Access to graduate education in Bangladesh

Teaching mathematics in an EFL context at higher education; before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparative study

Introduction Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in academic achievement remain a stubborn feature of U.S. schooling. National studies consistently show that the average non-Hispanic black student scores well below the average non-Hispanic white student on standardized tests of math and reading skills, as does the average Hispanic student. Likewise, the average student from a lowincome family scores much lower on such tests than students from higher-income families. Considerable attention has been focused on achievement gaps, particularly the black-white achievement gap. Scholars and educators have suggested a number of possible explanations for the gaps, and policymakers, principals, and teachers have tried a range of remedies. As this chapter documents, however, the gaps persist despite these efforts. Moreover, our understanding of the causes and patterns of these achievement gaps is far from complete.

Click to increase image sizeClick to decrease image size Additional informationNotes on contributorsWonseon KyungWonseon Kyung was a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at Portland State University, when this article was written. She is now a consultant with the Public Administration Service, McLean VA.

Large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT play a crucial role in guiding critical decisions nowadays, such as in choosing a college major. Therefore, it is essential to assess the limitations of these models’ recommendations and understand any potential biases that may mislead human decisions. In this study, I investigate bias in terms of GPT-3.5 Turbo’s college major recommendations for students with various profiles, looking at demographic disparities in factors such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status, as well as educational disparities such as score percentiles. To conduct this analysis, I sourced public data for California seniors who have taken standardized tests like the California Standard Test (CAST) in 2023. By constructing prompts for the ChatGPT API, allowing the model to recommend majors based on high school student profiles, I evaluate bias using various metrics, including the Jaccard Coefficient, Wasserstein Metric, and STEM Disparity Score. The results of this study reveal a significant disparity in the set of recommended college majors, irrespective of the bias metric applied. Notably, the most pronounced disparities are observed for students who fall into minority categories, such as LGBTQ + , Hispanic, or the socioeconomically disadvantaged. Within these groups, ChatGPT demonstrates a lower likelihood of recommending STEM majors compared to a baseline scenario where these criteria are unspecified. For example, when employing the STEM Disparity Score metric, an LGBTQ + student scoring at the 50th percentile faces a 50% reduced chance of receiving a STEM major recommendation in comparison to a male student, with all other factors held constant. Additionally, an average Asian student is three times more likely to receive a STEM major recommendation than an African-American student. Meanwhile, students facing socioeconomic disadvantages have a 30% lower chance of being recommended a STEM major compared to their more privileged counterparts. These findings highlight the pressing need to acknowledge and rectify biases within language models, especially when they play a critical role in shaping personalized decisions. Addressing these disparities is essential to foster a more equitable educational and career environment for all students.

Background: Ear diseases are a significant public health concern in Bangladesh, affecting individuals of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. The burden of ear diseases significantly impacts the quality of life of affected individuals, leading to hearing impairment, communication difficulties, and reduced social and economic opportunities. To assess the pattern of ear diseases among the patients attending Outpatient Department (OPD) of Boalkhali Upazila Health Complex, Chattogram. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional type of observational study was carried out at ENT Outpatient Department (OPD) of Boalkhali Upazila Health Complex, Chattogram in between June 2015 to January 2019. In this study 2142 patients were identified with ear diseases after screening of 5100 patients attending at ENT OPD. Results: 42.8% patients were diagnosed after screening the 5100 patients at ENT OPD where male female ratio was 1:1.2. Most of the patients (32.6%) were from the age group in between 0-18 years of age and a minimum of 9.2% patients were above 60 years old. Mostly identified diseases were CSOM (11.7%), otalgia (9.7%), AOM (7.3%), ASOM (6.8%), impacted wax (5.5%) and tinnitus (5.5%). But only a few of 0.6% were diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. Among the 15 common clinical conditions in this study, it was found that female patients were predominant in all cases except in impacted was, foreign body in ear and furunculosis. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for further research and action to address the burden of ear diseases in Bangladesh and improve the ear care outcomes for its population. JCMCTA 2023 ; 34 (2) : 31-35

