Average Monthly Family Income Research Articles

“QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG CANCER PATIENTS IN SELECTED HOSPITALS, GUWAHATI, ASSAM: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY.”

According to Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) (17 Dec. 2020)- there are 19.3 million new cancer cases and almost 10 million deaths. Worldwide according to Global cancer statistics; 2018 head and neck cancer accounts for more than 6, 50,000 cases and 3, 3,000 deaths annually. According to Indian Council of Medical Research, ICMR (2020) there were about 13.9 lakhs cancer cases, which is likely to increase to 15.7 lakhs by 2025, based on current trends. According to ICMR- National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research NCDIR (2020) the number of cancer cases in the northeast was 50,317 (27,503 in males and 22,814 in females) and is estimated set to increase to 57,131 by 2025 (13.5%). According to a report from National Cancer Registry Programme, India (2020); the majority of the patients for head and neck cancer patients were estimated to be 66.6%. Cancer is a one of the major public health problem both in developed and developing countries around the globe. Quality-Of-Life (QOL) of a cancer patient before and after the treatment is an important issue especially for the cancer survivors, their families, and the care providers. Aim:The aim of the study was to assess the quality of life among cancer patients in selected hospitals, Guwahati, Assam. Methods and materials: A quantitative descriptive study was conducted to identify the quality of life among cancer patients in selected hospitals, Guwahati, in order to accomplish the objectives of the study. Purposive sampling technique was used for obtaining the adequate sample for the study. The conceptual framework used in the study was based on ferrans and powers quality of life mode. Study was undertaken on 100 head and neck cancer patients in selected hospitals of Guwahati, Assam. Participants were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Quality Of Life was assessed by distributing the structured tool to the respondent. Results: Data analysis was done by calculating mean, SD and chi-square test. It was found that out of 100 respondents majority 62 (62%) of the respondents were in the age groups above 50 years, 62 (62%) of the respondents were in the age groups above 50 years, 71 (71%) of the respondents were male, 64 (64%) of the respondents were married, 38 (38%) of the respondents had monthly income Rs 10,002- Rs 29,972, 65 (65%) of the respondents belongs to joint family, 56 (56%) of the respondents were Hindu, 60 (60%) of the respondents completed primary school, 39 (39%) of the respondents were diagnosed with Ca oral, 34 (34%) of the respondents were in stage 3, 53 (53%) of the respondents had a duration of >5 years, 48 (48%) of the respondents had undergone chemotherapy. In assessing the Quality Of Life it reveals that out of 100 respondents, majority i.e. 76 (76%) of respondents had average Quality Of Life .The demographic variables marital status, average monthly family income, staging of disease and duration of illness had shown statistically signicant association with level of Quality Of Life. The QOLDemographic Variables age, gender, type of family, religion, education, diagnosis and type of treatment had not shown statistically signicant association with level of quality of life among cancer patients. Conclusion:Through this study, the investigator concluded that majority of the head and neck cancer patients had average Quality Of Life.

공동체 리질리언스 및 개인 리질리언스가 코로나19 예방행동에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study is to investigate how such factors as demography, community resilience and individual resilience of peoples living in Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi-do Province affect the COVID-19 prevention behavior. The results of the analysis are as follows. First, in model 1 of hierarchical regression analysis, women, adults in their 40s and 50s, and citizens with the average monthly family income of more than 5 million won were appeared to enhance COVID-19 prevention behavior. Second, factors of community resilience were put into model 2. Coping with the crisis were shown to have positive effects on COVID-19 prevention behavior, but leadership has a negative impact, and social relationship were not statistically significant. Third, factors of individual resilience were put into model 3. The control ability, empathy and gratitude were appeared to have positive effects on COVID-19 prevention behavior, but satisfaction of life has a negative impact, and relational ability were not statistically significant. Collectively, it was confirmed that control ability is the most important factor in the prevention behavior of COVID-19.

