BRAC University Research Articles

Determinants of students’ satisfaction: Higher education perspective

The intention of this paper is to verify students’ satisfaction through service quality, institutional image, and intake quality from a higher education perspective. To satisfy this objective, the study collected 303 data points randomly from North South University, Brac University, and United International University, the top three non-government institutions in Bangladesh. Results exhibited that service quality, institutional image, and the intake quality of students are statistically significant predictors of student satisfaction. As a result, these factors are appropriate for explaining student satisfaction. From a practical point of view, academicians, scholars, and practitioners should emphasize service quality, intake quality of students, and institutional image as major determinants of student satisfaction. It is challenging to maintain student satisfaction in institutes of higher learning. University administrators will have a great deal of opportunity to make useful judgments for boosting student satisfaction by comprehending this point of view and this study's conceptual model. Additionally, this research would have a big impact on both policymakers and academics. This study concentrated on aspects of higher education that students highly value. To fortify this conceptual model, the study incorporated "intake quality of student" as an independent variable for determining student satisfaction, which is a fairly extraordinary effort to expose a theoretical gap.

European Journal of Geography (Year 2023): Reviewer Appreciation & Publication Recap

European Journal of Geography (Year 2023): Reviewer Appreciation & Publication Recap

The Role of Social Media Marketing in Shaping Educational Institution Branding

This study explores how social media platforms such as Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok shape educational institutions’ branding efforts. With the rise of digital marketing, institutions increasingly rely on social media to communicate their values, enhance visibility, and engage with students, alumni, and prospective enrollees. This study analyzes how these platforms influence brand identity, credibility, and student decision-making. The methodology involves a mixed-method approach that includes case studies of renowned educational institutions in Bangladesh, such as Dhaka University, BRAC University, and North South University. Social media analytics tools such as engagement rates, impressions, and follower growth were used to measure branding success. Surveys and interviews were also conducted with marketing professionals and students to gain insights into content strategies, platform effectiveness, and engagement levels. The findings reveal that Instagram is particularly effective for visual storytelling, LinkedIn for professional networking and academic credibility, Facebook for community building, and TikTok for reaching younger audiences. However, challenges such as managing negative feedback and ensuring consistent messaging across platforms were identified as significant limitations. This study contributes to marketing and education by providing actionable strategies for educational institutions to leverage social media in branding. It offers insights for educational marketers, administrators, and researchers seeking to understand the evolving role of digital platforms in higher education branding.

Organizational Behavior of Private University Library Professionals: A Developing Country Perspective

The main aim of the study is to explore the organizational behavior of selected private university library professionals in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A standardized questionnaire was used to conduct a survey among 80 library professionals from five chosen private university libraries. Organizational behavior can also assist librarians in assessing a potential job applicant’s abilities and attitude during the recruiting process, enabling private university human resources to find the most suitable library staff for the university’s library to meet the research objectives. From primary and secondary data sources, efforts were made to gather necessary research data. Frequencies were shown in terms of percentages and factor analysis through eigenvalue, which determined the level of organizational behavior for private universities rank or rating. Descriptive statistics, such as mean and variance, and multiple correlation analysis for ANOVA testing have been calculated using SPSS Version 22. A total of 30 variables were taken into consideration for analysis, followed by six factors along with their loading. The loading factor amounts to a total variance of 75.59%. The library of East West University ranks first in four factors: structure, working conditions, reward and warmth, and interpersonal relations. The BRAC University Library is ranked second, while the ULAB Library, DIU Library, and Stamford University Library are ranked third, fourth, and fifth, respectively. This study made certain recommendations and limitations inside Bangladesh’s private university libraries, which will spark further research in the future. For this analysis, most of the variables are the organizational behavior of private university libraries.

Effectiveness of a community health worker-led low-sodium salt intervention to reduce blood pressure in rural Bangladesh: protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial

