Dhaka City Research Articles

Eroding Social Capital and Increasing Divorce in Dhaka City

In the pursuit of gaining financial solvency and for so doing keeping utmost focus on career development, family value, the hallmark of social capital, is seemingly getting less focus in the present capitalist social structure of Dhaka city. The paper argues that modern couples’ ignorance towards developing social capital is a major factor behind the alarming increase in the divorce rate in Dhaka City. This study intends to explore how the culture of extreme individualism is causing a profound negative impact on strengthening social capital and the marital bondage is getting weaker which provokes couples to terminate their conjugal bondage even on trifle issues without considering deeply on social norms, values, obligations - the core features of social capital. In line with a comprehensive content analysis of the relevant secondary data, qualitative interviews of eight scholarly participants - four PhD Fellows of Dhaka University and four advocates in the High Court Division- have been arranged with semi-structured questionnaires to get the insights regarding the relevance of eroding social capital and the tendency of divorce among the couples in Dhaka city. The study findings suggest that the policymakers concerned with social stability in Bangladesh need to adopt policies keeping social capital into consideration along with financial capital – economic solvency- and human capital –education-; and for that, a more comprehensive study regarding the significance of social capital is needed to develop a pragmatic and time- worthy strategy to check the reckless increase of divorce rate in Dhaka city. Social Science Review, Vol. 41(1), June 2024, Page 161-178.

Knowledge, attitude, and preventive measures of common people about chronic kidney diseases in Dhaka City of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is one of the most populated countries in the globe. The yearly budget for the people of this country is not satisfactory in the health and education sector. Among the chronic diseases chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the major issue for the common people. CKD is defined as a persistent abnormality in kidney structure or function (e.g., glomerular filtration rate [GFR] <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or albuminuria ≥30 mg per 24 hours) for more than 3 months. CKD affects 8% to 16% of the population worldwide. In 2017, CKD resulted in 1.2 million deaths and was the 12th leading cause of death worldwide. However, by taking adequate preventive measures, CKD can be prevented for which proper knowledge about the disease is necessary. This study was carried out to gather information about the knowledge and attitude regarding CKD among the common people of Dhaka city. It is a cross-sectional type of descriptive study conducted for 10 months from March to December 2022 taking responses from 405 correspondents conveniently. Data was collected by a structured questionnaire by face-to-face interview. The collected data was computed and analyzed.

Barriers to Accessing Dengue Healthcare: A Multicenter Survey from Dhaka, a Major Den- gue Hotspot in Bangladesh

Introduction: Dengue fever in Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka, faces significant healthcare access barriers. Understanding these barriers is crucial for targeted interventions. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the barriers to accessing dengue healthcare through a multicenter survey in Dhaka, a major dengue hotspot in Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional study was employed throughout the study. The study was conducted in Dhaka City. This study used two-stage stratified sampling based on hospital type (public/private) and randomly selected 16 hospitals (7 public and 9 private), focusing on patients admitted with dengue. A total of 101 patients comprised the final sample. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that focused on patient characteristics and challenges in accessing dengue treatment. The main outcomes measured included availability and accessibility access barriers, access barriers related to knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, or practices (KAP), and financial access barriers. Statistical analysis assessed the influence of demographic factors on these access barriers. Results: The study reveals overall 96.04% of participants perceived dengue as a serious threat. Demographically, the patients mostly lived in urban (85.15%) and varied in education. MANOVA indicates that demographic variables significantly impact access barriers, highlighting age, and education status as influential factors (P-value <0.05). Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of age and education as key determinants of access barriers in dengue healthcare. Addressing the unique needs of children and older adults, as well as enhancing educational opportunities, could be pivotal in mitigating these barriers.