Outcome of Postpartum Intrauterine Contraceptive Device Insertion: Findings of an Institution Based Crosssectional Study

Background: To foster family planning activities by postpartum IUCD insertion, side effects and complications of PPIUCD insertion need to be characterized. The study was conducted to find out the outcomes of postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device insertion among women attending a tertiary level hospital.
 Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 130 women. Data were collected by face-to-face interview and reviewing medical records with semi- structured questionnaire and checklist. The subjects were purposively selected following specific selection criteria and maintaining ethical issues. The study was conducted during the period from October 2016- March 2017 in a tertiary hospital: Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital (ShSMCH), Dhaka.
 Results: The study revealed that majority (53.1%) of women were 25-30 years and the mean (±SD) age was 26.40±4.273 years. Around 26.2% had secondary education and most of them i.e. 60.8% were housewife. Study revealed that average monthly family income was Tk. 20815.38 ± 9097.904. Majority (90%) of women choose PPIUD because it is convenient. Most of the respondents were inserted immediately after delivery within 10 minutes. Intracaesarean and manual insertion of PPIUCD was practiced in majority i.e. 79(60.8%) of the respondents. The study revealed that three fourth of the respondents had no side effect while common side effects of PPIUCD included vaginal discharge (12.3%), thread coming out (14.6%), missing thread (13.8%), lower abdominal pain (16.2%), expulsion (6.2%) and coital discomfort (10.8%). Only 18.5% respondents had abnormal uterine bleeding and 6.2% had PID. The results show expulsion rate was more in vaginal route (11.8%) than intra-caesarean route (2.5%) and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). All complications like abnormal uterine bleeding (15.7%) and PID (20.3%) were seen more in vaginal insertions as compared to insertion during caesarean section and was statistically significant (p<0.05).
 Conclusion: To reduce the unwanted pregnancy in postpartum period and maternal and child mortality and morbidity, PPIUCD insertion along its continuation by overcoming side effects and complications is an earnest need in a densely populated country like Bangladesh.
 JOPSOM 2020; 39(2): 1-7

Women Empowerment through Agriculture in Chapainawabganj, Bangladesh

Women constitute almost half of the population of Bangladesh and are heavily involved in different agricultural activities though their contributions are neglected as mainstream labor force which hinders their expected development. Considering this fact, the present study was designed to determine the women empowerment through agriculture in Chapainawabganj, a northern district of the country. A pre-structured questionnaire was used to collect data through face to face interview from randomly selected sample size of 120 respondents from four selected village namely Babudying, Hossaindying, Ramjibonpur and Thakurjoubon in Chapainawabganj district. The main findings indicated that about 83.3% respondents were middle age and 60% of the respondents were illiterate with 56.7% belonged to small size family which consists of up to 4 members. Agriculture was the main occupation among the respondents. Most of the respondents were found without own land although they continue their livelihood mostly by crop production, livestock rearing, and day laboring. They take lease (23.3%) of cultivable land from others. The respondents had an average monthly family income of about 9351.38 BDT whereas 95% of the respondents were under medium income category. The respondents had no extension contact (0%), having high farming experience (50%) and no cosmopolitan behavior (0%). Most of the respondents (71.7%) were unable to make their own decision and 33.3% of the respondents had educational rights. The economic participation rate of the respondents was very high (100%), on the other hand they had no economic opportunities (0%). The attitude of the respondents towards women empowerment were mostly moderately favorable (70%). Most of the respondents of the study area were lied between low to medium empowerment (96.7%) with minimal high empowerment (3.30%). Study suggests that there is need a lot of work for women to improve their present condition. Government and Non-government organizations should take proper step to decrease gender discrimination as well as ensure women’s fundamental rights to make their life easy and make them more empowered.

Analysis of Factors Influencing Insomnia and Construction of a Prediction Model: A Cross-sectional Survey on Rescuers

ObjectiveTo determine the factors influencing insomnia and construct early insomnia warning tools for rescuers to informbest practices for early screening and intervention. MethodsCluster sampling was used to conduct a cross-sectional survey of 1,133 rescuers from one unit in Beijing, China. Logistic regression modeling and R software were used to analyze insomnia-related factors and construct a PRISM model, respectively. ResultsThe positive rate of insomnia among rescuers was 2.74%. Accounting for participants' age, education, systolic pressure, smoking, per capita family monthly income, psychological resilience, and cognitive emotion regulation, logistic regression analysis revealed that, compared with families with an average monthly income less than 3,000 yuan, the odds ratio (OR) values and the [95% confidence interval (CI)] for participants of the following categories were as follows: average monthly family income greater than 5,000 yuan: 2.998 (1.307–6.879), smoking: 4.124 (1.954–8.706), and psychological resilience: 0.960 (0.933–0.988). The ROC curve area of the PRISM model (AUC) = 0.7650, specificity = 0.7169, and sensitivity = 0.7419. ConclusionInsomnia was related to the participants' per capita family monthly income, smoking habits, and psychological resilience on rescue workers. The PRISM model's good diagnostic value advises its use to screen rescuer early sleep quality. Further, advisable interventions to optimize sleep quality and battle effectiveness include psychological resilience training and smoking cessation.