BackgroundHigh blood pressure is a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. Low-sodium salt substitute (LSSS) is a promising population-level blood pressure-lowering intervention requiring minimal behavioral change. The optimal method of delivering LSSS to individuals, however, is currently unknown. Community health workers (CHWs) have successfully been used to implement health interventions in Bangladesh and may provide a venue for the dissemination of LSSS.MethodsWe aim to conduct a cluster-randomized controlled trial involving 309 households in rural Bangladesh previously identified and characterized by the BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University (BRAC JPGSPH). These households will be randomly assigned to three arms: (1) control, i.e., no intervention; (2) information only, i.e., community health workers will provide basic information on high blood pressure, the health consequences of excessive salt consumption, and feedback to the participant on the likely quantity of salt s/he consumes (estimated using a questionnaire); (3) free LSSS arm: the same information as in arm 2 will be provided, but participants will receive 6 months of free low-sodium salt along with education on the benefits of LSSS. One male and one female adult (age ≥ 18 years) in each household will be invited to participate, the exclusion criteria being households with members known to have high serum potassium levels, are taking medications known to elevate potassium levels (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs, potassium-sparing diuretics), are already taking potassium supplements, or those who have known kidney disease or abnormal serum creatinine at baseline. The primary endpoint will be blood pressure at 6 months post-intervention.DiscussionRecent large clinical trials of LSSS in China and India have shown not only blood pressure improvements, but also stroke, major cardiac event, and all-cause mortality reductions. Nevertheless, how to best translate this intervention to population-level effectiveness remains unclear. Our study would test whether a community health worker-based program could be effectively used to disseminate LSSS and achieve measurable blood pressure benefits.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05425030. Registered on June 21, 2022.

Why urban communities from low-income and middle-income countries participate in public and global health research: protocol for a scoping review

IntroductionAs the number of people living in cities increases worldwide, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), urban health is a growing priority of public and global health. Rapid unplanned...

Taking Exception to Norm: The Caretaker Governments in Bangladesh

ConstellationsEarly View ORIGINAL ARTICLE Taking Exception to Norm: The Caretaker Governments in Bangladesh Riaz Partha Khan, Corresponding Author Riaz Partha Khan [email protected] BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh Correspondence Riaz Partha Khan, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author Riaz Partha Khan, Corresponding Author Riaz Partha Khan [email protected] BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh Correspondence Riaz Partha Khan, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author First published: 21 April 2023 https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8675.12677Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Early ViewOnline Version of Record before inclusion in an issue RelatedInformation

Community-Based Research in Fragile Contexts: Reflections From Rohingya Refugee Camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

This commentary examines community-based research in fragile settings based on the authors’ experience working with Rohingya and host community researchers in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. This iteration of a community-based approach to research focuses on putting community researchers at the center and emphasizes their involvement at each stage of the research process – from design to implementation to analysis – alongside external researchers. Community researchers contribute their expertise to increase understanding of nuances that might otherwise be lost to external researchers. Integral to this approach is building and nurturing the trust of researchers, respondents and community members through innovative means such as an informal “trust network.” Also central to the community-based approach, especially in fragile 1 settings, is a sustained emphasis on community researchers’ learning and skills-building. The commentary article describes methods developed by the Centre for Peace and Justice, Brac University (CPJ), implemented with Rohingya refugees and host community researchers in Cox’s Bazar. The article suggests: Putting community members at the heart of learning and research approaches helps to amplify marginalized voices and emphasize their needs and choices. The political and economic atmosphere of a refugee setting can change rapidly. In such circumstances, community-based research can be vital to policymakers that seek to understand emerging concerns and issues. Community-based experiential education and research approaches hold potential to promote grassroots leadership among refugee youth in situations of protracted displacement. Strengthening the capacities of community researchers is crucial to this approach. Community researchers often lack language skills, especially writing and reading, and translating from local dialects to English or any other preferred language. The acquisition of research skills can also pave a durable and critical pathway toward meaningful youth engagement. Trust and familiarity between refugee interlocutors and researchers require long-term engagement. Creating a culture of mutual respect and dignity is of utmost importance. The community expects researchers to respect their religious beliefs and cultural values. The two-way exchange between community researchers and respondents enhances the learning process and can help discover areas for further inquiry.

Mapping of Knowledge on Projects on Justice Sector Facility Development and Human Rights in Bangladesh Since 2000

This project was submitted to UNDP and implemented by School of Law, BRAC University, funded by UNDP and Uk aid as part of the JSF Project. Duration of the project was October 2014-July 2015.

