Women In Rural Bangladesh Research Articles

A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study about the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Food Safety Measures among Rural Households in Bangladesh.

Food handlers have been found to play essential roles in transmitting foodborne diseases and can pose a significant public health problem. Our study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of food safety measures among the rural households of Bangladesh. We conducted this community-based cross-sectional study among women above 18 years involved with food preparation in rural households of four villages in Bangladesh. A total of 400 respondents were selected using the multistage cluster sampling technique. Data were collected using pretested and predesigned questionnaires based on the World Health Organization's (WHO) five keys for food safety. We used Stata (Version 16) for all statistical analyses. The mean age of the participants was 42.09 ± 12.96 years. The median KAP scores [interquartile range (IQR)] were 7 (21-10), 16 (5-18), and 26 (9-30), respectively. We found the median KAP scores were significantly lower in the age group >55 years than in age groups of 18-25, 26-35, 36-45, and 46-55 years (P < 0.05 for all). In addition, the median KAP scores were significantly higher in respondents who were married, literate, employed/active, living in pakka/semipakka house, and with a monthly family income of >5,000 BDT (P < 0.05 for all). Among all, 33.75%, 80.25%, and 69.00% had good (≥80% of total) KAP scores, respectively. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that monthly family income >5,000 BDT was a significant predictor of good knowledge [Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 3.51, 95%CI: 1.55-7.98], good attitude (aOR: 5.82, 95%CI: 2.80-11.70), and good practice (aOR: 3.18, 95%CI: 1.67-6.07). Age >55 years was a significant predictor of good attitude (aOR: 0.38, 95%CI: 0.17-0.81) and good practice (aOR: 0.48, 95%CI: 0.21-0.89). Having ≤4 members in the family was a significant predictor of good practice (aOR: 1.85, 95%CI: 1.13-3.03) regarding food safety measures. The study found that KAP among rural Bangladeshi women regarding food safety were relatively satisfactory. However, having a poor monthly income and living in a large family were impediments to good food-safety practices where work can be done. The findings of this study may help develop health intervention programs for food handlers to further improve KAP toward food safety, thereby reducing foodborne illness in households.

Assessment of nutrient adequacy and associated factors among lactating women of rural Bangladesh using observed intake: Findings from Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey 2018-2019.

Lactating women of low- and middle-income countries are prone to develop deficiencies in essential nutrients due to various demographic and socioeconomic components. This study aimed to estimate the adequacy of dietary intake and the determinants of diet quality of lactating women in rural Bangladesh. One-day dietary recall (24-Hour recall) data of 973 lactating women were obtained from the Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey (BIHS) 2018-2019. Nutrient adequacy was determined using the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) cut-point approach. The molar ratios of phytate to zinc, calcium, and iron were calculated. Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR) was calculated to measure diet quality, and multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the sociodemographic determinants of MAR. While the intakes of protein and carbohydrate were equal to/above the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) among most of the subjects, intakes of total energy and fat were below the reference intakes for 74.4% and 98.3%, respectively. Nutrient adequacy remained unmet for riboflavin, calcium, vitamin A, and folate among most (87.2%-97.6%) of the study population, and the mean (SD) MAR was 0.72 (0.12). Cereals were the major contributor of energy and B vitamins, while protein and iron mainly came from plant-based sources. The molar ratio of phytate to iron was greater than the critical limit among most respondents. Maternal Body Mass Index (BMI) (beta=0.003, p=.014) and education level (beta=0.017, p=.038) were associated with their diet quality. The diet of most lactating women in rural Bangladesh indicates the inadequacy of several micronutrients. This can lead to a worsening of the double burden of malnutrition in women. Lactating women should be given special consideration when designing food and nutrition programs for reproductive women in rural Bangladesh.

