Programs In Bangladesh Research Articles

Knowledge and Practice of Dietary Diversity among Pregnant Women: Evaluation of a Large Scale Social and Behaviour Change Program in Bangladesh

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) supported large-scale social and behaviour change (SBC) intervention, SHIKHA Project, in improving dietary diversity among pregnant women. Cross-sectional survey was conducted in rural southwest Bangladesh and 509, 515, and 1,275 randomly selected pregnant women were interviewed at baseline, midline, and end-line; 514 and 1016 pregnant women from non-intervention areas were also included. SBC intervention was provided to pregnant women at both individual and group levels by trained community health workers during the antenatal and postnatal period. Dietary diversity scores (DDS) and knowledge scores were calculated by summing the number of food groups (from nine defined food groups) consumed by women during 24 hours and from unprompted responses on how many food groups pregnant women should eat. The mean knowledge score for dietary diversity was 5.04 at baseline and significantly increased by 1.68 units (95% CI: 1.51, 1.85) at the end-line. The mean DDS at baseline was 4.28 and significantly increased by 0.45 units (95% CI: 0.34, 0.57) at the end-line. The SBC intervention was effective in improving the dietary diversity of pregnant women, which may help to meet their additional nutritional requirements and improve pregnancy outcomes. Bangladesh J. Nutr. Vol. 34, December 2020, P: 65-75

A Study on Moral Education Planning Program in Bangladesh: Based on Total Quality Management

This qualitative research is intended for further study to further strengthen the standard to identify the steps of the Moral Education Planning Program (MEPP) based on the Total Quality Management (TQM) in the learning system of the ancient and modern civilization of Bangladesh. As expected, the results of this research can be used as an instruction by the modern quality basic school in implementing TQM-based MEPP as preventive measures to address the moral crisis nowadays. Data from this research were collected for primary sources using interview strategy and documentation. All of this data is collected and analyzed, using a variety of inductive data analysis techniques. Deming [1] An emerging philosophy of management is total quality management. TQM was developed by William Deming. Total quality management has gained wide acclaim and popularity in industry and production nowadays as well as in schools, colleges, universities. Schools have begun to explore the possibility of applying the TQM philosophy to education, which requires a number of changes in any educational institution, especially in leadership and the position of mind (attitudes) and activities of instructors, in the association or every community, in monitoring the educational technique’s, in the evaluation as a result, in the culture to share, in the school environment and especially in interpersonal relationships. According to Wiyani [2], based on the results of the study; it was found that there are four (4) steps involved in the TQM-based MEPP planning. First, to create a vision and mission of the school in the indulgence of MEPP; second, creating character and achievement of quality assurance with MEPP; Third, improve the quality of qualified homeroom teachers to assist in the implementation of MEPP; Fourth, to develop a Standard Operating System (SOS) of ethical or moral values for students to assist in the implementation of MEPP.

Beyond Institutionalization: Planning for Sustained Investments in Training, Supervision, and Support of Community Health Worker Programs in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh has a long history of mature and institutionalized community health worker (CHW) programs in primary health care. However, there is a lot of variability in the performance of the CHW programs in Bangladesh, as well as challenges associated with retention of CHWs. This study describes the challenges for CHWs, which in turn affect their motivation and performance. This study was conducted from December 2019 to January 2020 in 4 districts in Bangladesh: Cox's Bazar, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Sylhet. Twenty focus group discussions were conducted with 121 participants, including family welfare assistants (FWA), health assistants (HA), and their direct supervisors. Thirty in-depth interviews were conducted with upazila and district-level stakeholders. Data were analyzed using a thematic approach with a particular focus on CHW motivation, job satisfaction, and incentive preferences for improving morale and performance. Several nonmonetary and monetary factors affect CHWs' motivation, performance, and job satisfaction. Recognition by the community, availability of promotions and technical recognition, increased training opportunities, reduced workloads, identification as government employees, access to transportation, provision of working tools, and improvements in the workplace environment were identified as important nonmonetary incentives. CHWs also discussed the importance of sufficient salaries and allowances. Several factors impede the effectiveness of the CHW programs in Bangladesh. Changes to technical ranks and wages for the health care sector need to take a sector-wide lens to enable systematic calibration of wages for all health care workers. This study highlights that institutionalization of CHWs without adequate and sustained support for continued training, compensation, supervision, access to working tools, and recognition is insufficient to drive change. Identifying pragmatic strategies that can be supported through existing government budgets to address these factors is vital to sustaining the community health workforce in Bangladesh.

