Rural Population Of Bangladesh Research Articles

Self-reported prevalence of asthma and its associated factors among adult rural population in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study using WHO PEN protocol

ObjectiveFor over a decade, the prevalence of asthma remained unchanged at around 7% in Bangladesh. Although asthma causes significant morbidity among both children and adults, updates on epidemiological data are...

Knowledge, attitude and practices towards SARS-CoV-2 genetic mutations and emerging variants among the population in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe coronavirus is continuously mutating and creating new SARS-CoV-2 variants. Public awareness about SARS-CoV-2 mutation is essential for effective preventive measures. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude...

Smokeless tobacco consumption and its association with risk factors of chronic kidney disease in rural and peri-urban Bangladesh.

Compared to smoking, which has major consequences in chronic kidney disease (CKD) initiation and progression, smokeless tobacco (SLT) consumption is considered to have fewer health consequences. We investigated the prevalence of SLT consumption and its association with risk factors of CKD in a rural and peri-urban Bangladeshi population. Using random sampling we recruited 872 adults in 2020, from the Mirzapur Demographic Surveillance System of Bangladesh, who had resided in the area for at least five years. Interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire, physical examination and anthropometric measurements were done, followed by blood and urine testing. The blood and urine tests were repeated in selected participants after three months as per the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration equation. The prevalence of SLT consumption was 29%. Being aged ≥46 years (OR=7.10; 95% CI: 4.79-10.94), female (OR=1.64; 95% CI: 1.21-2.22), housewife (OR=1.82; 95% CI: 1.35-2.45), farmer (OR=1.71; 95% CI: 1.06-2.76), widow (OR=3.40; 95% CI: 2.24-5.17), and having no formal schooling (OR=4.91; 95% CI: 3.59-6.72), family income of <$100/month (OR=1.66; 95% CI: 1.13-2.43), sleeping duration <7 hours per day (OR=2.33; 95% CI: 1.70-3.19), were associated with a significantly higher odds of SLT consumption. However, being aged 31-45 years (OR=0.25; 95% CI: 0.16-0.38) had significantly lower odds of being an SLT consumer. Among the diseases investigated, undernutrition (OR=1.63; 95% CI: 1.15-2.33), hypertension (OR=1.52; 95% CI: 1.13-2.05), anemia (OR=1.94; 95% CI: 1.39-2.71) and CKD (OR=1.62; 95% CI: 1.15-2.27) were significantly associated with SLT consumption. In the multivariable analysis, being aged 31-45 years (AOR=3.06; 95% CI: 1.91-4.90), ≥46 years (AOR=15.69; 95% CI: 4.64-53.09) and having no formal schooling (AOR=2.47; 95% CI: 1.72-3.55) were found to have a significant association with being an SLT consumer. SLT consumption is associated with most of the established risk factors of CKD within the studied population.

Frequency and risk factors stratification of hypertension among the rural population of Bangladesh

Background and Objectives: Hypertension is one of the major risk factors of premature morbidity and mortality in our daily clinical practice. Various studies carried out in the urban settings, but there is scarcity of epidemiological data regarding hypertension among the rural people in Bangladesh. Therefore, this current study has been designed to find out the frequency and risk factors stratification of hypertension among the rural people in Jashore, Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study recruited 1812 participants above 18 years attending on national hypertensive week of 2019 in Bagherpara and Keshabpur upazila (subdistrict) health complex in Jashore, Bangladesh. 2020 International Society of Hypertension Global Hypertension Practice Guidelines had been demonstrated to classify hypertension. Results: Out of the total study population, the frequency of hypertension was 20.6% (Grade 1 and Grade 2 hypertensive patients 15.8% and 4.9%, respectively), and high normal blood pressure was 9.0%. The mean age of the study population, Grade 1 hypertensive and Grade 2 hypertensive cohorts were 42 ± 16, 49 ± 15 and 51 ± 14 years, respectively, with a male and female ratio was 1:2. Progressive rise of mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure were noticed with increasing age. Age (P: &lt;0.001), sex (P: 0.004), occupation (P: &lt;0.001), BMI (P: &lt;0.001), family (P: &lt;0.001) and past history (P: &lt;0.001) of hypertension, sedentary life style (P: 0.004), additional salt intake (P: &lt;0.001) and smoking (P: 0.011) were significantly associated with hypertension following bivariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age after 50 years (AOR = 1.866, 95% CI: 1.210-2.876), positive past history of hypertension (AOR = 3.493, 95% CI: 2.676-4.558), additional salt intake (AOR = 0.591, 95% CI: 0.453-0.770) and obesity (AOR = 3.389, 95% CI: 1.830-6.274) were significantly associated with developing hypertension. Conclusion: High frequency of hypertension was found among the rural population in Bangladesh where presence with a lot of significantly associated risk factors. The data would be helpful for the health policymakers dealing noncommunicable diseases to reach the sustainable goal and mitigate morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases in Bangladesh.