Parenting Stress of Mothers Having Children with Thalassemia

Background: Parents of children with thalassemia faces numerous challenges while coping various problems arises from the disease.
 Objective: The study was conductedto assess parenting stress of the mothers having children with thalassemia.
 Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted amongmothers having children with thalassemia. A total of 253 mothers were included in this study conveniently.Data were collected by face to face interview by using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data analysiswere done by SPSS software. Level of stress was measured by using a modified parenting stress scale. The study was carried out during January to December 2016.
 Place and period of study: This study was conducted in International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka Shishu Hospital thalassemia center, Thalassemia foundation hospital and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University.
 Results: The study revealed that 25-34 years age group was more (83.4%). Majorityofthemothers was Muslim (97%), married (95%), educated up to SSC (64%), house wife (87%). Average monthly family income of the mothers was 26257 BDT and most of them were living in nuclear family (68%). Majority of the mothers had 2 children (82.2%), maximum was within 1-10 years age group (65.2%) and bearingchild within 15-24 years (64%). Most of the mothers had male children (63%), received antenatal checkup (84%) and normal delivery (70%) at hospital (58%). Complication during pregnancy was found in few mothers (15%) and included malnutrition with anemia. Majority of the children were diagnosed thalassemia within 2 years of age (79.8%) and physical complications included reduced hemoglobin level and physical activity. Few thalassemic children had splenectomy (13%), majority of the children’s condition was not improved (72%). Most of the respondents visited hospital once in a month (46%). Among all mothers, few had social support (28%) and greater part received financial support (84%). Majority of the mothers faced moderate level stress (52.2%). Mean of parenting stress was 40.16(±8.07). Minimum and maximum score of parenting stress was 22 and 59 respectively.
 Conclusion: The parents having children with Thalassemia are burdened and under stress because of the chronic nature of the illness. All the findings suggests that time decisions with proper psychological supports and appropriate managements system can overcome the long term sufferings of the patients and thus reduce the stress of parents.
 JOPSOM 2019; 38(2): 22-29

Accessibility to Health Care Services of Upazila Health Complex: Experience of Rural People

Background: Upazila health complex (UHC) is the first referral health facility at primary level of health care delivery system in the country. Rural people attend the UHCs to meet their health care needs and demands. But accessibility of the rural people to the UHCs is still not up to the mark.
 Objective: This study was conducted to assess accessibility of rural people to health care services of UHC.
 Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study, which was conducted at the Kaliakair UHC of Gazipur district in Bangladesh during the period from January to December 2016. The study included 300 rural adults, who were selected systemically. Data were collected by face-to-face interview with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire. Prior to data collection, informed written consent was taken from each participant.
 Results: The study revealed that males (51.3%) and females (48.7%) were very close in proportion with mean age of 35.73(±11.74) years. More than three fourth (77.3%) were married and 31.3% had primary education while 28.7% were illiterate. One third was housewives; average family size was 5.43 (±2.54) and average monthly family income was Tk.13920 (±10290.75). Around half of the participants choose the UHC for effective treatment and due to close distance from their residence while one third for low cost treatment and free of cost treatment. Around half of them didn‟t find any display board at the UHC. More than three fourth (82.0%) regarded doctor‟s behavior as „Good‟ while behavior of supporting staff was regarded „Good‟ by 66.0% participants. About half of the participants went to the UHC by rickshaw and 32.0% on foot. Average waiting time was 23.99 (±15.07) minutes to get access to treatment. Off all, 62.0% got full course of prescribed drugs but majority (71.3%) didn‟t get access to advised laboratory facility. Most (82.7%) could not be admitted in the hospital due to insufficient bed (24.2%) and inadequate treatment facility (22.6%), manpower (62.8%) and drug supply. Overall accessibility to UHC was „good‟ (21.3%) followed by „average‟ (31.3%) and „poor‟ (47.3%). It was found that females (53.3%) had significantly (p<0.05) poor accessibility to the UHC services than their counterpart males (41.1%). On the contrary, young adults, elderly, illiterate and primary education groups had significantly (p<0.05) „poor‟ accessibility to UHC services. Higher education (42.9% Masters and 36.4% Graduates) group had significantly „good‟ accessibility. More than half (53.1%) of the service holders and majority (60.0%) of higher income (Tk.30001-50000) group had had „average‟ and „good‟ accessibility respectively, which is statistically significant (p<0.05). Barriers to accessibility included long waiting time (67.0%), inadequate drug supply (62.0%), limited laboratory facility (40.0%), inadequate manpower (37.9%) and poor cooperation of the staff (32.0%) and communication (18.4%).
 Conclusion: To improve accessibility of the rural people to the health care services of the UHC, associated problems must be overcome by effective measures and program interventions.
 JOPSOM 2019; 38(2): 30-37