Prospects and Challenges In Developing 'Japanese Studies' Program in Bangladesh: Lessons From the University of Dhaka

Japanese Studies has entered a booming period in Bangladesh where the growing demand for knowledge on Japan, particularly Japanese development experience, society, and culture, has intensified. Besides, the increasing number of Japanese companies and opportunities to work in Japan so far is conducive to the increasing number of students in the Japanese language. Considering the given facts, academic institutions of Bangladesh need to initiate 'Japanese Studies' programs to produce 'Japanologists’-contextual and transitional expertise. The larger goal of this study is to identify the major prospects and challenges and consider the future directions for the Japanese Studies program. The paper intends to think alternatively beyond the 'ivory tower' mindset of a large number of Bangladeshi students as well as academicians and show the prospects of Japanese Studies with sustainable employment opportunities through industry-academia collaboration. The methods and equipping tools employed in this paper include lexical scrutiny and contextual analysis under the qualitative research method to analyse the current state of knowledge and pedagogical development. Presenting the number of stumbling blocks of the Japanese Studies program in Bangladesh, the paper finally demonstrates the program's future as an academic discipline. It ends with possible suggestions towards success in producing Japanologists to strengthen Bangladesh-Japan bilateral relations.

Well-Switching to Reduce Arsenic Exposure in Bangladesh: Making the Most of Inaccurate Field Kit Measurements.

Well‐switching programs in Bangladesh have successfully lowered arsenic exposure. In these programs, households switch from wells that are labeled “unsafe” to nearby wells labeled “safe,” but these designations are usually based on inherently inaccurate field kit measurements. Here, we (a) compare the efficacy of field‐kit measurements to accurate laboratory measurements for well switching, (b) investigate the potential impact on well switching of the chosen “safe” threshold, and (c) consider the possible benefits of providing more detailed concentration information than just “safe” and “unsafe.” We explore different hypothetical mitigation scenarios by combining two extensive data sets from Araihazar Bangladesh: a blanket survey of 6595 wells over 25 km2 based on laboratory measurements and 943 paired kit and laboratory measurements from the same area. The results indicate that the decline in average arsenic exposure from relying on kit rather than laboratory data is modest in relation to the logistical and financial challenge of delivering exclusively laboratory data. The analysis further indicates that the 50 μg/L threshold used in Bangladesh to distinguish safe and unsafe wells, rather than the WHO guideline of 10 μg/L, is close to optimal in terms of average exposure reduction. We also show that providing kit data at the maximum possible resolution rather than merely classifying wells as unsafe or safe would be even better. These findings are relevant as the government of Bangladesh is about to launch a new blanket testing campaign of millions of wells using field kits.

Patients’ choice of healthcare providers and predictors of modern healthcare utilisation in Bangladesh: Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2016–2017 (BBS)

ObjectivesThe number of modern healthcare providers in Bangladesh has increased and they are well equipped with modern medical instruments and infrastructures. Despite this development, patients seeking treatment from alternative healthcare...

Callus Induction, Regeneration and Establishment of Rice Plant from Mature Embryo

Plant growth regulators were used to test callus induction and in vitro regeneration in six rice genotypes (RM-AC-2, BRRI dhan89, BRRI dhan88, Nipponbare, Koshihikari and Zenshan97). Four different concentrations (1, 2, 3 and 4 mg/L) of 2,4-D for callus induction and three different concentrations (1,2 and 3 mg/L) of NAA with three doses (5,10 and 15 µ/L) of kinetin for callus regeneration were used to test the effect of plant growth regulators. This study found a high callus induction on MS medium enriched with 2 mg/L 2, 4-D. In cases of RM-AC-2, BRRI dhan89, BRRI dhan88, Nipponbare, Koshihikari and Zenshan97, callus induction frequencies were 92.7%, 87.8%, 84.6%, 82.9%, 86.2% and 62.9%, respectively. In the regeneration, it was found that an MS medium enriched with 2 g/L Kinetin and 10 µm/L NAA has the ability to induce increased regeneration of different rice varieties (RM-AC-2 (72.4%), BRRI dhan89 (66.9%), BRRI dhan88 (62.5%), Nipponbare (63.3%), Koshihikari (48%) and Zenshan97 (39.6%). From the regenerated plants, one plant of the RM-AC-2 genotype availed to complete its life cycle and generated 32 effective tillers and yielded 89g. This rice plant is very promising for high yielding rice variety development program in Bangladesh. The improved callus development and regeneration ability of this genotype might be helpful for future rice variety development and genetic transformation program.