E-waste recycling in an optimized way for copper recovery by leaching and a case study on E-waste generation and management in Dhaka city

E-waste recycling in an optimized way for copper recovery by leaching and a case study on E-waste generation and management in Dhaka city

Heat Wave Adaptation Strategies among Informal Workers in an Urban Setting: A Study in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Heat Wave Adaptation Strategies among Informal Workers in an Urban Setting: A Study in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Plant diversity, conservation worthiness and people’s perception in future management of Purbachal Sal Forest, Bangladesh

The Purbachal Sal Forest, a vital ecosystem in the outskirts of Dhaka city facing biodiversity decline, was assessed for its plant composition and public perception of its management and conservation. A total of 190 species under 61 families have been recorded from the study area following the random quadrat method. Analyses showed that among the 190 species, the most abundant tree and shrub in the forest are Shorea robusta Roxb. ex Gaertn. and Melastoma malabathricum L., respectively. In case of dominance based on the Importance Value Index, Shorea robusta is the most dominant tree, followed by Melastoma malabathricum as the most dominant shrub. The percentages of native and exotic species were found to be 75% and 25%, respectively. The Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index in the study area was 0.61, whereas Simpson’s and Margalef’s Indices were 0.178 and 4.77, respectively. From interviews with visitors and stakeholders, this study revealed that the majority of them responded negatively about the presence of exotic species in the forest, and on the other hand, they responded positively on the question of incorporating experts in the management plan of the forest. A number of threats to the species diversity of the forest were recorded through observation in the field and stakeholders’ interviews, such as invasive alien species (IAS) intrusion, habitat destruction, agricultural practice, and deforestation. A set of recommendations, including planting more wildlife-supporting native species, preventing the spread of IAS like Parthenium L. and incorporating experts in the forest’s management, was developed for present and future management of Purbachal Sal Forest. Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 31(2): 279-292, 2024 (December)

Prevalence and Pattern of Antimicrobial Resistance in ICU Patients with Sepsis in Dhaka City: A Single Center Study

Prevalence and Pattern of Antimicrobial Resistance in ICU Patients with Sepsis in Dhaka City: A Single Center Study

Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding air pollution among traffic polices in Dhaka city, Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe increasing number of motor vehicles in Dhaka city is contributing to a rise in air pollution. Prolonged exposure to vehicle emissions has led to various health issues for everyone, but traffic policies might be particularly affected. This study aims to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding air pollution, with the goal of raising awareness and promoting healthier practices to mitigate the adverse effects of pollution.MethodologyA cross-sectional survey was carried out from January to March 2023 across five zones in Dhaka City, Bangladesh. Using a convenience sampling method, 401 male participants with a mean age = 39.24 ± 6.25 years were recruited. The survey employed a semi-structured questionnaire that covered informed consent, socio-demographic data, and included sections on knowledge (9 items), attitudes (6 items), and practices (7 items) related to air pollution and its health effects. Data analysis was conducted with Microsoft Excel (version 2019), SPSS (version 25.0), and STATA (version 15.0).ResultThe average scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 7.62 out of 9, 11.06 out of 18, and 14.53 out of 21, respectively. Higher knowledge scores were associated with education (p < 0.001), higher monthly family income (p < 0.001), and having 15 or fewer years of work experience (p = 0.040). Attitudes were positively linked to education (p < 0.001), higher income (p < 0.001), working in the same area for over a year (p < 0.001), asthma (p = 0.042), cardiovascular diseases (p = 0.027), and coughing symptoms (p < 0.001). Practices were positively influenced by lower income (p = 0.031), absence of breathing problems/asthma (p = 0.023), and absence of coughing symptoms (p < 0.001).ConclusionThis study suggests that education, income, and work experience are likely influential factors shaping knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding air pollution. There appears to be a probable association between prolonged exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of respiratory, cardiovascular, and eye problems among Dhaka’s traffic police. The authors anticipate that implementing stricter air quality regulations, promoting the use of protective gear, conducting regular health check-ups, and raising public awareness could significantly reduce these health risks.

Microbiological Safety of Drinking Water in Dhaka City: A Study on Supply and Treated Water in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Access to safe and clean drinking water is a fundamental human right and a critical public health issue worldwide. The present study attempted to determine the microbiological quality and detection of pathogenic bacteria in different municipal water supplied in the different places of Dhaka city. This study involved the microbiological analysis of sixteen drinking water samples collected from diverse sources, including four from supply points, six from consumer points, and six treated water samples, obtained from Siddeswari, Sonargaon, Mirpur, and Badda. All the samples were contaminated with different microorganisms, and the total viable bacterial count ranged from 103 to 10⁷ CFU/mL. Pathogenic microbes like Pseudomonas spp. was present in all the samples, while Klebsiella spp., Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus spp. were predominantly present in seven, six, and eleven samples, respectively. We also aimed to determine whether Shigella spp. was present in all the samples, but it was completely absent. Escherichia coli was detected in samples from both supply and consumer points within the range of 102 to 103 cfu/mL. The results indicate that the treatment procedure is not sufficiently effective in eliminating all pathogenic bacteria, and unhygienic environments contribute to post-treatment contamination. The study revealed that government should take necessary action to ensure public health safety, particularly with regard to access to safe drinking water. Stam. J. Microbiol. 2024; 14(1):36-40