Patient Waiting Time in Emergency Department of a Tertiary Level Hospital

Background: Patient waiting time is an important factor of utilizing hospital service, patient satisfaction, quality of management etc. Hence, emergency department (ED) performance can be best assessed by measuring patients’ waiting time and affecting factors at this department.
 Objective: To determine patient waiting time at ED and associated factors in a tertiary level hospital.
 Materials and methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in ED of Chattogram Medical College & Hospital (CMCH), Bangladesh. A total of 175 patients or their attendants at ED were enrolled by convenient sampling technique. Data were collected by face- to- face interview with pretested semi-structured questionnaire and observational checklist. Descriptive statistics was used for analysis by MS Excel and SPSS 21st version windows software.
 Result: Around half (47.40%) was male followed by female (32%) and children (20.6%). Mean (± SD) age of the patients was 33.69 ± 21.33 years. More than half (52.6%) were from rural areas followed by urban areas (47.7%). Average monthly family income was Tk. 23891.43(±13033.76). Mean (±SD) waiting time for collecting ticket, consultation with doctor, physical examination, and nursing services were 8.06(±7.98) minutes, 5.46(±6.95) minutes, 2.30(±1.11) minutes and 8(±6.22) minutes respectively. More than two fifth (41.1%) patients had waiting time within 5 minutes. The ratio of doctor/patient, nurse/patient, ticket provider/patient and trolleys & wheel chairs bearer/patient were 1:115, 1:58, 1:115 and 1:40 respectively. Majority of the patients (57.7%) were transferred to Inpatient Department (IPD). Statistically significant relationship was found between satisfaction on overall management and overall waiting time of ED (χ2 = 22.47, df =6, p=0.001).
 Conclusion: Majority (48.1%) found satisfied with waiting time at the emergency department.
 JOPSOM 2019; 38(2): 15-21

Pattern of stress and anxiety behaviour among people with type 2 diabetes in a tertiary care hospital of Delhi, India: an observational study

Background: The prevalence of stress and anxiety in diabetes is considerably higher than normal population and found to have a negative impact on diabetes. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships among perceived diabetes-related stress and anxiety behaviors in adults living with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).Methods: In this descriptive and cross sectional study, systematic random sampling technique was used to select the sample of type 2 diabetic patients. Scheduled interview of 412 type 2 diabetic patient was conducted at outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi.Results: Out of 412 diabetic patients, 58.7 percent feel diabetes-related stress and anxiety behaviors when they think about living with diabetes. Age of patients, educational status, occupation and average monthly family income of diabetic patients are statistically associated with perceived diabetes-related stress and anxiety behaviors of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Lifestyle behaviour like diet pattern (vegetarian or nonvegetarian diet) and moderate intensity activities like walking are also statistically associated with perceived diabetes-related stress and anxiety behaviors of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.Conclusions: This study found a high prevalence of diabetes-related stress and anxiety behavior in patients with Type 2 DM. Therefore, the care of individuals with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) should include the screening and possible management of stress and anxiety in order to achieve and sustain treatment goals.

