Determinants of Digital Access and Skills among First-Year University Students of Bangladesh

The present study compares the university student’s experiences of learning in virtual mode during unprecedented impacts of the COVID-19 in Bangladesh and Indonesia with a focus on the enjoyment, performance, satisfaction, and cost of online learning.This was quantitative cross-sectional research conducted by using an online survey with the participation of 438 and 529 university students in Bangladesh and Indonesia. The findings reveal that university students in Bangladesh have little more comfortable with online learning compared to those in Indonesia. The students in both countries have no problem with adaptation to avant-garde online learning platforms. University students in Bangladesh appear little more satisfied with online teaching while those in Indonesia tend to be less satisfied. University students either in Bangladesh or in Indonesia consider online learning as an expensive learning mode. The present study depicts an early online remote learning experience of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the nature of the descriptive comparative study focusing on Bangladesh and Indonesia, the results of this study may not be generalised. Specific factors underlying their experiences are in need of further investigation. In future endeavours, lectures are urged to actively harness proper technologies, mix between conventional and virtual learning or blend synchronous and asynchronous learning to provide more enjoyable and interesting online learning thus the students can be more satisfied.

In the 21st Century, the most practical and fastest way to reach information is undoubtedly the usages of social media platforms. These platforms have advantages such as volunteering, aid, charity organizations, performing and sharing art works, discussing ideas and projects with experts. Besides its advantages, social media platforms do create an addiction. The aim of the questionnaire-based survey study is to determine the social media addiction and its effect on mental health of the University students (20-28 years old) in Bangladesh. The study was designed as an online questionnaire survey which was distributed among the university students of Bangladesh via email and social media platform (Facebook). A total of 100 participants answered the questionnaire. The results of the survey found that the self-worth, self-esteem and overall mood of 93.2% of the students are affected if their shared social media contents are criticized. The result also indicated that 52.7% made unsuccessful attempts to cut back time from social media but failed and 47.3% did not attempt. An overall of 78.4% felt that they waste their time on social media platforms. 70.3% students indicated that they check their notifications on the social media apps whenever the notifications pop up. The major three responses from the study identified that the participants have severe social media dependence which is a leading factor to harming self-esteem and self-worth. Also, most spend their times on these platforms more than 60 hours per week which, by the definition of addiction, falls under the category. Thus, the study testified to the effect of social media addiction among university level students in Bangladesh.

Psychological and behavioral stress has increased enormously during Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, early prediction and intervention to address psychological distress and suicidal behaviors are crucial to prevent suicide-related deaths. This study aimed to develop a machine algorithm to predict suicidal behaviors and identify essential predictors of suicidal behaviors among university students in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic. An anonymous online survey was conducted among university students in Bangladesh from June 1 to June 30, 2022. A total of 2391 university students completed and submitted the questionnaires. Five different Machine Learning models (MLMs) were applied to develop a suitable algorithm for predicting suicidal behaviors among university students. In predicting suicidal behaviors, the most crucial background and demographic features were relationship status, friendly environment in the family, family income, family type, and sex. In addition, features related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic were identified as job loss, economic loss, and loss of family/relatives due to COVID-19. Moreover, factors related to mental health include depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia. The performance evaluation and comparison of the MLM showed that all models behaved consistently and were comparable in predicting suicidal risk. However, the Support Vector Machine was the best and most consistent performing model among all MLMs in terms of accuracy (79%), Kappa (0.59), receiver operating characteristic (0.89), sensitivity (0.81), and specificity (0.81). Support Vector Machine is the best-performing model for predicting suicidal risks among university students in Bangladesh and can help in designing appropriate and timely suicide prevention interventions.