Constructing a Plasma Nutriproteome for Population Assessment: Analytical Considerations

ObjectivesMicronutrient status is rarely assessed in low-income settings. Proteomics may offer a proxy by measuring plasma proteins correlated with nutrients on a single platform. However, the proteome is huge, diverse and measured in different ways. We describe an analytic framework and decision process to explore nutrient: protein (N:P) associations for micronutrient status assessment.MethodsIn plasma of 435 1st trimester women in rural Bangladesh, we compared relative protein abundance, revealed by a multiplexed slow off-rate modified aptamer assay (SomaLogic, Inc), to biochemical concentrations of vitamins A, D, E, B9, B12, Zn, Se, Cu, I, & Fe, 5 carotenoids, cholesterol and AGP. After log2-transforming protein abundance per convention, N:P relationships were summarized by simple linear regression. We assessed reliability by Pearson correlation (rp) and coefficients of variation (CV) in 20 blind duplicates. To define each plasma nutriproteome [proteins correlating at a false discovery rate < 0.05], in all samples we explored a) normalizing protein abundance to the median of our sample vs not, b) assessing correlations by rp vs Spearman rank (rs) estimators, and c) log2-transforming (log2) nutrients vs not. We compared differences in the number of proteins and N:P correlative strength (either more negative/positive by rp or rs) in each proteome when nutrient concentrations were left untransformed vs log2-transformed.ResultsIn duplicates, log2-transformed proteins that were normalized, vs not, to the sample-specific median generated higher median rp (0.92 vs. 0.87) and rs (0.87 vs. 0.85) and lower CV (4.8% vs. 11.7%). The median (IQR) size of the nutriproteomes was 147 (41–340) proteins by rp and 87 (29–639) by rs. For >50% of proteins in 13 nutriproteomes, rp was stronger than rs (in either +/− direction), favoring use of rp. Log2-transforming folate (B9), Zn & cholesterol increased proteome size by 39, 223 & 875 proteins and strengthened rp for >50% of proteins than untransformed nutrients. Other proteomes remained larger when nutrient concentrations remained untransformed.ConclusionsComparing plasma protein: nutrient associations via methods of normalization, transformation, and correlation offers a framework to guide plasma nutriproteome definition.Funding SourcesJohns Hopkins University.

Low Birth Weight Baby and Its Associated Factors among Rural Women in Bangladesh: A Decision Curve Analysis

Background: Low birth weight is considered to be one of the main risk factors for infant mortality and morbidity. It is associated with a range of both short- and long-term consequences. Objectives: The study examined the factors contributing to low birth weight of the baby in Bangladesh. This study also attempted with the objective of ensuing a prediction of low birth weight. Methods: The study was a case-control quantitative survey. A three-stage cluster sample design was used to conduct the survey. A total of 674 (337 cases and 337 control) mothers/care givers of under 1 year children were selected from 2 districts of Bangladesh. Binary logistic regression and decision curve analysis were used to investigate the factors which attribute to low birth weight baby born. Results: The findings of the study revealed that mean birth weight was 2.1±0.4 kg among low birth weight children whereas it was 3.0±0.5 kg for normal birth weight children. The mean age of sampled mothers was 25.2±5.4 years. Every 2 in 3 mage got married before 18 years. The prevalence of low birth weight baby among the women with secondary or higher education was lower (47.4%) compared to the women no formal education (65.4%). Analysis revealed that several socio-demographic factors like parental education level, maternal age at first marriage, working status were significantly associated with low birth weight of the baby (p&lt;0.05). Some biological and medical factors like multiple births, maturity of the birth, prenatal care and taking iron and folic acid during pregnancy were also significantly associated with low birth weight baby born. Finally, decision curve analysis technique predicted a net benefit of 0.3907 for the profitable model with highest number of factors. This result implies that the fitted model can predict 39% low birth weight based on independent factors. Conclusion: Prediction model indicates that parental and biological factors are caused for low birth weight baby born in rural areas. Maternal and child health program should focus behavioural change regarding create awareness of disadvantage of early marriage, intake IFA supplementation, at least 4 ANC visit to reduce low birth weight baby born. Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2021; 47(1): 42-49