EXPEDIÇÕES GEOGRÁFICAS DA UFAC: AUTOAVALIAÇÃO E IMPACTOS NA FORMAÇÃO E ATUAÇÃO PROFISSIONAL DO GEÓGRAFO

O desenvolvimento de projetos, por lógica requer que um processo de acompanhamento e avaliação seja efetivado. Assim, o presente manuscrito realiza uma discussão sobre o desenvolvimento da segunda expedição geográfica da Universidade Federal do Acre focada no processo de autoavaliação do projeto, e dos seus impactos para os discentes envolvidos na atividade. Para isso, um survey on-line foi desenvolvido com auxílio do Google Forms®, e aplicado aos discentes. O survey foi estruturado em seções visando o recolhimento de informações sobre o perfil dos discentes, custos financeiros, contribuição para formação teórico e prática em áreas da geografia, e, planejamento e execução das ações. A síntese quantitativa das respostas foi processada nos softwares Bioestat®, Ecxel® e IRaMuTeQ®. Por fim, os resultados indicam que os participantes possuem média de idade e renda familiar mensal, respectivamente, de 28 anos e R$ 1552,38. Para a maioria dos discentes a expedição teve relevante contribuição na formação teórica e prática nas áreas de geografia física, humana e representação do espaço. No quesito planejamento e execução, observa-se o mesmo comportamento positivo na avaliação. Por fim, conclui-se que a expedição geográfica se tornou uma referência positiva para a valorização e ampliação da qualidade dos cursos de geografia da Ufac.

Association of Household Food Security with Anaemia among Children of a Selected Rural Area of Bangladesh

Introduction: Food insecurity refers to a household’s having “limited or uncertain availability of food, or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways”. Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia, are the most prevalent nutritional deficiencies worldwide and related to household food insecurity.
 Objectives: To find out the association between household food security and anaemia in children of a selected rural area of Bangladesh.
 Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among children ranging age from 12 to 60 months during the period ofJanuary 2009 to June 2009in Chandpur district. Mothers of the children were the respondents. A total of 192 children selected by simple random sampling were included in the study. Data were collected by face-to-face interview of the respondents and by estimation of haemoglobin of the children.
 Results: The mean age of the children was 34.5 ± 16.8 months. Male children were more than the female children with male to female ratio being 3:2. The average monthly family income was taka 7500. More than 60% of the mother had secondary level education. Farming was the prime occupation (36.4 %) of the father followed by business (25.5%) and service (22.4%). About 36% of the household did not have food security and nearly 45% of the children wereanaemic (Hb<11 g/dl). About two-thirds (65.2%) children with household food insecurity was anaemic (Hb 11g/dl). Estimation of odds ratio demonstrates that food insecured children were nearly 3 times as likely to develop anaemia as the children having household food security. The present study revealed a significant association (P<0.001) between household food security and anaemia in children. Household food security was not influenced by age and gender of the children. Low family income and mother’ illiteracy was significantly associated with household food insecurity.
 Conclusion: The present study revealed a significant association between household food insecurity and anaemia in children. Household food security was not influenced by age and gender of the children. However, low family income and mothers’ illiteracy play significant role in household food security.
 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.14 (2) 2018: 130-133

Neighborhood food environment and consumption of fruit and leafy vegetables: Pro-Saude Study, Brazil

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between availability of different types of retail food stores and consumption of fruit and leafy vegetables. Study designThis study is a cross-sectional study. MethodsData were derived from 2032 adults living in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, participating in the longitudinal Pro-Saude Study. Exposure to street markets, fruit and vegetable stores, groceries and markets, unhealthy food outlets, restaurants, and supermarkets within 1600 m buffers was obtained by georeferencing residential addresses. Consumption of fruit and leafy vegetables was assessed via two single questions, categorized as ‘yes’ (≥4 days/week) and ‘no’ (<3 days/week). Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess relationships of interest adjusted for surrounding average monthly income, sex, age, education, and family income per capita. ResultsExcept for supermarkets, the presence of a greater number of retail food stores – irrespective of the type – was associated with higher odds of consumption of fruit and leafy vegetables than with areas with a lower number (e.g. odds ratio = 1.47; 95% confidence interval = 1.13–1.91). ConclusionsThe greater availability of several types of retail food stores close to participants’ residences was associated with higher consumption of fruit and leafy vegetables in Rio de Janeiro.