University students (especially first-years) not only have to cope with their academic curriculum but also issues such as being away from the home environment and living independently for the first time. Those who do not adapt quickly to these new conditions are likely to be susceptible to physical and psychological vulnerabilities. The present study surveyed first-year Bangladeshi undergraduate students to investigate their weight status (i.e., the prevalence of being normal weight, underweight, overweight, and obese) and the prevalence of depression and associated risk factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 404 first-year university students (aged 18–23 years) residing at a Bangladeshi university. The participants completed a survey examining socio-demographic and behavioral variables, alongside the WHO-5 Well-Being Index. Binary logistic regression was performed to determine significant associations between the variables under examination. Prevalence rates of being normal weight, underweight, overweight, and obese were 66.8%, 20.3%, 9.7%, and 3.2% respectively. Associated predictors of weight-related problems were being female and lack of physical exercise. The prevalence rate of depression was 68.1%. There were no significant gender differences and associated predictors of depression were lack of physical exercise, unsatisfactory sleep quality, excessive internet use, and excessive reading hours. Being underweight, overweight, or being obese alongside the prevalence of depression among first-year university students were high. Findings indicate that first-year university students are a vulnerable group for some physical and psychological problems. Findings recommend the need for intervention programs, alongside adequate and appropriate supportive services for first-year Bangladeshi university students.

Purpose This research aims to explore how social media influences the academic performance of university students in Bangladesh and examines the benefits and drawbacks of its usage. Design/methodology/approach We distributed a well-structured questionnaire among students enrolled in various programs at different universities in Bangladesh to collect data. We analyzed the data using factor analysis and regression models to uncover the impact of social media on academic performance. Findings Our research findings demonstrate that social media plays a crucial role in facilitating communication, information sharing and content development among university students in Bangladesh. Excessive reliance on social media can lead to dependence and hinder innovation, as students tend to excessively rely on readily available resources. Research limitations/implications We relied on self-reported data from a limited sample size, which may affect the generalizability of our findings. Social implications This study highlights the need to promote responsible use of social media among university students in Bangladesh to enhance their academic performance. We recommend implementing effective policy measures to control and manage undesired usage patterns, foster an intellectually equipped student body and contribute to the development of a knowledgeable and successful Bangladesh. Originality/value This research makes a significant contribution by examining the influence of social media on academic performance among university students in Bangladesh. It proposes practical policy measures to address the drawbacks associated with excessive reliance on social media, thereby contributing to decision-making and intervention strategies for promoting responsible usage.

Mobile phone is a great invention of the modern science which was invented for making our life easy and comfortable, but it is not only confined into benediction side, rater it has turned into addiction and malediction as well. It has become a worldwide problem. The hitch is being so accelerated that the future of our next generation is under a massive threat. Day by day the problem is growing severe. The university students, the future of our nation as well as the ordinary people of the world are also no exception of the addiction. Therefore, this study aims to identify the prevalence and extent of mobile addiction among university students so that how long in a day they use mobile phone can be identified. Besides, the study tries to explore the factors contributing to mobile addiction among them, in consequence the positive and negative aspects towards their education, physical and mental health can be recognized. Apart from these, the study examines the impact of mobile addiction on the academic performance, mental and physical health of university students as well. For the study quantitative and qualitative components have been implemented where a cross-sectional survey design is ensured. The quantitative aspect involves conducting a survey among 12 university students (6 public and 6 private universities) in Bangladesh to investigate the current situation of mobile device addiction on educational studies and psychological sound health. The survey conducted through online .To ensures a diverse representation of participants from various faculties and academic levels, a stratified random sampling method has been utilized for participant selection. As a result, it has been found that it carries both positive and negative aspects. But most of the students are impacted negatively. Consequently they are going to lose a good career, a sound physical and mental health and better life.

