Assessment of Food Safety Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Food Service Staff in Bangladeshi Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Study

Food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices among hospital food service staff are crucial in the prevention of foodborne disease outbreaks, as hospitalized patients are more vulnerable to potential hazards. This study, therefore, sought to assess the food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices of food service staff in Bangladeshi hospitals. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 191 food service staff from seven different hospitals in Dhaka and Chattogram from October 2021 to March 2022 using pretested questionnaires. Multiple linear regression was used to identify the factors associated with the food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices. The findings showed moderate knowledge but high levels of attitudes and practices of food safety among hospital food handlers. Food safety knowledge was significantly higher among males, participants from private hospitals and participants working in a hospital that had a food service supervisor and dietitian in charge of food service operations. Moreover, participants from private hospitals and participants working in a hospital that had a food service supervisor and dietitian in charge of food service operations had more positive attitudes and better practices regarding food safety. Hospital management should consider these factors for enhancing food handlers’ knowledge and increase training and supervision on food safety practices to reduce foodborne diseases and outbreaks.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of the adult population in Bangladesh: a nationwide cross-sectional study

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has imposed threats on both physical and mental health since its outbreak. This study aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among a representative sample of home-quarantined Bangladeshi adults. A cross-sectional design was used with an online survey completed by a convenience sample recruited via social media. A total of 1,427 respondents were recruited, and their mental health was assessed by the DASS-21 measure. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms was 33.7% and 57.9%, respectively, and 59.7% reported mild to extremely severe levels of stress. Perceptions that the pandemic disrupted life events, affected mental health, jobs, the economy and education, predictions of a worsening situation, and uncertainty of the health care system capacities were significantly associated with poor mental health outcomes. Multivariate logistic regressions showed that sociodemographic factors and perceptions of COVID-19 significantly predict mental health outcomes. These findings warrant the consideration of easily accessible low-intensity mental health interventions during and beyond this pandemic.

Factors associated with household food insecurity and dietary diversity among day laborers amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh

Backgrounds

Food insecurity and dietary diversity remain a public health concern in developing countries like Bangladesh which is exacerbated by the COVID-19 especially for day laborers’ families in Bangladesh. This study aimed to determine factors associated with household food insecurity and household dietary diversity among day laborers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 343 households of day laborers in Bangladesh using a semi-structured questionnaire. Household food security (HFS) and Household dietary diversity (HDD) scores were assessed using the HFS scale and household’s 24-h recall of intake of 12 food groups, respectively.

Results

The overall mean scores of HFS and HDD were 26.80 (SD, 4.83) and 4.08 (SD, 1.15). Having household head aged > 40 years and monthly household income > 5000 Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) were positively associated with HDD scores. Having an education level above secondary, monthly household income > 5000 BDT, and having a refrigerator were associated with the higher HFS scores, whereas having family members > 5 was a potential determinant of lower HFS scores. Pandemic-induced work loss and food scarcity were also potential determinants of lower HFS and HDD scores. Approximately 94% of respondents reported their wages were reduced, and 76% were deprived of the same quantity of food as pre-pandemic periods.

Conclusions

Lower socio-economic status and pandemic-induced work loss affect the HFS and HDD. Interventions with financial aid and complemented food distributions, particularly among the wage looser, may improve the HFS and HDD of day laborers.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40795-022-00517-8.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Antenatal Anxiety Symptoms in Bangladesh: A Repeated Measures Cluster Data Analysis

BACKGROUND

Antenatal Anxiety affects the mothers and their child. Spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and low birth weight are the most common consequences. In Bangladesh, we have very limited understanding about the burden of antenatal anxiety and its associated factors. We conducted a prospective longitudinal study to estimate the prevalence of anxiety symptoms and identify associated factors in pregnant women.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 1360 pregnant women were enrolled from 14 antenatal care (ANC) hospitals during September 2015 to August 2017. All selected women were assessed longitudinally at first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) scale was used to measure the antenatal anxiety symptom. Generalize estimating equations (GEE) and alternating logistic regression (ALR) model were used to measure the risk factors and repetitive anxiety symptom measurements, respectively.

RESULTS

Over the study period, more than half (53.18%) of the women reported anxiety in at least one antenatal assessment. The prevalence of anxiety symptom in the first, second, and third trimesters was 29.5%, 23.5%, and 37.5%, respectively. Maternal anxiousness was significantly associated with the trimester, poor education, low blood hemoglobin, and low family income.