Effects of demographic factors on women’s participation in the Islamic microfinance scheme: an analysis using the theory of bounded rationality

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that influence the individual bounded rationality of the rural poor toward participation in borrowing from rural development scheme (RDS). Specifically, how do respondents’ demographic variables such as gender, age, education, income and religion affect their attitude, subjective norms (SNs) and perceived behavioral control (PBC) to influence bounded rationality toward actual participation in borrowing the Islamic funds from RDS?Design/methodology/approachTo answer these questions, the theory of bounded rational planned behavior as its basis was established. Data (n = 375) were collected from rural women clients of RDS based on snow-balling sampling technique. Data were analyzed following the procedure of structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results indicate that all the demographic variables except education influence attitudes, SNs and PBC in turn influence the individual respondents’ bounded rational intention toward participation in RDS.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample was not randomly drawn to represent a population to which findings could be generalized. Instead, it was a snow-balling sample, and as such, the ability to generalize the findings very far beyond the sample is limited.Practical implicationsThis paper implies that respondents’ socioeconomic characteristics are important to consider changing individual subjective rationality of human being toward performing actual behavior.Social implicationsSocial implications refer that rural women in Bangladesh are positively and subjectively motivated toward bounded rational intention and participation in RDS.Originality/valueThis research is based on the primary data collected from the participants in an Islamic microfinance institute called RDS. This paper draws on several insights about the participation behavior of the rural poor in Bangladesh.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Vitamin B12 Deficiency among Pregnant Women in Rural Bangladesh.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes. However, data on vitamin B12 deficiency in pregnant Bangladeshi women are limited. This study examines vitamin B12 deficiency and marginal deficiency in rural Bangladeshi women during early and late pregnancies. Some 522 women whose gestational age was <20 weeks were recruited. Serum vitamin B12 concentrations were measured at baseline and after 14 weeks of iron-folate supplementation. Logistic regression analysis examined the association of various socio-demographic, dietary, and pregnancy-related factors with vitamin B12 deficiency and marginal deficiency. Overall, 19% of the women during early pregnancy had vitamin B12 deficiency (serum vitamin B12 concentration < 203 pg/mL) and nearly 40% had marginal deficiency (serum vitamin B12 concentration 203 to <300 pg/mL). Vitamin B12 deficiency doubled to 38% during late pregnancy, while marginal deficiency slightly increased to 41.7%. The pregnant women with a gestational age of ≥27 weeks had a higher risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency (OR = 2.61; 95% CI = 1.096–6.214) than those of a gestational age of <27 weeks. Vitamin B12 deficiency was significantly higher in pregnant women in rented accommodation (OR = 13.32; 95% CI = 1.55–114.25) than in those living in their own house. Vitamin B12 deficiency was significantly higher among women who consumed red or organ meat <3 times a week than in those who consumed it more often (OR = 2.327, 95% CI = 1.194–4.536). None of these factors were significantly associated with marginal vitamin B12 deficiency. In conclusion, vitamin B12 deficiency and marginal deficiency among pregnant rural Bangladeshi women increased as their pregnancies progressed. Increasing gestational age, living in a rented house, and the consumption of red or organ meat <3 times a week were identified as the independent risk factors of vitamin B12 deficiency in this population. Further research with more in-depth assessments of dietary vitamin B12 intakes is needed to develop an intervention program preventing vitamin B12 deficiency in this population.