Understanding end-users’ perspectives on koha usage in selected university libraries of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Purpose: The research aims to figure out the present state of Koha usage and application in Bangladesh. Methodology: The Survey method was employed with the help of a structured questionnaire. A total of 60 (Sixty) respondents were randomly selected who were getting services through Koha from the libraries. We gathered data from the participants of BRAC University Library; BUET Central Library; Eastern University Library; EWU Library; IUB Library; DIU Library; SAU Library; and Green University of Bangladesh Library. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS (20.0 version) and general statistics. Findings: Findings indicated that most of the respondents (65%) reported Koha was easy to use, while 35% of them had a negative impression. The study explored that users expressed their highest satisfaction level with the statement ‘notifications of new arrival materials (M=3.88), Self-renewal’ (M=3.83), while the lowest M=3.40 with the statement ‘understanding user interface’’ regarding day-to-day usage of Koha. Research limitations: The study covered the perspectives of students as users only for some selected university libraries of Dhaka City. It would be better to include the university libraries of other cities in Bangladesh as well as the perspectives of faculty users. Practical implications: The results will be helpful to the university libraries of Bangladesh which are planning to adopt Koha in near future. Originality/value: This is original research that empirically assesses the use and application of Koha at selected university libraries. Keywords: Koha, university libraries, user's perceptions, Dhaka city, integrated library management system.

“Younger women had more access to COVID-19 information”: An intersectional analysis of factors influencing women and girls’ access to COVID-19 information in Rohingya and host communities in Bangladesh

The Rohingya and Bangladeshi host communities live at a heightened risk of COVID-19 impact due to their pre-existing vulnerabilities, religious beliefs, and strict socio-cultural and gender norms that render primarily women and girls vulnerable. However, the extent of this vulnerability varies within and across population groups in the host and Rohingya communities. The intersectionality lens helps identify, recognize, and understand these factors that create inequities within populations. This study explored the factors that influenced the women and girls' access to information during the COVID-19 pandemic through an intersectional lens. This paper presents partial findings from the exploratory qualitative part of mixed-method research conducted in ten Rohingya camps and four wards of the adjacent host communities in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. Data were extracted from 24 in-depth interviews (12 in each community) conducted from November 2020 to March 2021 with diverse participants, including adolescent girls, younger women, adult women, pregnant and lactating mothers, persons with disabilities, older adults, and single female-household heads. All participants provided verbal informed consent before the interviews. In the case of the adolescents, assent was taken from the participants, and verbal informed consent was taken from their parents/guardians. The ethical clearance of this study was sought from the institutional review board of BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University. We find that the women and girls living in Rohingya communities exhibit a more profound structural interplay of factors within their socio-ecological ecosystem depending on their age, power, and position in the society, physical (dis)abilities, and pre-existing vulnerabilities stemming from their exodus, making them more vulnerable to COVID-19 impact by hindering their access to information. Unlike Rohingya, the host women and girls explain the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their access to information through the lens of intergenerational poverty and continuous strain on existing resources, thereby highlighting shrinking opportunities due to the influx, COVID-19 infodemic and misinformation, access to digital devices amongst the adolescents, and restricted mobility mainly due to transport, school closures, and distance-related issues. Moreover, the socio-cultural beliefs and the gender norms imposed on women and adolescent girls played an essential role in accessing information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and consequently influenced their perception of and response to the disease and its safety protocols. Socio-cultural gender norms led to mobility restrictions, which compounded by lockdowns influenced their access to information resulting in dependency on secondary sources, usually from male members of their families, which can easily mislead/provide mis/partial information. The younger age groups had more access to primary sources of information and a broader support network. In comparison, the older age groups were more dependent on secondary sources, and their social networks were limited to their family members due to their movement difficulty because of age/aging-related physical conditions. This study explored and analyzed the intersectional factors that influenced the women and girls' access to information during the COVID-19 pandemic from two contexts with varying degrees of pre-existing vulnerability and its extent. These include gender, age, state of vulnerability, power and privilege, socio-economic status, and physical (dis)ability. It is imperative that services geared towards the most vulnerable are contextualized and consider the intersectional factors that determine the communities' access to information.

Has COVID-19 Made the Vulnerable Groups Even More Vulnerable? Exploring the Conditions of Diabetic Patients of Dhaka City Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