Gaps in the implementation and uptake of maternal nutrition interventions in antenatal care services in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and India.

Antenatal care (ANC) is the largest health platform globally for delivering maternal nutrition interventions (MNIs) to pregnant women. Yet, large missed opportunities remain in nutrition service delivery. This paper examines how well evidence‐based MNIs were incorporated in national policies and programs in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and India. We compared the nutrition content of ANC protocols against global recommendations. We used survey data to elucidate the coverage of micronutrient supplementation, weight gain monitoring, dietary and breastfeeding counselling. We reviewed literature, formative research and program assessments to identify barriers and enabling factors of service provision and maternal nutrition practices. Nutrition information in national policies and protocols was often fragmented, incomplete and did not consistently follow global recommendations. Nationally representative data on MNIs in ANC was inadequate, except for iron and folic acid supplementation. Coverage data from subnational surveys showed similar patterns of strengths and weaknesses. MNI coverage was consistently lower than ANC coverage with the lowest coverage of weight gain monitoring and variable coverage of dietary and breastfeeding counselling. Key common factors associated with coverage were micronutrient supply disruptions; suboptimal counselling on maternal diet, weight gain, and breastfeeding; and limited or no record keeping. Adherence of women to micronutrient supplementation and dietary recommendations was low and associated with late and too few ANC contacts, poor maternal knowledge and self‐efficacy, and insufficient family and community support. Models of comprehensive nutrition protocols and health systems that deliver maternal nutrition services in ANC are urgently needed along with national data systems to track progress.

Impact of Microcredit on Women’s Empowerment in Some Selected Villages in Bangladesh: Exploration of Change in Women’s Status and ‘Peace in the Family’

The empowerment of women has been a primary goal of microcredit programs in Bangladesh: but what empowerment is, or „should be‟, is contested terrain, as are causal relationships drawn between the implementation of microfinance and the empowerment of women. This paper explores the connection between microcredit and empowerment through analyzing data of a qualitative study. In this study data were collected from 98 adults (male=30; female=68) with age ranged from 18 to 56 years, through individual interviews, focus group discussions and participant observation for six months period of field work in three villages in Bogura, Bangladesh. The study elicited understandings of empowerment from women engaged in microcredit programs, as well as other members of their households. In the paper, we argue that exploring local contexts for, and meanings of, empowerment is crucial for assessing the criteria on which the success (or failure) of microcredit or empowerment is determined. We suggest that more sustained engagement with the local-level experience of empowerment may challenge assumptions about aims and objectives of empowering processes in development, and stand as a corrective to models of the empowered woman that may not acknowledge the extent to which empowerment is framed in, and by, social and relational dynamics and goals. Philosophy and Progress, Vol#63-64-; No#1-2; Jan-Dec 2018 P 29-64

Decentralisation and Democratisation in Local Government Focusing Key Development Programs in Bangladesh

The local government system is considered to be the main regulator of good governance in a country. Although the local government system in Bangladesh is very old, it has tiny achievements in terms of its effectiveness, decentralisation of power, democratic practices, and public participation. After the country's independence, almost all the governments have come up with the innovation of different levels of local government structures was just nomenclature. They never allowed the local people to enjoy autonomy by their elected representatives in the way directed by the constitution. On the other hand, various local and international development partners have been implementing various programs to strengthen the local government system in Bangladesh, decentralise it and ensure public engagement in local government. Through which some positive elements have been added to the issue of autonomy and participation of the people in the local government system; however, it is significantly minor than required. This research paper seeks to understand the process of democratisation and decentralisation in the local government system of Bangladesh by fieldwork-based research knowledge and review various initiatives taken for the development of the local government system. Besides, drawing on literature and the observations and research on Union Parishad (the lowest tier of local government in Bangladesh), the interrelationship between local government elections and power structure has also been analysed in this article. Ultimately, this paper argues that the process of decentralisation and strengthening of the local government system in Bangladesh through development interventions. Though the interventions of development programs could have been mammoth achievements in the path of democratisation and decentralisation, the party politicisation has made massive impediments to attain the targets.