Men's Use of Economic Coercion Against Women in Rural Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is historically a patriarchal society, but has made recent strides in increasing educational and economic opportunities for women. Yet men continue to perpetrate economic coercion and other forms of intimate partner violence against women in Bangladesh. This study examines how men in rural Bangladesh shape the economic activities of their wives within the context of changing norms around women's involvement in economic domains. Men's perspectives are not often explored in the literature and can provide valuable insight into how and why economic coercion persists. 25 in-depth interviews were conducted with men in rural Bangladesh and analyzed using thematic analysis. Men engaged in economically coercive practices, both implicitly and explicitly. Three themes captured how men perpetrated economic coercion: they held gendered expectations about how and if women should participate in economic activities, they monitored women's activities to ensure they conformed to the men's gendered expectations, and they placed explicit restrictions on women's economic activities to align with and maintain gender inequitable norms. These findings call attention to how men continue to see themselves as dominant over women in rural Bangladesh, despite the progress made in expanding educational and economic opportunities for women. The analysis points to the need for interventions that go beyond increased access to educational and economic programs for women to address the persistence of gender inequitable norms within patriarchal societies.

Assessment of multiple mycotoxin exposure and its association with food consumption: a human biomonitoring study in a pregnant cohort in rural Bangladesh

Aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxin A (OTA), citrinin (CIT), fumonisin B1 (FB1), zearalenone (ZEN), and deoxynivalenol (DON) are mycotoxins that may contaminate diets, especially in low-income settings, with potentially severe health consequences. This study investigates the exposure of 439 pregnant women in rural Bangladesh to 35 mycotoxins and their corresponding health risks and links their exposure to certain foods and local stimulants. Overall, 447 first-morning urine samples were collected from pregnant women between July 2018 and November 2019. Mycotoxin biomarkers were quantified by DaS-HPLC–MS/MS. Urinary concentration of frequently occurring mycotoxins was used to estimate dietary mycotoxin exposure. Median regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between the consumption of certain foods and local stimulants, and urinary concentration of frequently occurring mycotoxins. Only in 17 of 447 urine samples (4%) were none of the investigated mycotoxins detected. Biomarkers for six major mycotoxins (AFs, CIT, DON, FB1, OTA, and ZEN) were detected in the urine samples. OTA (95%), CIT (61%), and DON (6%) were most frequently detected, with multiple mycotoxins co-occurring in 281/447 (63%) of urine samples. Under the lowest exposure scenario, dietary exposure to OTA, CIT, and DON was of public health concern in 95%, 16%, and 1% of the pregnant women, respectively. Consumption of specific foods and local stimulants—betel nut, betel leaf, and chewing tobacco—were associated with OTA, CIT, and DON urine levels. In conclusion, exposure to multiple mycotoxins during early pregnancy is widespread in this rural community and represents a potential health risk for mothers and their offspring.

Unpacking cesarean in rural Bangladesh: Who, what, when, and where.

Bangladesh has experienced an alarming increase in birth through cesarean over the last decade. In this article, we examine rural Bangladeshi women's reporting of why they underwent cesarean, who proposed the cesarean, and when in the process, the decision for a surgical birth was made. We conducted a cross-sectional household survey of 2299 women in Kushtia district. Of these, 1233 who gave birth through cesarean completed a supplemental questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to report cesarean rates, which were disaggregated by sociodemographic characteristics and by antenatal care contacts with health services. We analyzed women's reported reasons for having a cesarean, when the decision was taken, and who proposed the intervention. Over half (54%) of women gave birth through cesarean. The proportion of cesareans was significantly higher among women with higher educational attainment, higher socioeconomic status, and increased antenatal care during pregnancy, particularly if this care was sought in private facilities (P&lt;.05). Women reported that health service providers primarily proposed the cesarean (73%), followed by family members (21%) and finally, the birthing person themselves (6%). With respect to the reasons for cesarean, 34% of women reported nonmedical reasons (convenience and avoidance of labor pain), and 44% mentioned only medical reasons. Over half of the women reported that the decision to undergo a cesarean was made on the day of birth. Women in rural Bangladesh often report avoidable reasons for cesarean. Better regulation of cesarean services in both public and private health services, as well as improved counseling of women with respect to cesarean indications and their consequences, is recommended.

Toxoplasma gondii Infection Is Associated with Low Birth Weight: Findings from an Observational Study among Rural Bangladeshi Women.