Aim: Death by suicide is a severe public health concern in Bangladesh. According to several studies conducted in this country, a significant portion of her youth are often attempting suicide, endangering their own health and future while causing problems for their families and the country as a whole. This research aims to investigate the socio-economic standing of university students who attempt suicide at least once in their lifetime as well as the forms of suicide attempt they initiated. Methodology: Four institutions in the Sylhet district were chosen for the research; two of them were public, while the rest were private. The required data was collected from 200 respondents employing a purposive sampling technique using a semi-structured questionnaire. After that, each response was coded, and subjected to descriptive statistics. Results: The study’s key findings indicate that 54.5% of the students were female and between the ages of 18 and 37; the majority of third-year students (24%) and fourth-year students (28.5%) were more depressed and suicidal; the study found that the largest percentage of suicide attempters (73.5%) were from rural backgrounds, while 26.5% were from urban areas; the highest percentage of them (86.5%) were members of small families, and 73% were Muslim. Additionally, the study found that the highest percentage of students (36.5%) were in a relationship, while only 4% were married. Most of them got their study and living expenses from family which was insufficient. For expense maintenance 71 out of 200 students worked as home tutor for extra earnings. About 62.5% respondents tried suicide in anomic form, 36% in egoistic form and no one embraced fatalistic form of suicide. Conclusion: Suicide attempt of university students is triggered by various socio-economic dimensions. Again, these are linked to varying patterns of suicide attempt. Underscoring the reasons behind suicide attempts, as well as for future regulations and successful monitoring programs regarding their mental health assistance, data regarding the socio-economic background is crucial.

Bu arastirmanin amaci Egitim Fakultesi ogrencilerinin ogretmenlik meslek derslerine yonelik dusuncelerinde ortuk programin etkilerini tespit etmektir. Arastirma nitel bir durum calismasi olup, veriler Uludag Universitesi Egitim Fakultesi Resim-is ve Muzik ogretmenligi Anabilim Dalinda ogrenim goren 12 son sinif ogrencisi ile yapilan gorusme ile toplanmis ve betimsel analiz yaklasimi ile analiz edilmistir. Arastirmada ogrencilerin ogretmenlik mesleginin onemli oldugunu kabul etmekle birlikte, genelde ogretmenlige olumsuz baktiklari, alan derslerine daha fazla ilgi gosterdikleri, ogretmenlik meslek derslerine giren ogretim elemanlariyla iletisim kurmada problem yasadiklari ortaya cikmistir. Ayrica ogrenciler alan ve ogretmenlik meslek derslerinin birbirinden tamamen kopuk olarak islendigini dusunmektedirler. Arastirmada elde edilen veriler isiginda anabilim dallarinin ortuk programi temel hatlariyla ortaya konularak ogrencilerin ogretmenlik ve ogretmenlik meslek derslerine yonelik dusuncelerinde ortuk programin etkisi aciklanmistir.

Accessibility to comprehensive higher education in Texas

Background Hypertension is a major public health concern in Bangladesh and a leading contributor to cardiovascular disease. To address this, the Bangladesh Hypertension Control Initiative (BHCI) was launched in 2018 in Sylhet district, expanded to Sylhet division in 2021, and further extended to other divisions in 2023. The initiative aims to improve hypertension detection, treatment, and control by strengthening primary healthcare services through the NCD corners. Purpose This study aims to assess community level hypertension control rate in Bangladesh by comparing data from BDHS 2017-18 and BDHS 2022. It examines changes in hypertension control rates over time and evaluates sociodemographic variations to identify disparities in hypertension control. Methods This secondary analysis used data from BDHS 2017–18 and BDHS 2022, two nationally representative cross-sectional surveys. Both datasets included adults aged ≥18 years, with sample sizes of 13,131 in BDHS 2017–18 and 14,296 in BDHS 2022. Blood pressure was measured using a standardized digital monitor, and hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥140 mmHg, and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg, or current antihypertensive use. Community control rate of hypertension was defined as the proportion of hypertensive individuals on antihypertensive treatment who had controlled blood pressure (<140/90 mmHg). Weighted adjusted marginal prevalence of community control rate was estimated across sociodemographic groups using multivariable logistic regression, accounting for the complex survey design. Results For BDHS 2017–18, 27.5% of adults were hypertensive, with 42.4% aware, 37.0% treated, and 12.5% controlled (14.9% urban, 11.5% rural). By BDHS 2022, hypertension prevalence declined to 20.5% (95% CI: 19.6–21.4), while awareness, treatment, and control rates increased to 54.3% (95% CI: 52.0–56.6), 44.6% (95% CI: 42.1–47.0), and 19.3% (95% CI: 17.5–21.1), respectively (22.6% urban, 17.9% rural). The adjusted community control rate in BDHS 2017–18 was higher among adults aged 45–59 years (14.5%, 95% CI: 12.3–16.6), females (15.2%, 95% CI: 13.5–17.0), individuals with higher education (14.6%, 95% CI: 10.7–18.6), and residents of Sylhet (18.3%, 95% CI: 13.6–23.0). By BDHS 2022, community control improved, with higher rates among older adults (60+ years: 23.6%, 95% CI: 20.3–26.8), individuals with higher education (30.7%, 95% CI: 24.8–36.7), and residents of Sylhet (30.2%, 95% CI: 23.4–36.9). Conclusion Between BDHS 2017–18 and BDHS 2022, hypertension prevalence declined, while community control rates improved. However, disparities persist, with lower control rates in rural areas and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. The BHCI has likely contributed to the substantial improvement in hypertension control observed in the Sylhet region. These findings highlight the effectiveness of structured, community-based hypertension management programs in improving blood pressure control.