Association of serum vitamin-D level with renal function in a rural population of Bangladesh

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is an emerging global health problem. Recent studies have indicated that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency even in tropical countries is as high as that observed in Western populations. Vitamin D deficiency has high impact on renal disorders which are leading causes of death in humans.&#x0D; Methods: This was a cross sectional analytical study. According to inclusion criteria of the study total 259 participants were recruited from a rural area, Baidyerbazar union of Narayanganj district. After taking history and clinical examination, relevant investigations were done. Serum 25(OH)D was measured using chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) technology (DiaSorin Inc, Stillwater, MN). Renal functions of the study population were assessed by e-GFR (calculated by CKD-EPI equation), urinary ACR and urine microscopy.&#x0D; Results: In this study out of 259 study subjects on vitamin-D status 6.2%, 33.6% and 60.2% had vitamin-D sufficiency, insufficiency and deficiency respectively. Among participated female (133) 78.2% had vitamin-D deficiency and among participated male (126) 41.3% had vitamin-D deficiency. Among vitamin-D sufficiency, insufficiency and deficiency group the mean eGFR was 102.94, 104.87 and 109.33 ml/min/1.73 m2 respectively. The mean uACR level was 6.97, 22.89 and 37.29 mg/gm respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest that 93.8% of study population had either vitamin-D insufficiency or deficiency. Vitamin-D deficiency was more prevalent in females than males. Serum 25- hydroxyvitamin D level was negatively associated with urinary ACR level.&#x0D; Mugda Med Coll J. 2022; 5(2): 82-87

Salt intake knowledge, attitude and behaviour in a rural population of Bangladesh

Abstract not available Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Journal 2023;16(2): 124-125

Frequency and Risk Factors Stratifi-cation of Hypertension among the Rural Population of Bangladesh

Background: One of major predictors of premature mortality and morbidity; and scarcity of epidemiological data regarding hypertension among the rural people in Bangladesh, the study has been designed to find out the frequency and risk factors stratification of hypertension among the rural people in Jashore, Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study recruited 1812 participants above 18 years attending on national hypertensive week of 2019 in Bagherpara and Keshabpur upazila (sub-district) health complex in Jashore, Bangladesh. 2020 International Society of Hypertension Global Hypertension Practice Guidelines had been demonstrated to classify hypertension. Results: Out of the total study population, the frequency of hypertension was 20.6% (Grade 1 and Grade 2 hypertensive patients 15.8% and 4.9% respectively), and high normal blood pressure was 9.0%. The mean age of the study population, Grade 1 hypertensive and Grade 2 hypertensive cohorts were 42 ±16, 49±15 and 51±14 years respectively with a male and female ratio was 1:2. Progressive rise of mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure occurred with increasing age. Age(p:&lt;0.001), sex(p:0.004), occupation (p:&lt;0.001), BMI(p:&lt;0.001), family(p:&lt;0.001) and past history (p:&lt;0.001) of hypertension, sedentary life style(p:0.004), additional salt intake(p:&lt;0.001) and smoking(p:0.011) were significantly associated with hypertension following bivariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age after 50 years (AOR=1.866, 95% CI: 1.210-2.876), positive past history of hypertension (AOR=3.493, 95% CI: 2.676- 4.558), additional salt intake (AOR=0.591, 95% CI: 0.453-0.770) and obesity (AOR=3.389, 95% CI: 1.830-6.274) were significantly associated with developing hypertension. Conclusion: High frequency of hypertension was found among the rural population in Bangladesh where a lot of significantly associated risk factors. The data would be helpful for the health policy makers dealing Non-communicable diseases to reach the sustainable goal and mitigate morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases in Bangladesh. Bangladesh J Medicine 2023; Vol. 34, No. 2(1) Supplement: 205

Estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) in rural Bangladeshi population and its correlation with cardiometabolic risks