BackgroundThe integration of digital technologies is becoming increasingly essential in cancer care. However, limited digital health literacy among clinical and nonclinical cancer health care professionals poses significant challenges to effective implementation and sustainability over time. To address this, the European Union is prioritizing the development of targeted digital skills training programs for cancer care providers, the TRANSiTION project among them. A crucial initial step in this effort is conducting a comprehensive gap analysis to identify specific training needs.ObjectiveThe aim of this work is to identify training gaps and prioritize the digital skill development needs in the oncology health care workforce.MethodsAn importance-performance analysis (IPA) was conducted following a survey that assessed the performance and importance of 7 digital skills: information, communication, content creation, safety, eHealth problem-solving, ethics, and patient empowerment.ResultsA total of 67 participants from 11 European countries completed the study: 38 clinical professionals (CP), 16 nonclinical professionals (NCP), and 13 patients or caregivers (PC). CP acknowledged the need for a comprehensive training program that includes all 7 digital skills. Digital patient empowerment and safety skills emerge as the highest priorities for both CP and NCP. Conversely, NCP assigned a lower priority to digital content creation skills, and PC assigned a lower priority to digital information and ethical skills. The IPA also revealed discrepancies in digital communication skills across groups (H=6.50; P=.04).ConclusionsThe study showcased the pressing need for comprehensive digital skill training for cancer health care professionals across diverse backgrounds and health care systems in Europe, tailored to their occupation and care setting. Incorporating PC perspectives ensures a balanced approach to addressing these training gaps. These findings provide a valuable knowledge base for designing digital skills training programs, promoting a holistic approach that integrates the perspectives of the various stakeholders involved in digital cancer care.

Youth unemployment is a subject of great concern in the developing world, particularly in developing nations, and among them is Kenya. These countries are characterized by the high population of youths who make up the majority of the unemployed in the nation. Governments and non-profit organizations are partnering to eradicate poverty and unemployment among the youth. To achieve this, novel ways, such as promoting digital skills training programs such as WFP's EMPACT and the Ajira. This research sought to address these shortages by analyzing the management practices and sustainability of training programs on WFP's EMPACT and the Ajira Digital skills training project in Kibera. It used a systematic sampling method of data collection accompanied by questionnaires. The results from this research will give a starting point for understanding the project's potential in Kenya and not just in Kibera. It will also provide insights and recommendations for the project's second phase by the Ministry of Planning in its efforts to use digital skills to end youth unemployment in the country. This study aimed to assess management practices and the sustainability of training programs. It was a case study that involved two training programs i.e. Ajira Digital training program and WFP’s EMPACT. Data was collected in Kibera slums in Nairobi City County. Its main objectives were to investigate how stakeholder participation affects the viability of digital skills development programs in Kibera slums, to ascertain how risk management strategies affect the viability of programs for teaching digital skills in Kibera slums, to establish the impact of evaluation and monitoring on the sustainability of the programs for teaching digital skills in Kibera and to examine how budgeting affects the viability of initiatives for teaching digital skills in Kibera slums. Questionnaires were used for data collection. The questions were close-ended. Data collected was examined systematically and then carefully analysed using EXCEL and SPSS. From the descriptive statistics results it was found out most of the respondents agreed to a great extent that leadership skills, project communications, resource allocation and cost management skills have an influence on the sustainability of the digital training programs a case of digital skills training projects in Kibera slums, Nairobi city county, Kenya. From the regression analysis it was revealed that leadership skills have a positive (B=.283), project communication has a negative (B=-112), resource allocation has a positive (B=0.496) and finally cost management skills have a positive (B=0.449) influence on the sustainability of the digital training programs a case of digital skills training projects in Kibera slums, Nairobi city county, Kenya. The overall model was considered first to explain the sustainability of digital training programs. The study therefore concluded that leadership skills have a significant and positive influence on the sustainability of digital training programs project communication has a negative but insignificant influence on the sustainability of digital training programs resource allocation has a positive and significant influence on the sustainability of the digital training programs that cost management skills positively and significantly influence sustainability of the digital training programs. The study recommends that management skills (leadership skills, project communication, resource and allocation and cost management skills ought to be considered as significantly influencing the sustainability of digital training programs.

This article explores the prevalence, factors, and connections among depression, career frustration, and suicidal tendencies among university students in Bangladesh. Extreme disruptions to education during the COVID-19 pandemic have had the most significant impact on the mental health of university students. This study analyzed the status of students' mental health deterioration, factors of depression, career frustration, and suicidal tendencies. This is a mixed-methods study where 10 case studies and 350 face-to-face surveys have been conducted with the students of two separate public universities in Bangladesh. Students were selected as a sample by using purposive and snowball sampling. This study applies Durkheim’s theory of suicide to identify the association between depression, frustration, and suicidal tendencies among university students. This study reveals that university students in Bangladesh experienced depression and career frustration, which are associated with suicidal tendencies. It suggests strategies that will help prevent suicidal tendencies among university students in Bangladesh.