What is the impact of removing performance-based financial incentives on community health worker motivation? A qualitative study from an infant and young child feeding program in Bangladesh

BackgroundCommunity health worker (CHW) motivation is an important factor related to health service quality and CHW program sustainability in low- and middle-income countries. Financial and non-financial motivators may influence CHW behavior through two dimensions of motivation: desire to perform and effort expended. The aim of this study was to explore how the removal of performance-based financial incentives impacted CHW motivation after formal funding ceased for Alive and Thrive (A&T), an infant and young child feeding (IYCF) program in Bangladesh.MethodsThis qualitative study included seven focus groups (n = 43 respondents) with paid supervisors of volunteer CHWs tasked with delivering interpersonal IYCF counseling services. Data were transcribed, translated into English, and then analyzed using both a priori themes and a grounded theory approach.ResultsResults suggest the removal of financial incentives was perceived to have negatively impacted CHWs’ desire to perform in three primary ways: 1) a decreased desire to work without financial compensation, 2) changes in pre- and post-intervention motivation, and 3) household income challenges due to dependence on incentives. Removal of financial incentives was perceived to have negatively impacted CHWs’ level of effort expended in four primary ways: 1) a reduction in CHW visits, 2) a reduction in quality of care, 3) CHW attrition, and 4) substitution of other income-generating activities.ConclusionsThis study provides new evidence regarding how removing performance-based financial incentives from a CHW program can negatively impact CHW motivation. The findings suggest that program decision makers should consider how to construct community health work programs such that CHWs may continue to receive performance-based compensation after the original funding ceases.

Distributional inequality in market-based solar home system programs: Evidence from rural Bangladesh

This paper investigates the effect of borrowing constraints on the pricing of solar home system loans for rural households. We use a unique cross-sectional dataset that includes a sample of 626,761 borrowers’ loan transactions over six years (2013–2018) from the market-based solar home system program in Bangladesh. We estimate that a 10 percent increase in down payment, which we use as a proxy measure for borrowing constraints, reduces the average total cost of the loan by 0.181 percentage points. We also find that highly constrained borrowers pay more than relatively unconstrained borrowers, with average total costs of loans reduced by 0.102 and 0.343 percentage points, respectively, for every 10 percent increase in down payments. The borrowing constraint seems to generate distributional inequality in the pro-poor solar home system program, increasing the financial cost of market participation for these highly constrained borrowers. Constrained borrowers in poor rural areas therefore pay a poverty penalty. We recommend that governments, policymakers, and development donors deploy targeted intervention mechanisms that continue and update financial support for both lenders and borrowers in order to eradicate persistent energy poverty in developing countries.

Genetic Diversity, Correlations and Path Coefficient Analysis among the F5 Populations of Brassica Species

The present study was carried out to estimate heritability, genetic variability, correlation and genetic advance among F5 populations of ten genotypes in Brassica species. This study was executed following randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications during November 2017 to February 2018 at the experimental field of College of Agricultural Sciences, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Aim of the research was to evaluate and select the best segregating genotypes for the yield and yield contributing traits towards variety development programs. Analysis of variance revealed that the genotypes were significantly different for all the characters studied. The relative phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits studied. The high GCV value was observed for the days to 50% flowering (FF), plant height (PH), primary branches per plant (PBP), pod per plant (PP) and seed yield per plant (SYP) that indicated a high broad-sense heritability. A significant positive correlation with seed yield per plant was found in days to 50% flowering (0.578**), the plant height, (0.787**), pod length (PL) (0.406*), seeds per plant (SP) (0.369*), pod per plant (0.697**) and hundred seeds weight (HSW) (0.500**), but significantly negative correlation found in primary branches per plant (-0.046*). The results of path coefficient analysis revealed that days to 50% flowering (0.287), plant height (0.407), pod length (0.919), seeds per plant (0.033), pod per plant (0.035) and hundred seeds weight (0.795) had a positive direct impact on seed yield per plant and thus it was indicated that these traits could be exploited for the enhancement of yield performance of Brassica species. This study showed that based on the agronomic performance execution, genotypes G2, G5, G6 and G8 might be proposed for future hybridization programs in Bangladesh followed by variety development activities.