Investigation of disease-related knowledge-attitude-practice in patients with diabetic retinopathy and its influencing factors

Objective To explore the knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) level in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and analyze the correlation between these factors and KAP. Methods Totally 318 DR patients were selected using cluster sampling and investigated for their demographic information and KAP from March 2018 to March 2019. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the factors related to KAP. Results The total KAP score of the 315 DR patients was (19.26±5.77) , and their score of DR prevention and control knowledge was (9.37±4.08) , with an accuracy rate of 43.81%. The most common way for DR patients to obtain knowledge is was mobile phone / WeChat / other online channels, followed by communication with patients; the most desired way for DR patients to obtain knowledge was lectures by doctors / nurses, and the DR-related service that they wanted the most was free blood sugar and fundus examination. The DR attitude score was (4.61±1.33) . The positive response rate for glycemic monitoring and control is very important for DR, and all patients must control blood glucose within the normal range was 86.03%, ranking the highest, while the positive response rate for willing to receive psychological guidance was 19.68%, ranking the lowest. The DR behavior score was (5.28±1.96) . The positive response rate for ask family, friends, or medical professionals for help with vision problems was 89.52%, ranking the highest, while the positive rate for able to abide by the principles of diabetes diet on holidays, birthdays, or outing was 34.29%, ranking the lowest. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that there were positive correlations between the course of disease and the total score of KAP (r=0.510, P=0.032) , education levels (r=0.171, P=0.011) and DR prevention knowledge, the average monthly family income (r=0.922, P=0.021) , with or without complications (r=0.671, P=0.027) and DR attitude, and living style (r=0.381, P=0.013) , average monthly household income (r=0.884, P=0.024) and DR behavior. Conclusions The overall level of KAP in DR patients is low, and health education for medical staff needs to be strengthened. KAP is closely related to factors such as age, education, complications, average family income, and living style. KAP in DR patients should be improved through many ways in clinical practice. Key words: Diabetes; Diabetic retinopathy; Knowledge; Attitude; Practice

Comparing walking accessibility variations between groceries and other retail activities for seniors

This paper aims to compare walking accessibility levels between groceries and other types of retail for seniors, examining whether patterns are uniform (or not). The city of Granada, Spain served as case study. First, a questionnaire was administered with persons older than 55 years, assessing their willingness to reach different types of retail opportunities on foot. A total of 202 valid responses were obtained (171 face-to-face and 31 online): 56% women, average age 69 years old, 20% living alone, and average monthly family income between €1000-€2000. Second, the K-modes clustering algorithm was used to identify four seniors sub-groups: “non-motorized seniors between 65 and 75”, “motorized seniors between 65 and 75”, “non-motorized seniors older than 75”, and “motorized seniors younger than 65”. The variables used were: age, car availability, household income, and household composition. Third, by using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (p-level <0.05), a comparison of time-willingness functions to walk to retail was made between seniors sub-groups. The results revealed that walking accessibility to groceries are not significantly different among those sub-groups, while the accessibility levels to weekly retail are significantly lower for the “motorized seniors younger than 65” for time-willingness slots of 20–30 min. R software was used for statistical analysis.

Predictors of Self-Reported Health Status of Ready-made Garment Workers in Bangladesh in Post Global Economic Recession Period.

IntroductionThere has been disagreement within academia in Bangladesh on whether the global economic recession of 2008-2009 came out as a bane or a boon to their economy and for their people, particularly workers in the ready-made garments (RMG) sector; therefore, we sought to conduct a study among currently employed and recently unemployed RMG workers to examine the influence of recession on their self-reported health status.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 workers across 20 factories and 108 recently unemployed workers from different locations of Dhaka. Workers were selected based on a systematic sampling method from 20 randomly selected factories. Unemployed respondents were selected via snowball sampling. A questionnaire was prepared to cover different socio-demographic variables, which were then explored against an outcome variable of how the respondents rate their current health status (2009) compared with their past health status during the economic recession period (2008). A simple logistic regression was conducted for each of the independent variables with the outcome variable. Finally, all independent variables were loaded against the outcome variable, and multiple logistic regression was run.ResultsThe only statistically significant predictor of self-reported health status was age, which indicated a 4% decrease (p = 0.05; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.9203417 to 1.000015) in improved or better health with each year increase in age, holding other variables constant. Respondent health status was unchanged or even improved after the period of recession. The employed group had 1542.061 Taka (approximately $20) more average monthly family income than the unemployed group (two-sample t-test p-value 0.007), their health status was not affected (odds ratio (OR) 0.998; p-value 0.907).ConclusionThe absence of an association between self-reported health status and economic recession is not uncommon, and explanations have been proposed for this phenomenon.