Background and objectives: For decades type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and insulin resistance (IR) are increasingly gaining importance as an underlying mechanism for increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). IR is related to various cardiometabolic adverse effects. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp technique, the gold standard method for measuring IR, is an invasive and complex procedure. Estimation of glucose disposal rate (eGDR) is an easy alternative tool for measuring IR. There is no known study on eGDR level in Bangladeshi native population. Therefore, this study was undertaken to determine the eGDR values in a healthy working rural Bangladeshi population. Materials and methods: Six villages were selected purposively as the study sites. All healthy working people aged ≥20 years in selected rural community were considered eligible. Those who consented to participate in the study were enrolled. Investigations included a) interviewing for social and clinical history, b) anthropometry and measurement of blood pressure and d) estimation of HbA1c and biochemical indices. The eGDR (mg/kg/min) was calculated using formula: eGDR = 21.158 − (0.09 * WC) − (3.407 * HT) − (0.551 * HbA1c); where WC = waist circumference in cm, HT = hypertension (yes = 1/no = 0), and HbA1c = HbA1c (%). Results: A total of 93 (m/w = 29/64) participants were enrolled in the study. The prevalence rates of hypertension, diabetes and metabolic syndrome (MSyn) were 34%, 31.1% and 16.1%, respectively. The mean eGDR value was 9.9 (±0.149; 95% CI: 9.62–10.2) mg/kg/min. Most of the values of biophysical characteristics were normal. The comparison between participants with and without MSyn showed that the former had significantly lower eGDR (9.05±1.24 vs.10.10±1.37, p&lt;0.01). Inverse correlations of eGDR with the obesity, glycemia and lipidemia (weight, waist, FBG, T-chol, and TG) were significant. Declining eGDR were significant with rising WHR, WHtR, TG/HDLR and T-chol/HDLR (for all, p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: The study revealed the level of eGDR in a healthy working people of a rural community of Bangladesh. Moreover, eGDR was found to decrease significantly with the increasing cardiometabolic risks. The study revealed a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and metabolic syndrome in apparently healthy working people highlighting susceptibility of Bangladeshi natives to non-communicable diseases. IMC J Med Sci. 2023; 17(2):005. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.17.015 *Correspondence: M Abu Sayeed, Department of Community Medicine, Ibrahim Medical College, 1/A, Ibrahim Sarani, Segunbagicha, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh. Email: sayeed1950@gmail.com

Rural Poverty in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan: Profiles and Policies (Invited Lecture)

The Bangladesh - India - Pakistan subcontinent has about one billion people or one-fifth of the world's population. A majority of the subcontinent's people live in rural areas and depend directly or indirectly on agriculture and related pursuits. The highly differentiated rural population includes a large proportion of the poor in the three countries. Their differentiated structure is based on (a) control of land through right of ownership and usufruct, and (b) employment opportunities for the labour power and its wages .. Absolute poverty afflicts nearly 60 percent of the rural population in Bangladesh,40 percent in India and 35 percent in Pakistan. The major causes of rural poverty are (a) landlessness and (b) lack of adequate employment (including low real wages) in or outside agriculture. Both these factors are responsible for keeping the poor consigned to low "entitlements" to income and commodities. The growth of the economy in general, and of agriculture in particular, has not produced the "trickle-down" effects large enough to counter the basic causes of persistent and high levels of rural poverty.

Occurrence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia colicarrying antimicrobial resistance genes in sheep on smallholdings in Bangladesh.

Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coli(STEC) are zoonotic foodborne pathogens and a significant concern with the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Close human contact might have a higher chance of being transmitted to humans from sheep if the sheep population is a potential reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant STEC. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the sheep population in rural Bangladesh for antimicrobial-resistant STEC. We screened 200 faecal samples collected from sheep in three Upazilas from the Chattogram district. Randomisation of sampling was not performed due to the smaller flock size (two to six animals per smallholding). Phenotypically positiveE. coliisolates were examined for two Shiga toxin-producing genes -stx1 andstx2. PCR-positive STEC isolates were investigated for the presence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes -blaTEM ,sul1andsul2. In total, 123 of the 200 tested samples were confirmed positiveE. coliusing culture-based methods. PCR results show 17 (13.8%)E. coliisolates harboured ≥ one virulent gene (stx1or/andstx2) of STEC. The AMR profile of STEC isolates was determined utilising the disc diffusion method. Of the STEC isolates, 82, 76, 71 and 71% were susceptible tochloramphenicol, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and ampicillin. In contrast, 47% of isolates were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and 41% were resistant to amoxicillin. In addition, six of the tested STEC isolates exhibitedthe blaTEM gene; eight STEC isolates hadthe sul1gene, andthe sul2gene was detected in ten STEC isolates. To our knowledge, this study is the first to reveal a substantial percentage of STEC isolated from sheep in rural Bangladesh harbouring AMR genes.