Adoption determinants of biogas and its impact on poverty in Bangladesh

Renewable energy resources are critical for reducing poverty and addressing the energy shortage. Renewable energy technologies have been slow to gain traction in Bangladesh. This study examines the factors that influence biogas adoption and the effects on income and poverty levels. A total of 400 respondents were surveyed to achieve the objectives. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a set of econometric models. According to the results, approximately one-third of the respondents used biogas technology. Respondents’ perceptions of reduced cooking fuel costs and modern communication technologies such as internet connectivity and mobile phone use played a major role in their adoption decision. The likelihood of adoption is 11.9 per cent and 56.7 per cent higher for those who have access to the internet and mobile phone compared to their counterparts. Adopters of biogas have between 13 and 27 per cent higher per capita household income than non-adopters. Based on radius matching, the household poverty gap is approximately 16 per cent lower for biogas adopters than non-adopters. Modifying the extension approach through the use of modern communication techniques can help achieve widespread adoption. The availability of capital may play a vital role in adoption. There is a need to promote the role of biogas technology in anti-poverty programmes​ in Bangladesh.

Analyzing governance challenges using Process Net-Map: a case study of a government microcredit scheme in Bangladesh

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the governance challenges confronted by a government microcredit program in Bangladesh following a case study approach.Design/methodology/approachA novel qualitative research tool called process net-map (PNM) was applied to develop a framework for visual understanding of the exact credit implementation process and to identify the actors responsible for creating governance challenges. Key informant interviews were also conducted to identify and distinguish the challenges faced by both the supply-side and demand-side stakeholders.FindingsThe findings reveal that the studied case faced problems in allocating adequate resources to human and physical capacity development. It was combined with the shortage of funds that made it impossible to meet the clients’ expectations. The lack of legal and regulatory framework disabled the organization from controlling political influence and corruption in the system. Moreover, the policy of lending only to groups proved counterproductive as it led to the exclusion of potentially viable borrowers.Practical implicationsThe key recommendation of the study is on increasing the microcredit fund and a reform of the group lending policy along with several other recommendations.Originality/valueThe PNM is a newly developed participatory mapping technique that has not been applied in the field of microfinance. Therefore, the use of this method may add new knowledge of conducting an in-depth analysis of why such challenges are associated with mostly public microfinance programs and how they are linked to the implementation process. The challenges encountered are relevant for the implementation of developmental programs that are dependent on the allocation of public funds.

Impact of Microcredit Program in Bangladesh

Impact of Microcredit Program in Bangladesh

Adaptation of the tool to measure parenting self-efficacy (topse) in Bangladesh

Measuring parental self-efficacy has influenced the children and their environment for reaching optimal development. The current study aimed to adapt the Tool to Measure Parenting Self-Efficacy (TOPSE) scale and to determine its psychometric properties for using in the context of Bangladesh. A total of 180 mothers of children aged 0 to 6 years were conveniently selected for this study. The TOPSE and Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem scale were used as measuring instruments. Collected data were analyzed to determine psychometric properties by using Cronbach’s alpha, Pearson product moment correlation coefficient, item analysis, and factor analysis. TOPSE had acceptable internal consistency (Coefficient alpha=0.89) and test-retest reliability (r=0.96). The convergent validity of TOPSE showed a highly positive correlation (r=0.91) with the Bangla Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem scale. The factor analysis resulted in 4 factors with Eigenvalues > 1, explaining 87% of the variances and the four factors showed Cronbach’s coefficient values ranging from 0.50 to 0.99. TOPSE has reasonably good psychometric properties. Further research may wish to require to see the implication of TOPSE in evaluating parenting programs in Bangladesh.
 Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(2): 169-177, 2021 (July)

A renal transplantation programme in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic

A renal transplantation programme in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic

Privatisation and Employees’ Job Security: Lessons From Bangladesh

This study looks at the human face of privatisation and examines employees’ job security in privatised state-owned enterprises in Bangladesh. The study uses semi-structured face-to-face interviews and document analysis of relevant secondary source materials. The study finds that permanent employees at the state-owned organisations feel secure in their jobs. By contrast, an average of 67% of permanent employees at the privatised state-owned organisations feel insecure about their jobs. The findings have important implications for the privatisation programmes and suggests that there is a need to place greater emphasis on a more context sensitive approach to privatisation programmes in Bangladesh.

Correction for RAHMAN 2012-0757

An error occurred in the article by Rahman et al titled, “Cost-Effectiveness of an Injury and Drowning Prevention Program in Bangladesh,” published in the December 2012 issue of Pediatrics (2012;130[6]: e1621–e1628; doi:10.1542/peds.2012-0757).Michael Linnan, MD, is no longer listed as an author because he did not meet the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors criteria for authorship.The online article has been corrected.