International Journal of Medicine and Public Health,2022,12,3,131-136.DOI:10.5530/ijmedph.2022.3.24Published:August 2022Type:Original ArticleHas COVID-19 Made the Vulnerable Groups Even More Vulnerable? Exploring the Conditions of Diabetic Patients of Dhaka City Amidst COVID-19 PandemicMd Shakhawat Hossain, Arifur Rahaman, Md Tanvir Hasan Sojib, Muhammad Awfa Islam, Yeasir Inzzamam Iftekhar, Maria Afroj, and Mustain Karim Chowdhury Md Shakhawat Hossain1,*, Arifur Rahaman2, Md Tanvir Hasan Sojib1, Muhammad Awfa Islam3, Yeasir Inzzamam Iftekhar4, Maria Afroj2 1Institute of Disaster Management and Vulnerability studies, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, BANGLADESH. 2Department of Sociology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, BANGLADESH. 3Institute of Disaster Management and Vulnerability studies, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, BANGLADESH. 4BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health (JPGSPH), BRAC University, Dhaka, BANGLADESH. 5Bachelor of Business Administration, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Dhaka, BANGLADESH. Abstract:SARS-CoV-2, commonly referred as COVID-19, has emerged as the most severe public health concern of the twenty - first century. Coronavirus usually is not very lethal to the persons who do not have any medical conditions, but it is fatal to people who have had past medical conditions that have often resulted in death. The objectives of this paper is to look at the effects of coronavirus on older diabetes patients, who are thought to be the ones who were affected the most by COVID-19. This research used a qualitative approach and was descriptive in nature. The researcher has purposefully chosen three areas in Dhaka city as the studies fixate: Shahbag, Khilgaon, and Rampura. Data was gathered using qualitative methods such as focus group discussion and key informant interviews. According to the study’s findings, COVID-19 had a serious effect on older adults with diabetes. The number of patients at the hospital had significantly decreased. Despite the fact that hospitals were equipped to provide treatment and care, patients’ mobility was limited. Many people preferred virtual consultation or telemedicine to face-to-face consultation and care. Doctors encouraged individuals to connect digitally, which is both safe and feasible in the face of the global pandemic. The expense of a diabetic patient rose, according to the majority of respondents. According to the findings, the pandemic is spurring new diabetes-care delivery methods. Many structural flaws were exposed as a result of Covid-19, paving the door for additional improvements in healthcare delivery in the study area. Keywords:COVID-19, Dhaka City, Diabetes, Health Care ServicesView:PDF (120.48 KB)

AN EVALUATION OF ONLINE ARCHITECTUREAL DESIGN STUDIOS: STRENGHT AND WEAKNESSES OF ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION IN BANGLADESH DURING COVID 19

Bangladesh, like many more countries around the world came to a halt with the start of COVID-19 pandemic. In order to manage the collapsed education system, different institutions started trying various alternative virtual mediums to reach out scattered students country wide. These included the use of television telecast, radio and communicative platforms like Zoom, Google meet, Google classroom, Facebook and many more. Unlike most subjects, Architectural teaching requires to adapt to a studio-based teaching approach with ‘one to one interaction’ and plenty of ‘on paper drawing exercises’ involving the students and their instructor. The literature review conducted within the scope of this research could not find many studies trying to identify the challenges faced by various architecture schools across the world, although there are studies on education in general during pandemic. The Department of Architecture at BRAC University is one of the leading architecture schools in Bangladesh. The department has developed a new online teaching learning platform named BuX to continue with its online academic program during Covid 19 pandemic. This paper reports the preliminary findings of a larger research conducted at the department. It aims to evaluate the newly adopted virtual teaching platform for its acceptability among the stakeholder; i.e., the students. The objective of the study was also to assess the adoption rate of virtual classes and to determine the various benefits, challenges, and reasons for non - adoption by the stakeholders. The research takes a mixed method approach supported by extensive literature review and online survey using Google form. Approximately 25% students of the department participated in the survey. This study can be extended further in collaboration with other architecture schools both in Bangladesh and abroad. This may help the university policymakers and the academics to evaluate the pedagogical strategies for architectural education implemented during the pandemic. Furthermore, it will also help to identify the scopes for developing an appropriate online teaching and learning method for the ‘new normal’ situations. Keywords: Architectural Education, Architectural Pedagogy, Bangladesh, BRAC University, Virtual Class.

Management strategy for control and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection in hospital settings - a brief review

The current pandemic of COVID-19 has spread worldwide rapidly. Many countries are struggling with the third pandemic wave despite having the vaccine distribution to frontline workers and people at high risk. Several studies have suggested a high possibility of hospital-acquired COVID-19. Therefore, it is vital to have proper recommendations and guidelines to prevent COVID-19 transmission in hospitals. Eliminating hospital-acquired infection is impossible, but reducing the rate and severity is possible by following appropriate guidelines. This paper reviews the strategies and recommendations that can be helpful for a hospital authority to control and prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection among the patients and healthcare workers. IMC J Med Sci 2022; 16(2): 006. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.16.016 *Correspondence: Akash Ahmed, Department of Mathematics & Natural Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Email: akash.ahmed@bracu.ac.bd