Key Food Hygiene Behaviors to Reduce Microbial Contamination of Complementary Foods in Rural Bangladesh.

ABSTRACT.Microbial contamination of complementary foods puts young children at risk of developing intestinal infections and could be reduced by improved handwashing and food hygiene practices. We aimed to identify which promoted food hygiene practices are associated with reduced complementary food contamination in a rural population in Bangladesh. We collected cross-sectional data on reported and observed maternal food hygiene behaviors and measured Escherichia coli counts as an indicator of microbial contamination in complementary food samples from 342 children of women enrolled in the Food and Agricultural Approaches to Reducing Malnutrition trial in Sylhet, Bangladesh. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine associations of food hygiene behaviors with food contamination. Approximately 46% of complementary food samples had detectable levels of Escherichia coli. Handwashing with soap at critical times and fresh preparation of food before feeding were strongly associated with reduced odds of food sample contamination (odds ratio [OR]: 0.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.6–0.9 and OR: 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1–0.7, respectively); in contrast, there was no or only weak evidence that reheating of stored food, safe food storage, and cleanliness of feeding utensils reduced contamination. Reduction in food contamination could be more than halved only when several food hygiene behaviors were practiced in combination. In conclusion, single food hygiene practices showed limited potential and a combined practice of multiple food hygiene behaviors may be needed to achieve a substantial reduction of complementary food contamination.

Assessment of the Needs of Rural Older People in Bangladesh

The objective of this study is to examine the needs of older population in rural Bangladesh. Through a purposive sampling, 80 participants were selected from eight villages located in eight administrative districts. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect some quantitative and mostly qualitative data. The study findings indicated that the majority of rural older people were in abject poverty, had limited social security and suffered from ill health, malnutrition, and inadequate medical and general health services. Also, they lacked steady income, had lost family relations, suffered from social isolation and loneliness, and are dependent on others. Due to loss of family relations, they lacked caregivers and had little or no social status and position, thus making them susceptible to depression, frustration and stress. Moreover, they have limited access to recreational and transportation facilities, as well as community-based support programmes. Our findings suggest implementation of social security and protection schemes in the rural area and extension of adequate and quality health care facilities to the rural older. In summary, rural older people in Bangladesh need a more balanced and integrated social and medical care policies to maintain a decent quality of life.

Behavioural Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases among Rural Population in a Selected Area of Dhaka City

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is considered as an emerging public health problem recognized as threats.&#x0D; Objective: The purpose of the present study was to determine the behavioural risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCD) and socio-demographic factors among rural population in Bangladesh.&#x0D; Methodology: This descriptive type of cross sectional study was conducted among 186 participants who were selected purposively in Keranigonj Upazila of Dhaka District and lasted for 15 days from 15th May to 30th May 2019. The data was collected by using a semi structured questionnaire employing purposive technique.&#x0D; Results: A total number of 186 respondent’s were recruited for this study. Regarding physical activity 118(73.75%) of the respondents do physical work 5 to 10 hours per day. Majority of the respondents (48.92%) use table salt whereas 17(9.13%) cases should not. Regarding smoking among male respondents of 41(53.24%) cases were current smokers. Regarding smokeless tobacco 111(59.67%) respondents were current users 64(34.40%) were non-users. Current study showed 14(18.18%) females and 11(10.09%) males were overweight (BMI&gt;25kg/m2). Knowledge regarding risk factors about NCD study showed that knowledge regarding diabetes, cancer and hypertention respondent gave multiple response. Again 76(40.86%) respondents gave the history excess sweet intake and 69(37.09%) respondents for smoking 17(9.13%) had no idea, 77(41.39%) respondents responed hypertention is due to smoking 42(22.58%) respondents had no knowledge about cancer and 71(38.17%) respondents responsed due to intake of unhealthy diet whereas 58(31.18%) they did not about the risk factor of cancer.&#x0D; Conclusion: The increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in different population groups urges continuous survey to exclude risk factors. In the study area increasing awareness about NCDs through accepted and appropriate strategies need to be implemented.&#x0D; Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research, January 2022;9(1):9-15

Enhancing the security of E-Health services in Bangladesh using blockchain technology

The telemedicine service concept was mainly established to benefit the underprivileged people from rural areas of a country. However, due to the low literacy and awareness rates among rural population of Bangladesh, the service is not much effective. This paper represents a study on the awareness of the rural population of telemedicine service in Bangladesh and few key findings indicate how the awareness could be increased. The research also suggests that utilizing blockchain technology can enhance the data security and privacy. The research reveals some of the findings which can raise the awareness and popularity of telemedicine service among rural population. We have proposed implementation of blockchain technology which can vastly improve the security issue.