Detection of Clostridium perfringens in full cream pasteurized cow milk in Dhaka city

The Clostridium perfringens causes food poisoning in men and animals. Pasteurized full cream cows’ milk samples (n = 100) were collected from Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) in Bangladesh between July 2022 and June 2023. One sample showed the characteristic properties of C. perfringens in Dhanmondi area of DNCC in winter season. Hygienic management should be followed during processing of milk for human consumption. Bang. vet. 2024. Vol. 41, No. 1 – 2, 7 – 12

Screening the Microbiological Contamination in Salad Samples and Analysis their Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern

Salad is often consumed fresh and thus can act as effective media for the transmission of associated pathogens. This investigation was carried out to determine the microbiological quality of salad. A total twenty-five samples were collected from twenty different area of Dhaka city. Samples were collected from chines restaurants, fast food centers, café, and roadside shops. According to the place of preparation samples were classified into three category such as A (chines and fast food), B (café), C (road side shop). Samples from each category of salad were prepared to determine the total bacterial count, total coliform count and highlighted the presence of pathogenic microorganisms such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp. by standard microbiological methods. The total viable bacterial count ranged from 0.3 × 10³ to 8.3 × 10⁷ cfu/g. The coliform and fecal coliform ranged from &lt;0.4 MPN/gm to &gt;240 MPN/gm and Staphylococcus spp. ranged from 0.5 ×103 to 1.25 ×104 cfu/g. Rates of contamination in relation to the various sources were: samples from A- category 71.4%, B- category 87.5% and C- category 90%. Antimicrobial susceptibility was also determined for the isolated microorganisms. Amoxicillin (10 µg), ciprofloxacin 5 µg), ceftazidime (30 µg), tetracycline (30 µg), gentamicin (10 µg), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (23.75 µg), were used for antibiotic susceptibility testing. 100% Salmonella spp. was resistant to amoxicillin whereas E. coli was 80%. But both strains were 100% sensitive to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, tetracycline. The results of the study demonstrate that salads available in chines restaurant, fast food center, café and road side shop are contaminated with pathogenic bacteria which are potential health threat to consumers. Maintaining personal hygiene, pre-processing disinfection and proper storage temperatures will be useful to minimize the unhygienic and health risks.

Antimicrobial Pattern of Foodborne Bacterial Hazards Isolated from Vegetables in Dhaka City

The prevalence of undesirable microbial contaminants in fresh vegetables, often consumed raw as salad vegetables, is a concern for the global public health community. In this study, samples from different local markets in Dhaka were collected to evaluate the microbiological quality and safety of four raw salad vegetables, namely, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and coriander leaves. Microbiological analyses revealed a higher total aerobic bacterial count (3.10 to 8.71 log CFU/g) and coliform count (non-detectable to 7.61 log CFU/g) regardless of RSV type. In all of the examined shop types, foodborne pathogens like Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. were found in more than 60% of the analyzed vegetable samples, and the isolated E. coli and Salmonella spp. were found to be completely resistant to 3 different antibiotics (Amoxicillin, Erythromycin, and Rifampicin) and intermediately resistant to 2 other antibiotics (Bacitracin and Novobiocin). Therefore, the study findings revealed that the presence of multidrug-resistant E. coli and Salmonella spp. in fresh vegetable samples is a cause for worry when consumed raw. Controlled environment production approaches, such as indoor farming of vegetables and washing with plenty of fresh water before consumption, can help to reduce pathogen and antimicrobial resistance bacteria. J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 6(1): 45-51, 2024

Comparative Study between Exatracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) and Percutaneours Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for the Treatment of Lower Calyceal Stone