Impact of Field Visits on Students’ Knowledge Towards Rural Development: An Empirical Study on Brac University

The education system of the 21st century mainly accentuates on pragmatic and collaborative learning where field trip is one of the most prominent methods of learning. Considering this, Brac University arranges a lot of experiential learning activities. Visiting different programs of BRAC is one of them where every student of the university is taken to observe the development trends in rural areas of Bangladesh. This study explores the impact of those visits. The methodology of this research includes both qualitative and quantitative approaches. A survey was conducted where 200 students were selected who visited programs of BRAC. Subsequently, a focus group discussion was arranged where 40 students had taken part. The study shows that this field visit helps students becoming more attached to villages, and it inhibits a sense of responsibility among many of them. This research may help policy makers to design their curriculum more effectively in the future.

Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of bacterial isolates from routine clinical specimens of a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh

Background and objectives: To prevent the emergence and spreading of antimicrobial resistance, especially multidrug resistance in pathogenic bacteria, the selection of appropriate antibiotics is a prerequisite for the effective treatment of infection.This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacterial isolates from various clinical samples in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This study was conducted at a teaching hospital of Dhaka city, Bangladesh from January 2020 to March 2021. The results of culture and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial isolates from various clinical samples were collected and analysed. Identification of bacteria and antimicrobial susceptibility test were performed according to the standard methods. Results: A total of 1277 bacterial isolates was analyzed. Of them, 1072 (83.95%) were Gram-negative, and 205 (16.05%) were Gram-positive bacteria. Among the isolates, Escherichia coli (n=576), Enterobacter spp. (n=150), Klebsiella spp. (n=140), and Staphylococcus aureus (n=117) were predominant.The Enterobacteriaceae showed higher resistance to cephradine (94.3%) and cefuroxime (76.7%), whereas least resistant to imipenem (10.1%) and meropenem (14.8%). Pseudomonas spp. was highly resistant to ceftriaxone (80.2%), and colistin (70.8%), whereas least resistant to piperacillin-tazobactam (15.1%). Colistin was the most effective agent (resistance 6.7%) against Acinetobacter spp. Linezolid (resistance 1%) and vancomycin (resistance 2%) were highly effective against Gram-positive bacteria. Among the Staphylococcus aureus, 95.7% were methicillin-resistant (MRSA). A total of 889 (69.6%) bacterial isolates were identified as multidrug resistant. Multidrug resistance was more prevalent in Gram-positive isolates (79.5%) than that of Gram-negative bacteria (67.7%). Furthermore, 7.5% of Gram-negative bacterial isolates were resistant to all seven classes of antibiotics tested. Conclusions: This study revealed presence of high rate of resistance to several antimicrobial agents in bacteria isolated from various clinical samples.The findings would help healthcare professionals to select appropriate antibiotics for the effective treatment of infections and to develop antibiotic stewardship protocol. IMC J Med Sci 2022; 16(1): 005 *Correspondence: M. Mahboob Hossain, Microbiology Program, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (MNS), BRAC University, 66 Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212. E-mail: mmhossain@bracu.ac.bd

COVID-19 in Bangladesh: an especially difficult time for an invisible population

COVID-19 pandemic has caused huge impact on public health and economy of Bangladesh. Population groups such as persons with disabilities are experiencing the worse outcomes in terms of managing their livelihoods, health and well-being. In this paper, we utilized publicly available information and data obtained from an ongoing research study conducted by BRAC University to discuss possible impacts of COVID-19 on the lives of persons with disabilities in Bangladesh. The paper focuses on documenting the livelihood struggles of persons with disabilities during the pandemic and the challenges experienced by them while accessing formal health care services and social safety nets. We also recommend strategies that can be implemented to minimize the impacts and improve the overall well-being of persons with disabilities during this unparalleled crisis situation.