The research on the sustainability evaluation of innovation and entrepreneurship education for clean energy majors in colleges and universities can not only cultivate more and better innovative and entrepreneurial talents for the development of sustainable energy but also provide a reference for the sustainable development of innovation and entrepreneurship education for other majors. To achieve systematic and comprehensive scientific evaluation, this paper proposes an evaluation model based on SPA-VFS and Chaos bat algorithm to optimize GRNN. Firstly, the sustainability evaluation index system of innovation and entrepreneurship education for clean energy major in colleges and universities is constructed from the four aspects of the environment, investment, process, and results, and the meaning of each evaluation index is explained; Then, combined with variable fuzzy set evaluation theory (VFS) and set pair analysis theory (SPA), the classical evaluation model based on SPA-VFS is constructed, and the entropy weight method and rank method are coupled to obtain the index weight. The basic bat algorithm is improved by using Tent chaotic mapping, and the chaotic bat algorithm (CBA) is proposed. The generalized regression neural network (GRNN) model is optimized by CBA, and the intelligent evaluation model based on CBA-GRNN is obtained to realize fast real-time calculation; finally, a numerical example is used to verify the scientificity and accuracy of the model proposed in this paper. This study is conducive to a comprehensive evaluation of the sustainability of innovation and entrepreneurship education for clean energy major in colleges and universities, and is conducive to the healthy and sustainable development of innovation and entrepreneurship education for clean energy major in colleges and universities, so as to provide more innovative and entrepreneurial talents for the clean energy industry.

The persistently high prevalence of girl-child marriage and adolescent motherhood is a public health concern in Bangladesh. This study investigated the division-wise prevalence and the influence of education and religious affiliation on child marriage and adolescent motherhood among women in Bangladesh along with their consequences using 15,474 women aged 15–49 years from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017–18. Staggeringly, 82.5% women were married before 18, 43.1% were married before 15, and 61.8% gave birth before 18 years of age. Binary logistic regression models for the complex survey showed that girl-children with primary, secondary, and higher secondary or above education were 16% (95% CI: 0.69, 1.03), 32% (95% CI: 0.55, 0.84), and 87% (95% CI: 0.10, 0.17) less likely to get married <18 years of age, respectively, compared to the uneducated. Also, girl-children with secondary and higher education were 21 and 83% less likely to become adolescent mothers, respectively, than the uneducated. Women married during childhood (<18 years) and adolescent mothers were 36 and 55% less likely to continue studies after marriage, respectively, and expressed that they significantly preferred a late marriage. Policy interventions need to address culturally-laden social norms influenced by religious-related beliefs, especially in rural areas.

Childhood stunting is a significant public health concern in Bangladesh. This study analysed the data from the Healthy Village programme, which aims to address childhood stunting in southern coastal Bangladesh. The aim was to assess childhood stunting prevalence over time and explore the risk factors in the programme areas. A cross-sectional, secondary data analysis was conducted for point-prevalence estimates of stunting from 2018 to 2021, including 132,038 anthropometric measurements of under-five children. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted for risk factor analysis (n = 20,174). Stunting prevalence decreased from 51% in 2018 to 25% in 2021. The risk of stunting increased in hardcore poor (aOR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.27, 1.68) and poor (aOR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.33, 1.70) versus rich households, children with mothers who were illiterate (aOR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.44) and could read and write (aOR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.56) versus mothers with higher education, and children aged 1-2 years compared with children under one year (aOR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.20, 1.45). The stunting rate was halved over three years in programme areas, which is faster than the national trend. We recommend addressing socioeconomic inequalities when tackling stunting and providing targeted interventions to mothers during the early weaning period.