Socio-demographic and clinical patterns of patients with obstructive airway disease

Background: Obstructive airway disease (OAD) includes two entities that share many common characteristics. Those are asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). On the other hand, in our regular practice, we observe that psychiatric symptoms of anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunction often occur in patients suffering from such diseases which are also associated with their socio-demographic and clinical status. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to determine the socio-demographic and clinical status of patients with OAD.Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study which was conducted at the department of respiratory medicine in the national institute of diseases of the chest and hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from March 2018 to February 2019 in collaboration with the department of pathology, radiology, and respiratory laboratory. A total of 160 cases of asthma or COPD were enrolled in this study. Statistical analyses of the results were obtained by using Windows-based computer software devised with statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS-23.0).Results: A total number of 160 patients were selected and the mean age of the total participants was 53.0±14.0 years. In this study, the male-female ratio of the study people was 1.13:1. The majority (91.2%) of patients were married. Almost three fourth (73.7%) of patients were from rural areas. Almost one-third (31.9%) of patients completed primary education level. The majority (27.5%) of the patients were service holders. The average monthly income was 1871.9±4888.8 taka. Almost two-thirds (66.3%) of patients were smokers. In total 98 (61.3%) patients had COPD and 62 (38.7%) had asthma. In this study in total 98 (61.3%) patients had COPD and 62 (38.7%) had asthma. Among 98 COPD patients 10 (10.2%) had mild, 29 (29.6%) had moderate, 40 (40.8%) had severe and 19 (19.4%) had very severe COPD. Among 62 asthmatic patients 22 (35.5%) had mild, 16 (25.8%) had moderate, 11 (17.7%) had severe and 13 (21.0%) had very severe asthma.Conclusions: According to the findings of this study we can conclude that the frequency of OAD is higher among aged, smokers, married male people than others. The ratio of COPD patients may be higher than asthmatic patients among the rural population of Bangladesh. The mean depression inventory score was found to some higher among asthmatic patients than that of COPD patients.

Risk Factors Identification of Hypertension among the Population in a Selected Rural Area of Patuakhali, Bangladesh

Introduction: Non-communicable disease causes over 36 million deaths globally each year. And among the NCD deaths, over 82% of premature deaths occur in underdeveloped and developing countries. Some of the non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes and asthma are emerging as a major health problem in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh government has given high priority to research these particular diseases. But although there are many global studies regarding the risk factors of hypertension, not much research has been done regarding the increasing risk of hypertension in rural areas. Aim of the study: This study aims to determine the risk factors and case detection of hypertension among the adults in rural population of Bangladesh. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the rural area of Dumki upazilla of Patuakhali district. Sample population was selected following simple random sampling technique. Socio-demographic information, information about smoking, family history of hypertension status were collected using a pre-prepared questionnaire. Blood pressure, body weight and height of 255 individuals between the age range of 40-90 years of both sexes were measured and collected. Result: The prevalence of hypertension was 25.6%. The male prevalence was 26.8% and the female 23.2%. The Mean±SD of age 45±15.26, SBP 129.71±10.22, DBP 74.49±11.68 and for BMI 24.1±4.45. Increasing age higher BMI were positively associated with hypertension. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension in the rural population was found to be on the increase compared to previous reports of Bangladesh and other Asian studies. Advanced age, BMI, family history of hypertension, smoking were recognized as significant risk factors for hypertension.

Malnutrition in all its forms and associated factors affecting the nutritional status of adult rural population in Bangladesh: results from a cross-sectional survey

IntroductionThe burden of malnutrition is widely evaluated in Bangladesh in different contexts. However, most of them determine the influence of sociodemographic factors, which have limited scope for modification and design...

