1
|
Halder CE, Hasan MA, Mohamud YM, Nyawara M, Okello JC, Mizan MN, Sayum MA, Hossain A, Willam A, Tassdik H. COVID-19 preventive measures in Rohingya refugee camps: An assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0282558. [PMID: 38266022 PMCID: PMC10807836 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although many studies were conducted on COVID-19 knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among the general population in many countries, very little is known about refugees, particularly Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar. A vast array of risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) interventions were implemented in Cox's Bazar with the intent of reducing disease transmission by empowering the community to adopt public health measures. OBJECTIVES The study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of COVID-19 preventive measures among the Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar, and to identify their socio-demographic determinants. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with 500 Rohingya individuals. Participants in the study were Rohingya refugees residing in five randomly selected camps where International Organization for Migration (IOM) Health was operating. Using a structured questionnaire, skilled community health workers surveyed the Rohingya population. In addition to the survey on knowledge, attitude, and practice, the study gathered information on the perspectives and relevance of sociodemographic factors that influence KAP. RESULTS The study findings indicate that the mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 9.93, 7.55, and 2.71 respectively. Association was found between knowledge and practice level and age group-the elderly age group (>/ = 61 years) had less level of knowledge (AOR 0.42, P value = 0.058) and the late mid-age group (46-60 years) had better practice level (AOR 2.67, P value <0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our study found that the Rohingya refugee community in Cox's Bazar has improved knowledge and attitude toward COVID-19 preventive measures. However, the practice level of these measures remains low compared to the knowledge and positive attitude. The reason behind the poor practice of preventive measures needs to be identified and addressed engaging the community in similar future outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charls Erik Halder
- Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abeed Hasan
- Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - Yussuf Mohamed Mohamud
- Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - Marsela Nyawara
- Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - James Charles Okello
- Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - Md Nahid Mizan
- Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abu Sayum
- Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - Ahmed Hossain
- College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Global Health Institute, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Andrew Willam
- Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - Hamim Tassdik
- Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alam MM, Das R, Clara AA, Mohsin FM, Rumi MAH, Wahab A, Hasan MA, Hawlader MDH. The assessment of geriatric malnutrition, geriatric depression and associated co-morbidities among forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals in Bangladesh. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:2048-2055. [PMID: 37529859 PMCID: PMC10564601 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023001556] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the nutritional status and depression of the elderly forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals (FDMN) in Bangladesh and determine the associated factors of geriatric depression (GD). DESIGN This was a community-based, cross-sectional study among elderly FDMN. The Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA@-SF) and Geriatric Depression Scale Short-Form (GDS-15 SF) were used to determine malnutrition and GD, respectively. SETTING The study was conducted between November 2021 and March 2022 in Kutupalong Refugee Camp, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. PARTICIPANTS The study participants were elderly FDMN aged ≥ 60 years (n 430). RESULTS The mean age and BMI were 71·7(±7·8) years and 21·94(±2·6) kg/m2, respectively. There was a high prevalence of self-reported diabetes mellitus (32·1 %), hypertension (26·7 %), hypotension (20 %), skin diseases (28·4 %) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (16·5 %). The prevalence of malnutrition was 25·3 %, and another 29·1 % were at risk. The prevalence of GD was 57·9 %, and co-occurrences of GD and malnutrition were seen in 17·5 % of participants. GD was significantly higher among elderly people with malnutrition (adjusted OR, AOR = 1·71, 95 % CI: 1·01, 2·89). FDMN aged ≥ 80 years were at higher risk of GD (AOR = 1·84, 95 % CI: 1·01, 3·37), and having fewer than five members in the household was an independent predictor of GD. Diabetes mellitus (AOR = 1·95, 95 % CI: 1·24, 3·08) and hypotension (AOR = 2·17, 95 % CI: 1·25, 2·78) were also significantly associated with an increased risk of GD. CONCLUSION A high prevalence of GD and malnutrition was observed among elderly FDMN in Bangladesh. The agencies working in Cox's Bazar should focus on geriatric malnutrition and GD for the improvement of the health situation of FDMN in Bangladesh.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Morshad Alam
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka1213, Bangladesh
- Health Nutrition and Population Global Practice, The World Bank, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rajib Das
- International Organization for Migration, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Afrin Ahmed Clara
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka1213, Bangladesh
| | - Faroque Md Mohsin
- Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Abrar Wahab
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka1213, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abeed Hasan
- International Organization for Migration, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Anwar A, Yadav UN, Huda MN, Das S, Rosenbaum S, Ali ARMM, Mondal PK, Rizwan AAM, Hossain SFA, Das Shuvo S, Mistry SK. Anxiety and Stress Related to COVID-19 Among the Community Dwelling Older Adults Residing in the Largest Refugee Camp of the World. Community Ment Health J 2023; 59:1181-1192. [PMID: 36879112 PMCID: PMC9988202 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-023-01101-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
The current cross-sectional study was conducted among 864 older adults aged ≥ 60 years residing in Rohingya refugee camp through face-to-face interviews during November-December 2021. COVID-19-related anxiety was measured using the five-point Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) and perceived stress using the 10-point Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The linear regression model identified the factors associated with COVID-19-related anxiety and perceived stress. The prevalence of COVID-19-related anxiety and perceived stress was 68% and 93%, respectively. The average COVID-19-related anxiety score expected to be significantly higher among those who were physically inactive, concerned about COVID-19, had a close friend/family member diagnosed with COVID-19, and had some difficulty in getting food and routine medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the average perceived stress score was expected to be significantly higher among those without partners, who were feeling overwhelmed by COVID-19, and who experienced COVID-19-related anxiety during the pandemic. The findings suggest providing immediate psychosocial support to older Rohingya adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Afsana Anwar
- Health and Nutrition, Social Assistance &Amp; Rehabilitation for the Physically Vulnerable (SARPV), SARPV Complex, Link Road, Cox's Bazar, 4700, Bangladesh
| | - Uday Narayan Yadav
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Md Nazmul Huda
- School of Medicine, Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
- ARCED Foundation, 13/1, Pallabi, Mirpur-12, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sukanta Das
- Department of Statistics, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, Bangladesh
| | - Simon Rosenbaum
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Probal Kumar Mondal
- Health and Nutrition, Social Assistance &Amp; Rehabilitation for the Physically Vulnerable (SARPV), SARPV Complex, Link Road, Cox's Bazar, 4700, Bangladesh
| | - Abu Ansar Md Rizwan
- Health and Nutrition, Social Assistance &Amp; Rehabilitation for the Physically Vulnerable (SARPV), SARPV Complex, Link Road, Cox's Bazar, 4700, Bangladesh
| | | | - Suvasish Das Shuvo
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, Bangladesh
| | - Sabuj Kanti Mistry
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
- ARCED Foundation, 13/1, Pallabi, Mirpur-12, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- Department of Public Health, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, 1207, Bangladesh.