CONCLUSION

Women were at high risk of getting anxious during first and third trimesters of pregnancy. Findings of the study can be useful in developing and designing intervention to reduce anxiety in women during pregnancy.

Knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices toward the COVID-19 pandemic: an online survey among Bangladeshi residents

AIM

The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly infected people worldwide, leading to a massive public reaction. Peoples' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward COVID-19 are the most important for the control and prevention of the infectious disease pandemic. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices (KAP) toward the COVID-19 among Bangladeshi residents during the lockdown situation.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

An online-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1765 Bangladeshi adults through the social media networks of the authors.

RESULTS

The respondents were older than 18 years, with an average age of 24.88 years (SD 6.30). Approximately 15% of our participants received online training. The mean knowledge score was 14.49 (SD 1.8, range 0-17), and the overall correct response rate on this knowledge test was 85%. Approximately 67.2% scored well (above the mean 4.5, range 1-5) regarding the practices. To avoid the infection, 96.6% wore masks outside the home, and 98.7% washed their hands with soap when they came back. COVID-19 knowledge score was significantly associated with a lower odds of (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.79-0.92) negative attitudes. Again, the awareness score was associated with a lower likelihood of (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.87-0.98) poor practices.

CONCLUSION

Online health education programs focusing on young people, housewives, and people with less education may potentially improve the attitudes and practices to control the COVID-19 pandemic in the long term in such a low-resource setting.

Mental health difficulties of adults with COVID-19-like symptoms in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional correlational study

BACKGROUND

The rapid spread of novel corona virus disease (COVID-19) coupled with inefficient testing capacities in Bangladesh has resulted in a number of deaths from COVID-19-like symptoms that have no official test results. This study was the first study that explored the mental health of adults with the most common COVID-19-like symptoms in Bangladesh.

METHODS

This cross-sectional correlational study gathered data via an online survey to explore the mental health of Bangladeshi adults with symptoms akin to COVID-19. Level of stress, anxiety symptoms, and depressive symptoms were measured with the DASS-21. Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression was performed to examine the association of variables.

RESULTS

The prevalence rates of anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms of the overall population were 26.9% and 52.0% respectively and 55.6% reported mild to extremely severe levels of stress. Multivariate logistic regression determined that respondents with COVID-19-like symptoms reported higher odds for stress level (AOR = 2.043, CI = 1.51 to 2.76), anxiety symptoms (AOR = 2.770, CI = 2.04 to 3.77) and depressive symptoms (AOR = 1.482, CI = 1.12 to 1.96) than asymptomatic respondents.

LIMITATIONS

There was a chance of recall bias as it was not possible to validate the information due to the retrospective design of the study. Recruitment methods only captured internet users, which reduces the generalizability of findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with symptoms like those of COVID-19 should be prioritized in the healthcare setting in order to reduce mental health difficulties throughout the pandemic .

Mental Health Outcomes of Adults with Comorbidity and Chronic Diseases during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Matched Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Individuals with certain pre-existing chronic health conditions have been identified as a high-risk group for fatalities of COVID-19. Therefore, it is likely that individuals with chronic diseases may worry during this pandemic to the detriment of their mental health. This study compares the mental health of Bangladeshi adults affected by chronic disease to a healthy, matched control group during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A matched case-control analysis was performed with data collected from 395 respondents with chronic diseases and 395 controls matched for age, gender, and residence. Inclusion criteria for cases were respondents who self-reported having asthma, cardiovascular disease symptoms and/or diabetes. Respondents were recruited using an online survey, which included the DASS-21 measure to assess symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Chi-square test, t-test, Fisher's exact test and a conditional logistic regression were performed to examine associations among variables.

RESULTS

The prevalence of anxiety symptoms and depression symptoms and the level of stress were significantly higher among cases (59%; 71.6%; 73.7%, respectively) than among controls (25.6%; 31.1%; 43.3%, respectively). Chi-square and t-test showed significant associations and differences between having chronic diseases and mental health outcomes. A conditional logistic regression showed that respondents with asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease symptoms, or any combination of these diseases had higher odds of exhibiting symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression than healthy individuals.

CONCLUSION

These results underscore a subpopulation vulnerable to mental health consequences during this pandemic and indicate the need for additional mental health resources to be available to those with chronic diseases.

Mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 and perceptions towards the pandemic: Findings from a cross sectional study among Bangladeshi students

Although the COVID-19 pandemic triggered commination on both physical and mental wellbeing since its outbreak, the impact of the pandemic on mental health difficulties among Bangladeshi students is still lack in substantial evidence. The study aimed to explore such an impact on mental health among Bangladeshi students and their perception towards the COVID-19 pandemic. A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 589 students from Bangladesh in between April 29th to 7th May 2020. Data was collected by using an online questionnaire on demographic status, perceptions towards COVID-19, and mental health symptoms by using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS 21). About 26.66% and 61.97% of students reported mild to extremely severe anxiety symptoms, and depressive symptoms, respectively, and 57.05% reported mild to extremely severe levels of stress. Multivariate logistic regression reported that students' age, gender, family income, residence, and family size are associated with mental health difficulties. Negative perceptions on the effect of the pandemic on life events, mental health, disruptions in education, and health care system, existing physical health conditions, and COVID-19 like symptoms were significantly associated with poor mental outcomes. It is suggested that students' mental health difficulties should be monitored to provide adequate support and services during this ongoing pandemic.

Changes in Depressive Symptoms During the Antenatal Period: A Cohort Study from Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

Antenatal depressive symptoms adversely affect the health and well-being of women, babies, and their families. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and probable associated factors of depressivse symptoms.

METHODS

A prospective cohort approach was adopted, and 435 pregnant women were assessed longitudinally at an antenatal clinic in the first, second, and third trimesters. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to measure self-reported depressive symptoms. The multivariate approach of the general linear model was used to evaluate the mean differences of depression scores among the trimesters. To investigate the associated factors of depressive symptoms, generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used to take into account the clustering effect.

RESULTS

More than half (58.13%) of the pregnant women had antenatal depressive symptoms in at least one trimester. Depressive symptoms decreased throughout the pregnancy; they were higher in the first trimester and declined toward the third trimester. Significant mean differences were found in depression scores among the three trimesters. GEE showed that trimester, education, family income, and body mass index (BMI) are significantly associated with antenatal depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

First trimester is the most critical period for identification of depressive symptoms. At-risk women need to be treated. Proper education achievement, economic solvency, and adequate nutrition could reduce the depressive symptoms.

Sources of nutrition information and nutritional knowledge among school-going adolescents in Bangladesh

Objectives

Study design

Methods

Results

Conclusion

•

Family members were the most popular (52.4%) source among school adolescents.

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Nearly half of the participants (48.1%) scored low on basic nutritional knowledge assessment.

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Majority (48.9%) of participants believe family members as accurate source.

•

Only 12.4% of participants treat online resources as accurate and it was the least used source.

•

Students used family members and online resources were less likely to obtain low score.

Performance of Red Chittagong cattle in some selected Areas of Chittagong district of Bangladesh

A survey was conducted to estimate the productive and reproductive performances of RCC in Rawjan, Chandanaish, Potia, Satkania and Anowara upazillas of Chittagong, Bangladesh. The farmers of the study areas holding Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC) were divided into large (>1.50 acre), medium (>1.0-1.5 acre), marginal (>0.5-1.0 acre) and landless (>0-0.5 acre) categories. Existing feeding and rearing practices, productive and reproductive performances of RCC were investigated. It was found that, most of the RCCs (82%) were reared mainly by the marginal farmers. In between May to September, there was a severe shortage of feeds and fodders for RCC. However, despite severe shortage, the farmers were not interested to cultivate fodder. The degree of shortage for feed round the year had significant variation (p<0.01) among the farmers of all categories. Similar to feed shortage, the tendency of growing non-legume crops had marked variation (P<0.01) among the farmers of all categories. Birth weight, weaning weight, daily milk yield, lactation length, calving interval, age at first service, age at first calving and gestation length were 14.5 kg, 64.6 kg, 2.1 liters, 216 days, 14 months, 2.7 years, 42 months and 279.9 days respectively. It could therefore be inferred that, productivity of RCC may be increased by improving feeding systems in the study areas.http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v41i1.11973

Do all regularly menstruating women ovulate in each cycle?

Women may experience anovular menstruation due to some pathophysiological causes which can be detected either by invasive histological examination as well as noninvasive serial ultrasound test. The women who are regularly menstruating without ovulation in each cycle were identified in this study. In a tertiary level infertility care centre of Bangladesh in Dhaka infertile population was the subject of the study. The serial ultrasound noninvasive procedure is used for diagnosis of anovular menstruation and found very much helpful.