Gestational Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection may cause substantial adverse effects on developing fetuses, newborns and also mothers. This study aims to estimate the seroprevalence of T. gondii among rural Bangladeshi pregnant women and determine the risk of a low birth weight (LBW). We followed a longitudinal design where 208 pregnant women were followed until the birth of their infants. Levels of IgG and IgM of T. gondii were assessed using chemiluminescent immunoassay. Modified Poisson regression was used to estimate crude and adjusted associations and multiple regression analysis was performed to understand the confounding and modifying effects of the variables. Thirty-nine (19%) children were born with LBW, among whom 15 (39%) mothers were positive for T. gondii IgG during pregnancy. After adjusting for several confounders and modifiers, pregnant women with T. gondii IgG or IgM seropositivity were significantly associated with LBW of infants (aRR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.17–3.42). The strength of this association increased after adjusting for maternal education (aRR: 4.88, 95% CI: 1.74–13.69). The final model had an AROC of 0.84 with a sensitivity of 36% and specificity of 97%. Although causality is yet to be established, the study observed an association between T. gondii infection during pregnancy among rural Bangladeshi women and LBW of newborns.

Mental healthcare-seeking behavior during the perinatal period among women in rural Bangladesh

IntroductionMental health conditions are of rising concern due to their increased contribution to the global burden of disease. Mental health issues are inextricably linked with other socio-cultural and health dimensions, especially in the rural areas in developing countries. The complex relationship between mental health issues and socio-cultural settings may largely toll upon healthcare-seeking behavior. So, it urges to document the current status of mental healthcare-seeking behavior during the perinatal period among rural women in Bangladesh to develop a context-specific intervention in the future.MethodsThis study was carried out in one sub-district in Bangladesh from April 2017 to June 2018. We conducted 21 In-depth Interviews (IDIs) and seven Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with different groups of purposively selected participants. After collecting the recorded interview and making the verbatim transcription, the data were coded through Atlasti 5.7.a. Data were analyzed thematically to interpret the findings.ResultsTwo-thirds of the total respondents did not seek mental healthcare during the perinatal period at the community level. They also did not know about the mental health service provider or the facility to get set these services. Only one respondent out of twenty-one sought maternal mental healthcare from a gynecologist from a private hospital. Socio-cultural factors such as social stigma, traditional beliefs and practices, social and religious taboos, and social capital negatively influence healthcare-seeking behaviors. Besides, the community-level service providers were not found to be adequately trained and did not have proper guidelines regarding its management.ConclusionThe findings provide evidence that there is an urgent need to increase the awareness for service users and formulate a guideline for the community-level service provider to manage maternal mental problems during the perinatal period of women in rural Bangladesh.

Association of seasoning salt consumption with the risk of cardiovascular disease among postmenopausal rural women in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

Association of seasoning salt consumption with the risk of cardiovascular disease among postmenopausal rural women in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

Reproductive Autonomy of Women in Rural Bangladesh

Introduction: Reproductive autonomy confers a women's decision and controls over, matters related to contraceptive use, pregnancy, and childbearing. Rural women of Bangladesh have very little control to shape up their family with their minimum empowerment and are lagging behind in the practice of use of family planning methods. Objective: To find out the association among rural women’s reproductive autonomy and contraceptive behavior. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 284 married rural women of reproductive aged in Mohammadpur upazilla, Magura district of Bangladesh from June 2016 to December 2016 selected through simple random sampling. Mixed method approach was introduced for data collection through face to face interview using pretested questionnaire and focused group discussion. Results: Mean age of the respondents was 26.5±5.7 years with the range of 17 to 45 years. Average monthly family income was 12,561 Taka where majority of the respondents were housewives (83.8%). Education status above primary level was recorded in 23.6%. Early marriage was highly prevalent (77.5%) and mean age of marriage was 17.2±1.7 years. Mean parity was 2.3 per woman. Only 31% of the respondent found to have well reproductive autonomy. Contraceptive use was prevalent in 61.9% of the respondents and only educated women seen to have chance to participate in family planning decision-making. Male participation in contraceptive use was negligible but still men were in main role to give it the final shape to decide about family planning. Women’s reproductive autonomy found to be significantly associated with their contraceptive behavior (p&lt;0.05). Educational status of the women and age gap with the spouse were significantly associated with their reproductive autonomy (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Gender issues were prominent in family planning in rural community and rural women accepted the gender disparity in silence. Policy makers and family planning stake holders should put maximum endeavor to improve women’s reproductive autonomy to strengthen their negotiating capacity in fertility control. JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 17, No 1 (June) 2021: 30-34