Strategies Adopted by Families to Overcome Financial Burden of Childhood Cancer

Introduction: Childhood cancer imposes considerable financial burden for the family which ultimately leads to serious economic consequences for the family. Families have to cope up these costs by adopting various strategies.&#x0D; Objective: To determine the strategies to mitigate financial burden of childhood cancer.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 220 childhood cancer patients at selected specialized hospitals of Bangladesh. Face-to-face interview of the parents or guardian with semi-structured questionnaire following systematic random sampling technique data were collected.&#x0D; Results: Mean age of the children was 7.30±4.203 years and majority (66.4%) was male. Most of them (78.6%) were from rural and average monthly family income was BDT 11634.09±8740.630. Among all the children majority (39.1%) had leukaemia followed by blastoma (28.2%), sarcoma (15.9%), lymphoma (10.0%) and adenocarcinoma (6.8%). Average treatment cost was BDT 45593.59±12187.637. Sources of fund for treatment included were from family savings (35.9%), loan (70.5%), receiving donation (56.8%), support from relatives (75.0%) and property selling (59.5%). Strategies adopted by parents to overcome the situation all (100%) of them accepted as reality and started various religious activities it also included changing life style (94.5%), taking social support (54.1%) and minimizing family investment (22.3%).&#x0D; Conclusion: Childhood cancer is a growing public health problem in Bangladesh, so different cost effective measures like subsidized or free of cost treatment should be adopted to reduce the financial burden of the families of the victims of childhood cancer.&#x0D; Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.13(2) 2017: 25-28

Association between Food Behaviour of Pregnant Women and Status of Serum Vitamin B12 and Neonatal Outcome – A Cross-Sectional Study

Background &amp; objective: To find the association between serum vitamin B12 and food behavior of the pregnant women and its influence on perinatal outcome.&#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics &amp; Gynaecology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka between June 2012 to July 2013. A total of 102 uncomplicated pregnant women attending at the Obstetrics &amp; Gynaecology Department of BSMMU, Dhaka were the study population. Plasma vitamin B12 was measured by Abbott Axsym System using a Enzyme Immuno Assay Technique with the blood collected in a plain test tube. A serum vitamin B12 level of &lt; 200 pg/mL was considered as low serum vitamin B12 level. The outcome variables were birth weight, small-for-date, neural tube defects and other congenital malformations.&#x0D; Result: The selected pregnant women were housewife (74.5%) from low socioeconomic strata. They were generally urban resident (90.2%) with mean age being 26.4 years. In terms of education 17.6% were primary level, 30.4% SSC level, 31.4% HSC level and 20.6% graduate and higher level educated. Majority (90.2%) was urban resident with average monthly family income being Taka 29460. One-third (33.3%) was overweight and 6.9% obese. Two-thirds (66.7%) were at 37-39 weeks of gestation and nullipara. More than 60% received ANC (antenatal care) aregularly. Over one-third (35.3%) had low serum vitamin B12 (&lt; 200 pg/mL). The food behaviour of the women was found to be associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. The pregnant women with low serum vitamin B12 (&lt; 200 pg/ml) had significantly lower weekly consumption of fishes and eggs which are the rich source of vitamin B12. The weekly fish, eggs and amount of milk consumed by the pregnant women with low serum vitamin B12 were much lower than those consumed by the pregnant women with normal serum vitamin B12. The pregnant women with low serum vitamin B12 were more likely to carry a higher risk of adverse perinatal outcome. The incidences of low-birth weight and small-for-dates were staggeringly higher in women with low serum vitamin B12 (33.3% and 27.8% respectively) compared to those in women with normal serum vitamin B12.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study concluded that pregnant women with low serum vitamin B12 are accustomed to taking low fish and eggs in their daily diet compared to those who have normal serum vitamin B12. The incidence of low birth weight and small-for-date babies are more prevalent in the pregnant women with subclinical deficiency of vitamin B12.&#x0D; Ibrahim Card Med J 2017; 7 (1&amp;2): 84-91