Background: The main question when comparing ESWL and PCNL for lower pole stones is one of clinical effectiveness, which includes consideration of the stone-free rate, secondary procedure rate, complications, hospitalization, disability period and recurrent stone rate. Many factors are contributed to lower pole stones clearance such as size of stone, composition, infundibulo-pelvic angle and patient clinical factors should all be considered in conjunction with the various surgical modalities and the availability of equipment’s before the preferred treatment option is selected. Stone-free rate with ESWL were inversely correlated to the stone burden treated. The introduction of ESWL in the early 1980s temporarily limited the indications for percutaneous procedures for stones but after limitations of shock wave lithotripsy were realized, percutaneous surgery regained its merited role in the stone management. On the other hand, lower pole stones contraindication for ESWL which were largely treated by open surgery in the past, now mostly replaced by PCNL. Objectives: To assess and compare relative efficacy and the overall lower calyceal stone clearance in between Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL). In relation to stone size. To compare the anatomical factor infundibulo-pelvic angle among, required adjuvant procedure and morbidity in between PCNL and ESWL in treating lower calyceal. Study Design: Hospital based prospective comparative interventional study. Setting: Study was carried out in the Department of urology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), and different private hospital of Dhaka city, during the period of January 2006 to July 2007. Methods: Purposive sampling method was followed as per inclusion and exclusion by criteria to select 60 patients. They were divided into two groups by alternate method, into PCNL and ESWL groups. Result: In this study, for the smaller stones &lt;10mm, it was seen that the rate of stone clearance in PCNL and ESWL group were 85.71% and 77.77% respectively. Statistical analysis shows no significant difference of stone clearance between the two groups. (P&gt;0.05). For treating larger stones &gt;10-20mm, present study showed that the rate of stone clearance in PCNL and ESWL group were 93.75% and 41.66 % respectively. There are statistical analysis shows significant difference of clearance (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is better option than Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) in treating lower calyceal stone. J Com Med Col Teachers Asso July 2024; 28(2): 92-95

ANTIBIOGRAM OF PRE-PROCESSED RAW CHICKEN MEAT FROM DIFFERENT SUPERSHOPS OF DHAKA CITY, BANGLADESH

Pathogenic strains of salmonella, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, shigella, enterobacter and citrobacter are serious health threat for human being. Present investigation was conducted to assess the antibiogram of pre-processed raw chicken meat collected from different chain-shops of Dhaka city. Pre-processed chicken meat samples were collected from three different super-shops (S1, S2, and S3) in Dhaka. The Samples are serially diluted to 10-4, and after growth on MSA, MAC, and SS agars, the total counts showed The most growth S2 (360 × 10.4  18.33), (235 × 10.4), (25 × 10.14.4  3.6) followed by S3 (353.3 × 10.4  42.39), (151.67 × 10.4  22.19), 15 × 10-4  3.0) and finally S1 (3.26.67 × 10.4  29.48), (64.5 × 10.4  8.62) (14 × 10.4  5.13) respectively. Salmonella S aureus, S. epidermidis, Shigella, Enterobacter and Citrobacter were identified after a number of morphological and biochemical tests; Gram staining, MIU, KIA, oxidase and catalase tests, and citrate utilization test following aseptic techniques. Six antibiotics; Vancomycin, and five broad spectrum drugs; Streptomycin, Norfloxacin, Novobiocin, Chloramphenicol, and Cefotaxime were used to test the sensitivity or resistance of the organisms. All the pathogens were susceptible to chloramphenicol. Staphylococcusepidermidis were novobiocin-resistant. Citrobacter spp. and Enterobacter spp. were sensitive to all except novobiocin. Staphylococcusepidermidis was susceptible and intermediate to norfloxacin. Staphylococcusaureus was resistant to norfloxacin and novobiocin; intermediate to cefotaxime, and sensitive to the rest. Salmonella spp. was found to be resistant to novobiocin, vancomycin, and streptomycin; intermediate to norfloxacin, but sensitive to chloramphenicol and cefotaxime. Shigella.spp was found to be sensitive to all the antibiotics but resistant to novobiocin and vancomycin. Fecal coliform E. coli was absent showing some degree of sanitation in the chicken, and all the pathogens were found susceptible to at least two antibiotics

Spatiotemporal Variation of Land Surface Temperature and Urban Heat Islands in Dhaka City: A Geospatial Approach