Association of household air pollution with cellular and humoral immune responses among women in rural Bangladesh

Household air pollution (HAP) arising from combustion of biomass fuel (BMF) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in low-income countries. Air pollution may stimulate pro-inflammatory responses by activating diverse immune cells and cyto/chemokine expression, thereby contributing to diseases. We aimed to study cellular immune responses among women chronically exposed to HAP through use of BMF for domestic cooking. Among 200 healthy, non-smoking women in rural Bangladesh, we assessed exposure to HAP by measuring particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), black carbon (BC) and carbon monoxide (CO), through use of personal monitors RTI MicroPEM™ and Lascar CO logger respectively, for 48 h. Blood samples were collected following HAP exposure assessment and were analyzed for immunoprofiling by flow cytometry, plasma IgE by immunoassay analyzer and cyto/chemokine response from monocyte-derived-macrophages (MDM) and -dendritic cells (MDDC) by multiplex immunoassay. In multivariate linear regression model, a doubling of PM2.5 was associated with small increments in immature/early B cells (CD19+CD38+) and plasmablasts (CD19+CD38+CD27+). In contrast, a doubling of CO was associated with 1.20% reduction in CD19+ B lymphocytes (95% confidence interval (CI) = -2.36, −0.01). A doubling of PM2.5 and BC each was associated with 3.12% (95%CI = −5.85, −0.38) and 4.07% (95%CI = −7.96, −0.17) decrements in memory B cells (CD19+CD27+), respectively. Exposure to CO was associated with increased plasma IgE levels (beta(β) = 240.4, 95%CI = 3.06, 477.8). PM2.5 and CO exposure was associated with increased MDM production of CXCL10 (β = 12287, 95%CI = 1038, 23536) and CCL5 (β = 835.7, 95%CI = 95.5, 1576), respectively. Conversely, BC exposure was associated with reduction in MDDC-produced CCL5 (β = −3583, 95%CI = −6358, −807.8) and TNF-α (β = −15521, 95%CI = −28968, −2074). Our findings suggest that chronic HAP exposure through BMF use adversely affects proportions of B lymphocytes, particularly memory B cells, plasma IgE levels and functions of antigen presenting cells in rural women.

Early Postnatal Care Practices for Mothers and Their Babies in Bangladesh: An Integrative Literature Review

This integrative review aimed to describe the experiences of early postnatal care practices for mothers and their babies in rural Bangladesh. This study was conducted using an integrative review method outlined by Coughlan, Cronin and Ryan. An integrative search in ProQuest, PubMed, CINAHL, Sociological Abstract, and Google Scholar was conducted. The key terms include safe motherhood, postnatal care, MDGs, newborn care, maternal mortality, TBAs, cultural practice in childbirth and Bangladesh. After screening of the full-text and guided by the relevance of the studies against the inclusion criteria, a total of 22 studies were selected for final review. The results reveal that women’s behaviours and attitudes during the postnatal period are shaped by individual beliefs and views as well as by socio-cultural practices. It shows how indigenous knowledge and practices affected women’s postnatal care practices for generations. From the results, it is clear that rural women in Bangladesh followed many cultural practices during childbirth and postnatal period. In rural Bangladesh, postnatal care behaviour is mostly imposed by traditional cultural practices. Therefore, it is important to understand women’s cultural practices around childbirth, and in particular to understand their experiences during the postnatal period.