Students’ attitudes towards library overdue fines in an academic library: A study in a private university setting in Bangladesh

In academic libraries, the obligation to pay a fine for overdue books is a common global phenomenon. As university libraries try to meet the growing expectations of their users with limited resources, it is important to ensure that the existing collection is available in circulation. This study investigated overdue returns at the BRAC University library, Bangladesh, focusing on the reasons why users returned their books late; students’ satisfaction with the current overdue policies; and suggested improvements to the overdue procedures. The study was carried out using a quantitative methodology. Structured questionnaires were distributed to the students and data was collected over a period of 60 days between March and April 2019. Of the 300 questionnaires distributed, 258 were returned, with a response rate of 86%. The primary reasons for users’ late return of books were forgetfulness and not completing the task required from the book. It is a positive fact of the study that, most students did not show unwillingness to use the library again after fine had been imposed for a late return; a large number of them managed to pay the fine out of their pocket money. The library’s current policies were considered to be satisfactory. The students considered them to be a form of discipline, which made them return items at the appointed time. There was no gender bias in their reactions. Suggestions for improvement included increasing the collection of hard-copy and e-books. The outcomes of this research may help to develop the overdue and circulation policies of academic libraries in developing countries.

A study on the use of cyclone shelters in Bangladesh

AbstractBangladesh's geography renders it vulnerable to cyclones. The most severe cyclone occurred in 1970, resulting in severe damages and over 300 000 deaths. The government has implemented cyclone disaster mitigation primarily by providing cyclone shelters. Recently, BRAC University proposed a new type of cyclone shelter, the house‐shaped “mini‐shelter.” This study aims to contribute to the government's cyclone mitigation schemes, especially regarding the appropriate utilization and construction of cyclone shelters that can be used throughout cyclone‐prone areas. Investigations in two cyclone‐affected areas reveals that cyclone shelters, which are intended for a few hours of occupation during inundation, function as temporary living quarters during post‐cyclone reconstruction. Moreover, most cyclone shelters are elementary schools, and their storage and staff rooms may be locked during cyclones owing to poor management, which complicates their use as evacuation centers or temporary post‐cyclone living quarters. The “mini‐shelters” can be used as both evacuation centers and livestock storage during cyclones. Although locals doubt the buildings' safety because the wooden second floor is too low for protecting against storm surges, “mini‐shelters” can be useful in remote coastal areas with limited space for cyclone shelters. Hence, a combination of these cyclone shelter types affords a holistic solution to cyclone disaster mitigation.

Carrying out embedded implementation research in humanitarian settings: Aqualitative study in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.

Embedded implementation research (IR) promotes evidence-informed policy and practices by involving decision-makers and program implementers in research activities that focus on understanding and solving existing implementation challenges. Although embedded IR has been conducted in multiple settings by different organizations, there are limited experiences of embedded IR in humanitarian settings. This study highlights some of the key challenges of conducting embedded IR in a humanitarian setting based on our experience with the Rohingya refugee population in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. We collected qualitative data in between January and July 2019. First, we visited Rohingya refugee camps and interviewed representatives from different humanitarian organizations. Second, we conducted interviews with researchers from BRAC University who were engaged with data collection and analysis in a broader embedded IR study on maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (MNCAH) program implementation challenges. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Two researchers developed and agreed on codes and relevant themes based on the objectives of this study. The findings of this study highlight several challenges encountered while conducting embedded IR in the Rohingya emergency setting in Cox's Bazar, which may have implications for other humanitarian settings. The overall context of the camps was complex, with more than 100 organizations devoted to providing health services for approximately 1 million refugees. Despite the presence of the Bangladesh government, United Nations agencies and other international organizations played key roles in making programmatic and policy decisions for the Rohingya. Because health service delivery modalities and policies and related implementation challenges for MNCAH programs for the refugees changed rapidly, the embedded IR approach used was flexible and able to adapt to changes identified, with research questions and methods modified accordingly. Access to the camps, reaching Rohingya respondents, overcoming language barriers in order to get quality information, and the limited availability of local research collaborators were additional challenges. Working with researchers or research institutes that are familiar with the context and have experience in conducting implementation and health systems research can help with collection of quality data, identifying key stakeholders and bringing them on board to ensure the execution of the project, and ensuring utilization of the research findings. Study limitations include possible constraints in generalizing our conclusions to other humanitarian settings. Implementation research conducted in additional humanitarian settings can contribute to the evidence on this topic. Findings indicate that embedded IR can be done effectively in humanitarian settings if the challenges are anticipated, and appropriate strategies and in-country partners put in place to address or mitigate them, before commencing the funding or starting of the project. Understanding the context and analyzing the role of relevant stakeholders prior to conducting the research, considering a simple descriptive method appropriate to answering real-time IR questions, and working with local researchers or research institutes with specific skill sets and prior experience conducting research in humanization contexts may reduce costs and time spent, and ensure collection of quality data relevant for policy and practice.