Rapid urban population growth and widespread urbanization are common occurrences in the modern world. They cause several negative repercussions among which Urban Heat Island (UHI) is the most widely recorded occurrence. The population of Dhaka city has increased by 12.64 million from 2011 to 2021 and the temperature by 0.57ᵒ C in the recent decade. Therefore, the city is facing increased public health-related problems associated with high temperatures, outbreaks of diseases, and scarcity of safe drinking water. Considering these matters, this study explores the spatiotemporal changes in Land Surface Temperature (LST) over the last twenty years and the present condition of heat islands. The city was found 3.9 °C warmer than the surrounding rural areas in 2022. The results also show recurring fluctuations in temperature together with a positive change in temperature during the study period. A year of high temperatures follows a gradual decrease in temperatures in the next two years, and a year of low temperatures follows several gradual increases in temperature. It is expected from the result that the upcoming two years (2023 and 2024) will be warmer than the last three years. The findings may provide insight into how LST and UHI fluctuate and aid in developing strategies to lessen their negative consequences. The Dhaka University Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vol. 13(1), 2024, P 1-19

Rooftop Gardening as a Supplement to Urban Household Food and Nutrition Resilience of Dhaka City in Bangladesh

Increasing food demands along with shrinkage of agricultural lands make urban dwellers vulnerable to food insecurity. This leads to practice rooftop gardening (RTG) by the dwellers living in an urban area. The present research assessed the potentiality of rooftop gardening as a supplement to urban household food and nutrition resilience in Dhaka city of Bangladesh. The study follows a mix-method approach (i.e. qualitative and quantitative) to fulfill the objectives. Currently, the city has 257.95 ha area of RTG (i.e. 0.32% of 80,220 hectares of continuous roofs), which can fulfill the demand of about 0.3% fresh vegetables and fruits of the dwellers of Dhaka city. Moreover, yearly practices of RTG by the inhabitants of the city can contribute about 362 million BDT. The present study shows that contribution to household level resilience for vegetables and fruits produced from RTGs are about 6% and 18% respectively. The RTG practitioners consume about 75% cultivated fruits and vegetables. Utilization of rooftop spaces for gardening could be a potential solution to household food and nutrition insecurity in DMA. The Dhaka University Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vol. 13(1), 2024, P 59-67

Assessing the Psychosocial Determinants of Mental Health Decline Among Bangladeshi University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rapid Systematic Review

Background: The COVID-19 epidemic has profoundly impacted the mental health of university students. This review investigates the psychosocial factors contributing to the mental health decline of Bangladeshi university students, particularly in Dhaka city, with the objective of identifying the primary elements exacerbating their mental health issues during the pandemic. Method: Employing a mixed-methods approach, this review integrates quantitative and qualitative data, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Data were extracted using MeSH keywords from databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Medline, and ARU-E-Library. Out of 822 initially identified publications, 24 met the inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis was used to investigate pertinent data, and studies were appraised using CASP and AXIS tools. Data interpretation involved SPSS and R, utilizing descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and regression analyses. Results: The review identified critical factors contributing to mental health deterioration, including financial hardships, academic disruption, social isolation, excessive smartphone use, and career instability. High prevalence rates of anxiety (61.2%), depression (64.7%), and stress (52.4%) were found. Inferential statistics revealed significant differences in mental health outcomes across demographic groups, with female students showing a 20% higher risk of anxiety and those living with parents showing a 15% higher risk of depression. Discussion: The results emphasize the multifaceted nature of the mental health challenges that students encounter. The transition to online learning, financial instability, and social isolation were substantial stressors. The review emphasizes the necessity of legislative changes and targeted mental health interventions. Conclusion: To address the mental health crisis among university students, policymakers must reform frameworks and provide support systems, including flexible learning models and targeted mental health interventions, to ensure students’ long-term well-being and academic success.

Reasons of Hospitalization of Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Compared to Non-diabetes General People: Experience from a Medical College Hospital of Dhaka City