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ahmed D, Benavente P, Diaz E. Food Insecurity among International Migrants during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5273. [PMID: 37047889 PMCID: PMC10093953 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and the measures imposed to control it have impacted food security globally, particularly among vulnerable populations. Food insecurity, in turn, has repercussions on health, exacerbating pre-existing inequalities. This scoping review maps the literature describing associations between the COVID-19 pandemic and food insecurity among migrants, with a particular view toward health. A total of 909 papers were extracted through four electronic databases, and 46 studies were included. The migrant populations described originated mainly from Latin America (11/46) and were located in North America (21/46). Most studies included refugees and asylum seekers (20/46). The main challenges described were financial hardship (28/46), the effect of migrants' documentation status on using public food aid (13/46), and the suspension of or reduction in humanitarian assistance due to the economic recession (7/46). The impact of food insecurity on migrants' mental and physical health was described in 26 of the 46 studies. Authorities in all destination countries should focus their attention and efforts into ensuring nutrition security for migrants in a holistic way, including their economic and legal integration, to be better prepared for health crises in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Doua Ahmed
- Centre of International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
- Pandemic Centre, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Pierina Benavente
- Pandemic Centre, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Esperanza Diaz
- Pandemic Centre, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mistry SK, Ali AM, Yadav UN, Huda MN, Ghimire S, Bestman A, Hossain MB, Reza S, Qasim R, Harris MF. Difficulties faced by older Rohingya (forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals) adults in accessing medical services amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:e007051. [PMID: 34903566 PMCID: PMC8671847 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 has seriously disrupted health services in many countries including Bangladesh. This research aimed to explore whether Rohingya (forcefully displaced Myanmar nationals) older adults in Bangladesh faced difficulties accessing medicines and routine medical care services amid this pandemic. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted among 416 Rohingya older adults aged 60 years and above residing in Rohingya refugee camps situated in the Cox's Bazar district of Bangladesh and was conducted in October 2020. A purposive sampling technique was followed, and participants' perceived difficulties in accessing medicines and routine medical care were noted through face-to-face interviews. Binary logistic regression models determined the association between outcome and explanatory variables. RESULTS Overall, one-third of the participants reported difficulties in accessing medicines and routine medical care. Significant factors associated with facing difficulties accessing medicine included feelings of loneliness (adjusted OR (AOR) 3.54, 95% CI 1.93 to 6.48), perceptions that older adults were at the highest risk of COVID-19 (AOR 3.35, 95% CI 1.61 to 6.97) and required additional care during COVID-19 (AOR 6.89, 95% CI 3.62 to 13.13). Also, the notable factors associated with difficulties in receiving routine medical care included living more than 30 min walking distance from the health centre (AOR 3.57, 95% CI 1.95 to 6.56), feelings of loneliness (AOR 2.20, 95% CI 1.25 to 3.87), perception that older adults were at the highest risk of COVID-19 (AOR 2.85, 95% CI 1.36 to 5.99) and perception that they required additional care during the pandemic (AOR 4.55, 95% CI 2.48 to 8.35). CONCLUSION Many Rohingya older adults faced difficulties in accessing medicines and routine medical care during this pandemic. This call for policy-makers and relevant stakeholders to re-assess emergency preparedness plans including strategies to provide continuing care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabuj Kanti Mistry
- ARCED Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Department of Public Health, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Arm Mehrab Ali
- ARCED Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Global Research and Data Support, Innovations for Poverty Action, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Uday Narayan Yadav
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Md Nazmul Huda
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbeltown, New South Wales, Australia
- The School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Independent University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Saruna Ghimire
- Department of Sociology and Gerontology and Scripps Gerontology Center, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA
| | - Amy Bestman
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Md Belal Hossain
- BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sompa Reza
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rubina Qasim
- Dow Institute of Nursing and Midwifery, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Mark F Harris
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|