Self-medication is a prevalent practice among university students globally and is a significant public health concern. However, previous research has been limited in scope, focusing primarily on adolescents or the general public, leaving a gap in understanding the causal relationships associated with self-medication; thus, this study aimed to investigate the factors influencing self-medication practices among university students in Bangladesh by developing a comprehensive causal model. Data from 417 students across five public universities were collected using the simple random walk technique by a team of 10 members. The study utilized constructs of knowledge, attitude, and convenience related to self-medication as independent variables, while self-medication practice as the dependent variable. One-way ANOVA and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed to develop a causal model of self-medication practice among university students in Bangladesh. The findings revealed that students with better medication knowledge and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were more likely to practice self-medication. A positive attitude towards self-medication and ADRs was also significantly associated with higher self-medication practice scores. Additionally, those who perceived self-medication as convenient and prescribed medication as inconvenient had higher self-medication practice scores. The attitude towards self-medication had the most substantial negative effect on self-medication practice, followed by the inconvenience of prescribed medication and the convenience of self-medication. The model explained 87% of the variance in self-medication practice, indicating a good fit for the data. University students in Bangladesh possess intermediate knowledge of medication and primary knowledge of ADRs. They exhibit a positive attitude towards self-medication and ADRs. Physical convenience favors self-medication, while the inconvenience of prescribed medication contributes to its lower preference. Policymakers should focus on evidence-based guidelines to reduce the extent of unnecessary self-medication practice and to enhance the quantity and accessibility of prescribed medications to address the issue effectively.

Asthma is a severe long-term respiratory and multidimensional disease. It affects a large proportion of people worldwide. Knowledge regarding asthma and its impact on depression among university students in Bangladesh is very limited. The objective of this study was to investigate asthma, as well as to explore the relationship between asthma and depressive symptoms among university students in Bangladesh. This study employed a cross-sectional design. Data was collected from Rajshahi University, Bangladesh. A total of 400 university students were recruited for this study. A semi-structured questionnaire was utilized to gather information from the participants. The primary outcome variable was asthma, which was assessed with the question: "Are you suffering from asthma (diagnosed by a doctor within the past year)?" Depressive symptoms were measured using the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Factors influencing asthma and its association were examined using a binary logistic regression model. The study revealed that 53 (13.3%, 95% CI: 10.1% - 17.0%) of the students were suffering from asthma. Three significant predictors of asthma among university students were found: (i) having a family history of asthma (p < 0.01), (ii) being underweight (p < 0.01), and (iii) being born as a second or later child (p < 0.01). Findings also revealed that 48.8% of students exhibited symptoms of depression, with a significantly higher prevalence among female students compared to males (65.3% vs. 38.8%). Having asthma was found to be significantly associated with increased odds of depression (OR = 2.65, p < 0.002). Students with a history of asthma had 165% of more likelihood to depressive symptoms compared to their non-asthmatic peers suggesting a significant association between depressive symptoms and asthma in this population. A considerable number of university students in Bangladesh suffer from asthma, with several modifiable factors such as depressive symptoms associated with the condition. The findings of this research will assist health professionals, policymakers, and university authorities in addressing the health challenges faced by students.

Exploring the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among university students in Bangladesh and their determinants

Introduction: University students represent a crucial period for establishing long-term dietary patterns and are particularly susceptible to nutritional challenges due to lifestyle changes. This study focuses on the dietary habits of university students in Bangladesh, a demographic undergoing significant changes in eating patterns amid urbanization and exposure to Westernized food cultures. Aim: This study aims to investigate the socio-demographic characteristics and dietary patterns of university students in Bangladesh, distinguishing between public and private university attendees. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted over four months at two public and two private universities in Bangladesh. The sample consisted of 296 students, selected through systematic random sampling. Data collection involved face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Dietary diversity was assessed based on the last 24 hours’ intake, and household food consumption scores were calculated over the past 7 days. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (Version 17) and Stata (Version 13). Results: The study consists of approximately equal representation of students from public (48.63%) and private (51.37%) universities, with a slight male majority (53.87%). Significant economic disparities were found between students from public and private universities, impacting their monthly expenditures and dietary habits. Students from private universities displayed a more diverse diet, especially in higher consumption of vegetables, fruits, and protein sources. A notable correlation was found between economic status and dietary diversity, with private university students having higher food consumption scores. Conclusion: The study highlights substantial socio-economic disparities between students from public and private universities in Bangladesh, significantly influencing their dietary habits. Findings emphasize the need for targeted nutritional interventions and educational programs to mitigate the gaps in dietary diversity and health among university students. The study provides valuable insights for public health policymakers and educators in understanding and addressing the nutritional needs and challenges of university students in Bangladesh.