Job Satisfaction of Health Assistants in Selected Upazila Health Complexes of Bangladesh

Health assistants play an important role in providing primary health care among the rural population in Bangladesh. Their improper working performance can hamper the entire nations’ health care. Proper productivity is related to the job satisfaction and job satisfaction is the result of attitude and behavior. The purpose of this study was to assess the job satisfaction level among health assistants working in selected Upazila Health Complex (UHC). 203 health assistants were interviewed through purposive sampling technique from four UHCs in the Dhaka district. Out of 203 respondents, 114 were female and 89 were male where Mean± SD was 38.80 ±7.62. The highest 109 (53.7%) participants had 1-10 years of working experience and 104 (51.2%) respondents had monthly income between 18000 -23000 BDTK. The percentage of neutral, satisfied and unsatisfied participants’ was 65%, 28% and 7%, respectively. There was significant (P &lt; 0.05) relationship between job satisfaction and getting medical allowance, training opportunity and salary. Job nature such as security, meaningless, pride and enjoying, support colleagues such as supervisor and coworkers, acceptance by both the community and oneself were identified as the satisfied items where low and fair opportunities for promotion, low increment, and low pay, no praise, high work pressure, and null administrative capacity were found as dissatisfied factors of job. On the basis of these findings, policy makers and concerned authorities could take necessary steps for increasing the level of job satisfaction of health assistants.

Helicobacter pylori infection in asymptomatic rural Bangladeshi population

Background and objectives: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection differs in urban and rural population. In our country, no previous study investigated the H. pylori infection in rural population. The aim of the present study was to find out the status of H. pylori infection among the Bangladeshi asymptomatic rural adult population.&#x0D; Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in a rural area located about 40 km north-east of capital Dhaka. Apparently healthy non-diabetic, pre-diabetic and diabetic adults (18 years and above) were enrolled in this study. A structured questionnaire was developed to record the socio-demographic and clinical information. H. pylori infection status was determined by the presence of anti- H. pylori IgG antibody in blood. Serum anti-H.pylori IgG antibodies were determined by immunochromatographic test (ICT) method.&#x0D; Results: A total number of 180 apparently healthy adult individuals were enrolled of which 112, 40 and 28 were non-diabetic, pre-diabetic and diabetic respectively. Out of 180 individuals, anti- H. pylori IgG was present in 70 (38.9%, CI: 32.1, 46.2) cases. Infection rate was 50%, 27.5% and 43.5% in 19-30, 31-50 and &gt;50 years age group respectively. Infection rate was significantly (p&lt; 0.05) low in 31-50 years age group compared to 19-30 and &gt; 50 years age groups. H. pylori infection rates in male and female were 42.6% (CI: 29.2, 56.8) and 37.3% (CI: 28.9, 46.4) respectively (p=0.50). There was no significant (p&gt;0.05) association of H. pylori infection with economic status, education level, occupation and tobacco consumption of the study population. The rate of H. pylori infection in non-diabetic, pre-diabetic and diabetic individuals were not significantly different from each other.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study revealed a low prevalence of H. pylori infection in rural population of Bangladesh. There was no significant association of H. pylori infection with several sociodemographic status and diabetes.&#x0D; Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2021; 15(1): 41-46

Women's fasting habits and dietary diversity during Ramadan in rural Bangladesh

Little is known about fasting practices and dietary changes during Ramadan in low‐ and lower‐middle‐income countries. Although pregnant women are exempt from fasting, they may still fast. This is of interest as dietary habits during pregnancy may affect the development of the unborn child. In a community‐based sample of young women in rural Sylhet division, Bangladesh, we described fasting practices and beliefs (n = 852). We also examined reported food group consumption and minimally adequate dietary diversity for women (MDD‐W) by Ramadan occurrence (n = 1,895) and by fasting adherence (n = 558) using logistic regression with Hindu women as a seasonal control.During Ramadan in 2018, 78% of pregnant Muslim women fasted every day. Over 80% of Muslim women believe that they should fast during pregnancy and over 50% expect positive health effects on the mother and the unborn child. We found strong evidence that Muslim women have more diverse diets during Ramadan, with higher odds of MDD‐W (OR [95% CI]: 5.0 [3.6, 6.9]) and increased consumption of pulses, dairy, fruit, and large fish. Dietary diversity increased to a lesser extent on non‐fasting days during Ramadan. Ramadan appears to improve dietary quality in both fasting and non‐fasting Muslim women in a rural population in Bangladesh. These results help to interpret findings from studies on Ramadan during pregnancy on later‐life outcomes and thus contribute to a better understanding of intrauterine influences of maternal nutrition on healthy child development.