Suicide-related behaviors among cancer patients represent a significant yet understudied public health concern in Bangladesh. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of suicidal behaviors (suicidal ideation, suicide plan, suicide attempt) and identify associated risk factors among cancer patients in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital using a convenience sampling method among a total of 318 cancer patients between January and February, 2024. Data were collected on socio-demographics, clinical characteristics, and past-year suicidal behaviors. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to explore the association between suicidal behaviors and various socio-demographic, and clinical factors. The prevalence of past-year suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt was 22.3%, 13.8%, and 5.7%, respectively. Bladder and cervical cancer patients show the highest rates of suicidal behaviors. Key risk factors for suicidal behaviors included lower income, advanced cancer stages, and inadequate social support (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, higher education and unemployment appeared protective against suicidal ideation (p < 0.05). Among female participants, patients with breast cancer were less likely to attempt suicide than those with cervical cancer (p < 0.05). This study underscores the urgent need for routine mental health screening, risk assessments, and integrated social and financial support programs for cancer patients to reduce suicide risk and improve their quality of life.

Since the 1980s, decision-making and managerial power has gradually been handed over to higher education institutions in China. This has helped to reduce the government’s financial burden and improve the administrative efficiency of universities. A particular reform involves the establishment of autonomous experimental units within 36 universities. These decentralized units are more highly dependent on market forces than other parts of the university. This thesis examines the development of one such academic unit within one of China’s major universities. The particular academic unit, heretofore referred to as a “school” is studied through a detailed examination of its teaching, research and administration. It is granted a high degree of autonomy to manage itself and its finance. Therefore, it is encouraged to be innovative in its organizational structure and working procedures. This helps drive it to cooperate with industry and adopt a market mechanism in management.\n\nThe research demonstrates the changing relationships of this school with its parent university, with governments at different levels, and with industry and the wider society. The results indicate that a major shift is taking place in Chinese higher education, as China responds with increased marketization and decentralization. \n\nBorrowing theories developed by Clark and Oliver in the fields of higher education and organizational theory, this thesis not only provides a deeper understating of the triangular relationship among universities, state authority and the market, but also refines these theories to suit the Chinese context. This investigation reveals that thus a particular academic unit, unlike most university units in China, must respond to external pressures and expectations in order to survive in a new context of decentralization and commodification. The thesis identifies and analyzes the critical factors affecting the school’s development and its coping strategies within an altered environment of operation.\n\nEmploying a qualitative research methodology, this work views the selected unit of a major Chinese university as an open organizational system, and analyzes the external and internal forces that influence the school’s development. The data collection approach is comprised of semi-structured and unstructured interviews to elicit views and perceptions from the respondents regarding the decision-making, policy implementation and the development of the unit. A focus group interview method is used to question current undergraduate and postgraduate students about perceptions and attitudes towards the development of the unit. Documents are used to obtain background information and to support and triangulate the data collected from individual and group interviews. \n\nAlthough the school failed to make radical changes to the existing university structure and institutions, it has demonstrated the ability to sustain itself, innovate, and gain legitimacy through continuing negotiation and compromise with university authority, government and market. Based on the results of this research, I would argue that if units similar to this one within Chinese universities are granted more administrative autonomy and orient themselves to market forces, Chinese universities will be able to integrate themselves into the increasingly marketized economy and contribute to national development without sacrificing the core academic missions of teaching, research and service.

Neonatal mortality remains a critical public health concern in Bangladesh, currently estimated at 17.4 per 1,000 live births. Despite improved postnatal care coverage, significant gaps persist between maternal knowledge and practice, as early bathing, pre-lacteal feeding, and inadequate hygiene remain common. Cultural beliefs and limited maternal education, especially in rural areas, further hinder optimal neonatal care. In tertiary hospitals such as Chattogram Medical College Hospital, evidence regarding mothers’ neonatal care knowledge and practices is scarce, though their demographic and socioeconomic contexts differ from community populations. Understanding this knowledge–practice gap is vital for developing focused, facility-based interventions to improve neonatal outcomes. This study included 256 postnatal mothers with a mean age of 26 and (±SD) = 5 years; most were aged 21–25 years (39.8%), housewives (78.1%), and Muslims (70.3%). About half (50.4%) earned BDT 10,001–20,000 monthly, and most (69.5%) lived in joint families. Over half (54.3%) were primiparous. Overall, 54.7% demonstrated good knowledge and 36.7% good practice. Knowledge was significantly associated with education (?² = 18.140, P<0.001) and practice (?² = 15.030, p = 0.001). Higher maternal education positively influences knowledge and practice of essential newborn care. Strengthening educational interventions can help bridge this gap and improve neonatal survival outcomes.