the respondents was identified as an independent predictor for knowledge (p<0.05) on thalassemia. For example, graduate (aOR: 24.88; 95% CI: 6.238-99.232) or post-graduate (aOR: 33.18; 95% CI: 7.864-140.001) participants were more aware of thalassemia than non-graduates. However, about 68.2% of the participants showed a positive attitude towards premarital screening of themselves or their family members and 85.3% were willing to donate blood to thalassemia patients. The study shows that there is a need to disseminate the information on thalassemia since the knowledge gap is huge among people. These findings will strengthen the implementation of thalassemia major awareness through educational programs, health counseling, premarital screening and campaigning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur E Alam
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Md Shariful Islam
- University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Md Imam Ul Khabir
- Department of Biological Science, Alabama State University, Montgomery, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Umme Suriea
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Md Muzahidul Islam
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Ramisa Binti Mohiuddin
- Department of Pharmacy, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Sumaiya Akter
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Nahid Mahamud
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Md Nazmul Islam Bappy
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Dipankar Sardar
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Shahin Mahmud
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Kamal Chowdhury
- Department of Biology, Claflin University, Orangeburg, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - A K M Mohiuddin
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
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