ABSTRACT Context: Diabetes is one of the most common comorbidities among hospitalized patients; however, reasons of hospitalization among diabetes patients are not well studied in Bangladesh. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the reasons of hospitalization among subjects with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: This cross-section study was done among the patients who got admitted in the general medicine ward from June 2022 to May 2024. Samples were collected by consecutive convenient sampling. Patients, who got admitted with epidemic diseases, e.g., dengue fever and COVID-19 infections, were excluded from the study. Finally, we used data of 504 patients for analysis using SPSS version 23.0. Results: Infection is the most common cause of hospitalization for both diabetic and nondiabetic patients, though it was a little bit higher in the nondiabetes group (52.6% vs. 65.7%; P = 0.003). Among the infectious causes, genitourinary tract infection (54.9% vs. 29.7%; P &lt; 0.0001) and respiratory tract infection (RTI) (24.8% vs. 21.8%; P &lt; 0.0001) are most common for both groups and significantly more common among diabetes patients. Among the noninfectious causes of hospitalization, diabetes and its complications along with other endocrine diseases was the most common (19.2%), whereas gastrointestinal disease was the most common (30.2%) cause for hospitalization in the nondiabetes group. We also observed a significantly high frequency of hypertension, renal dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, and hypothyroidism in the diabetes group. Conclusion: Infection is the major cause of hospitalization for both diabetes and nondiabetes subjects. Genitourinary tract and RTI are the major forms of infection during hospitalization in diabetes subjects.

Ramadan Fasting Practice Trend in Muslim Patients with Diabetes: A Nationwide Survey in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Background: Despite health concerns, practicing Muslims with diabetes around the world observe fast during this month. This study aimed to explore the pattern of fasting behavior and associated factors among Muslim diabetic patients during Ramadan in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among Muslim adult (&gt;18 years) patients with diabetes attending in the private chamber of endocrinologists registered with Bangladesh Endocrine Society in different parts of Dhaka city, the Capital of Bangladesh between January 2022 and March 2022. A short pretested structured interviewer-administered survey questionnaire was used. Data from a total of 5324 patients were analyzed using SPSS (version 26). Results: Of all, 92% of patients observed fast during Ramadan. The mean age of the patients was 52.30 ± 11.26 (standard deviation) years and more than half were aged between 41 and 60 years. Those who did not fast were significantly older (P = 0.005). Approximately 51% were male and no sex difference exists in relation to fasting. The median duration of disease was 7 (0–65) years and those with longer duration were less likely to fast (P = 0.001). Among the diabetic patients, 54.5% had comorbidities and proportionately lower number of comorbid patients fasted (P = 0.006). 20.2% and 19.5% of patients experienced reduced and increased blood glucose level, respectively. Those who experienced such events were less likely to fast (P &lt; 0.001). More than three-quarter of patients (77.2%) underwent checkup before Ramadan and 71.8% consulted doctors to modify their prescribed medicines before fasting has started. Nearly one-quarter of patients (24.8%) incorrectly believed that pricking their finger would break the fast (P &lt; 0.001). Approximately 68% of patients believed that fasting will help them to control blood sugar. Nearly three-fourth (73.9%) of the participants believed they can fast in all days in the coming Ramadan. Conclusions: This study observed that a significant portion of Muslim adults with diabetes mellitus in Bangladesh tend to fast during Ramadan. Factors such as age, disease duration, and comorbidities influence their fasting behavior, whereas many of them believe fasting aids in blood sugar control and consult healthcare professionals to adjust medications.

Food Consumption Patterns and Sedentary Behaviors Among the University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

University is a critical period regarding unhealthy changes in eating behaviors in students. University students often face significant changes in their eating habits and physical activity levels, which can impact their overall health. To investigate the eating habits and sedentary behavior of university students in Dhaka. This research was based on a cross-sectional study. The snowball sampling technique was applied to survey university students in Dhaka city. Structured questionnaires were used for data collection through an online survey. Data collection was done from November 2022 to April 2023. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation (SD), were computed for the variables of interest. Chi-squared test was performed to estimate the association between the participants' eating habits, sedentary behaviors, and BMI and eating habits. In all analyses, a p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 444 students participated in this study; 44% of them consumed breakfast irregularly. Only 25% of students favored vegetables. About 55% of students preferred junk food. Furthermore, only 19% of students consumed fruits daily. This study also found that a substantial proportion of students used the internet and mobile phones for long periods and didn't practice physical activity. According to the Chi-squared test, dinner habits (p < 0.001), smoking status (p < 0.001), alcohol consumption (p = 0.014), watching television (p = 0.023), and practicing physical activity (p = 0.023) had a significant association with eating habits and sedentary behaviors amongst the participants. Overall, most participants in this study exhibited commendable dietary patterns, except for meal frequency, fruit intake, consumption of junk food, and fried food. However, their physical activity levels were notably inadequate, largely characterized by a sedentary lifestyle involving substantial internet and mobile phone usage.