Aspiration and Readiness of Filipino Senior High School Students in Pursuing College Degree

This study aimed at determining the senior high school students’ level of aspiration and level of readiness in pursuing college degree. It probed into whether there is a difference in the level of aspiration and level of readiness in pursuing college degree when grouped according to age, gender, average monthly family income and academic track. It also looked into the relationship between the respondents’ level of aspiration and their level of readiness in pursuing college degree. This descriptive-correlational study involved 198 senior high school students of the University of Perpetual Help System Laguna, Binan Campus. Findings showed that majority of the respondents were young adult, female, with an average monthly family income of less than 30 thousand and belonged to STEM. The respondents showed very high level of aspiration and high level of readiness in pursuing college degree. Further, the female respondents who belonged to HUMSS had higher level of aspiration than the male respondents and those who belonged to HUMSS had higher level of readiness than those who belonged to aforesaid academic track. The respondents’ aspiration was a strong predictor of their readiness in pursuing college degree.

미취학자녀가 있는 국민기초생활보장제도 수급 대상 다문화가족 결혼이주여성의 생활만족도 관련 변인

This study examined the related factors of life satisfaction of married immigrant women with preschool children who are recipients of the National Basic Livelihood Security System. For this purpose, we drew data from the 2015 National Survey on Multi-cultural Families (NSMF). The target group was married immigrant women with preschool children who benefited from the National Basic Livelihood Security System (N=114). We used OLS regression to analyze the related factors of life satisfaction of the target group with the SPSS 23.0 program. The results are as follows. First, married immigrant women with preschool children who benefited from the National Basic Livelihood Security System were in their 30s and had maintained their marriage for about 8 years. The average monthly family income was below $900 and over half of them were not employed. They thought that they were healthy and were satisfied with their everyday lives. Even thought they had conflict with their spouses, they were satisfied with their spousal relationship and their spouse’s child care roles. They supported assimilation to Korean culture and their level of Korean language proficiency was at an intermediate level. Second, all independent variables explained 56% of life satisfaction in married immigrant women with preschool children who benefited from the National Basic Livelihood Security System. Satisfaction with spousal relationship and subjective health were positively associated with life satisfaction for married immigrant women. However, assimilation to Korean culture was negatively associated with life satisfaction for them. Findings of this study can provide implications for family life education programs and family policy within a multi-cultural society.

Socio-economic condition, dietary pattern and nutritional status of pre-school ethnic children in Bandarban district of Bangladesh

Nutrition is a foundation to ensure good health. The geographic and demographic factors affect food and nutrition. This study focuses socio-economic condition, dietary pattern and nutritional profile of preschool ethnic children at a single point in a specified time in sadarupazila of Bandarban district. This area was conveniently selected to collect sample. Sample was collected by visiting door to door. The dietary energy intake was determined by three days 24hours recall method. Statistical Package for Social Sciences 22.0 version was used for data analysis. Nutritional status was determined by ENA for SMART - Software. Mean age of the children was 4.21±0.80years. Most of the parents completed primary education. Father of the children was day labor and mother were housewife. Average monthly family income was 10316.53±10013.97 BDT. Average weight and height of children was16.18kg weight and 97.45cm height. Normal and underweight ethnic children were 84.80% and 15.20%. Distribution of normal and stunted children were 62.80% and 37.20%. About 8.60% children were wasted. Average calorie intake was 1037.33kcal per day. Protein, carbohydrate and fat intake were 30.39gm, 175.78gm and 21.31gm respectively. Statistically significant association was found between condition of latrine and child nutritional status (HAZ) (p=0.010<0.05). Statistically significant association was found between source of drinking water and ethnic children nutritional status (WAZ) (p=0.045<0.05). Statistically significant association was found between immunization status and ethnic children nutritional status (WAZ, WHZ) (p=0.004<0.05, p=0.015<0.05). Statistically significant association was found between deworming status and ethnic children nutritional status (WAZ) (p=0.004<0.05). There was positive correlation between nutritional status (HAZ) of ethnic children and monthly family income and it is statistically significant (p=0.024<0.05). This research findings will be helpful for policy maker and planner to develop new plan and strategy to combat under nutrition.