Early diagnosis of breast cancer is the best approach towards its control that may result in alleviating related mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge about breast cancer and both practices and perceived barriers to breast self-examination among female university students in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 400 female students of Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh. Participants were sampled from female dormitories at the university from January to April 2020. Proportionate stratified random sampling was conducted to calculate the study sample from each dormitory. A validated semi-structured self-reported questionnaire was employed to collect data from participants during the survey periods. The questionnaire consisted of demographic variables, items about knowledge about breast cancer, breast self-examination practices and its barriers. We applied descriptive and inferential statistics and data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Participants were aged between 18–26 years and comprised university students of first year (20%), second year (24%), third year (22%), fourth year (21%) and Master’s (14%). 18% of them reported positive family history (mother, aunt, sister/cousin, grandmother) of breast cancer. The overall mean score of total knowledge items was 15 (SD = 3) out of 43, with an overall correct rate of 34%. The mean score of total knowledge items was significantly higher (p<0.001) among Master’s students and students with family members who have had breast cancer. Only one in five students (21%) ever practiced breast self-examination. The mean score of practice of breast self-examination was significantly higher (p<0.001) among participants who reported having family member of breast cancer. Total knowledge score about breast cancer and practice of breast self-examination were significantly correlated with each other (r = 0.54; p<0.001). About 33% participants reported ‘lack of knowledge’ as the main barrier to practicing breast self-examination followed by ‘I do not have the symptoms’ (22%), and ‘shyness/ uncomfortable feelings’ (17%). The study revealed low levels of knowledge about breast cancer and low breast self-examination practices. Our findings highlight the need to develop, implement and promote socially, culturally and demographically appropriate educational interventions programs aimed at breast cancer and breast self-examination awareness and practice in Bangladesh.

This study investigated Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine acceptance, and compared the potential factors influencing vaccine acceptance and hesitancy between public university (PuU) and private university (PrU) students in Bangladesh. An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was sent to 640 PuU and 660 PrU students in Google Form between 25th September and 22nd November 2021, which resulted in the participation of 1034 (461 PuU vs. 573 PrU) respondents (response rate: 72.03% vs. 86.81%). The pooled vaccine acceptance rates among PuU and PrU students were almost similar (88.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 85.1-91.1 vs. 87.6%, 95% CI 84.6-90.6). Employing binary logistic regression to assess the association between various potential factors and vaccine acceptance, the study revealed that out of 10 predictors, 'safety' and 'efficacy' had highly significant positive associations with vaccine acceptance in both cohorts (P = 0.000, P = 0.005). 'Political roles' was found to have varied effects- a significant (P = 0.02) negative and a significant positive (P = 0.002) association with vaccine acceptance in PuU and PrU students, respectively. Additionally, 'communication' (P = 0.003) and 'trust' (P = 0.01) were found to have significant positive associations in PrU students while 'rumours' (P = 0.03) had negative association in PuU students. The odds of accepting the COVID-19 vaccine were 1.5 vs. 0.9 in PuU and PrU students. Although chi-square analysis did not show any significant association between gender and vaccine acceptance, discrepancies were found in the factors that potentially affect vaccine uptake decision between PuU and PrU students. COVID-19 vaccine uptake may be improved if vaccine-related information becomes available and is communicated to large numbers of people effectively. The implementation of multidisciplinary interventional educational programmes may also be considered as a preferred approach to improve student's engagement in pandemic awareness and vaccine readiness.