Л. Л. Кот ЕФЕКТИВНІ БІЗНЕС-МОДЕЛІ СОЦІАЛЬНОГО ПІДПРИЄМНИЦТВА: МАКРОЕКОНОМІЧНИЙ ПОГЛЯД

The article examines the research of typical business models used by successful global social enterprises in order to develop recommendations for improving the sustainability of domestic companies of the appropriate orientation. It is stated that the question remains relevant about how exactly in the course of the implementation of social entrepreneurship, the combination of social and economic values is implemented, and especially what role the formation of a special social network and the implementation of a resource provision strategy play in this. For the purpose of the study, several "classic" cases from different countries with diverse social and economic environments were selected to formulate common features of their business models. A macroeconomic analysis of the companies identified for the study was carried out, namely: the socio-economic basis of their activities was studied and a component analysis of the corresponding business models was carried out. It is noted that in the case of the conducted research, the business model is a business concept that forms the basis of practice. Among the main components of the relevant business models are: Value network (controlled positions or zones of predominant influence within the value Network); Strategic Resources (needs for Strategic Resources included in the business model); consumer interface (integration of Target groups). It is proved that the studied examples of successful social entrepreneurship differ significantly from each other in terms of social mission, organizational structure, as well as the economic and social environment in which they originated, but at the same time, there is a significant kinship between them. It is argued that all of them produce a social good: for Grameen, it is the elimination of poverty by rural women in Bangladesh; for Секем, it is the cultivation of natural products without the use of chemical fertilizers, as well as the promotion of cultural and social life in Egypt; for ICC, it is the creation of jobs and economic development opportunities for people who previously did not have them. It is proved that these companies owe their success to a special combination of social and economic efficiency. It is determined that the activities of all three companies are based on the division of common values of the "community", which were used for creating a supporting social network (value network); acquiring strategic resources; managing interaction with consumers ("consumer interface"). It is concluded that since the key difference between social entrepreneurship is the creation of social value, which within the business model will be primary and will determine the strategic goal of the business, it can be said that social value can be created in any of the components of the business model, and the creation of social value, according to the analysis of empirical examples, usually requires specific changes in at least two blocks of the corresponding model.

Explaining geospatial variation in mobile phone ownership among rural women of Bangladesh: A multi-level and multidimensional approach

Despite significant progress in Information and communication technologies (ICTs), rural dwellers of Bangladesh are still less fortunate when it comes to availing the improved ICT facilities compared to their urban counterparts, and this digital divide is more evident in the case of women. Mobile phone ownership (MPO) can play a key role in bridging this digital divide and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of “End poverty in all its forms everywhere”, “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”, and “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”. Administrative district-level infrastructural and societal readiness to women's MPO in rural settings of Bangladesh may also influence the geospatial variation in their MPO status, which is still unexplained. In the context of rural Bangladesh, household heads substantially exert influence over women's decision-making process. However, the role of household heads' age and education on women's MPO is mostly unexplored. As in developing countries, women's MPO does not ensure its usage, investigating the possibilities of women's MPO on its usage has immense importance. Therefore, this study aims to revisit the correlates of rural women's MPO in Bangladesh and explain the administrative district-level geospatial variation in their MPO by controlling the effect of individual and household-level sociodemographic correlates of MPO. Further, this study attempts to investigate the possibilities of MPO on the extent of its usage. This study used the latest nationally representative cross-sectional data from Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019. This study reveals that the district-level readiness was a potential source of geospatial variation in the prevalence of rural women's MPO in Bangladesh. The lowest level of readiness was noticed in north-western Bangladesh. Comparatively elderly women with better education and media exposure had a considerably higher chance of MPO. Elderly household heads, especially male and less educated heads, hindered the MPO of women. This study identified MPO as a key determinant of its extent of usage. Moreover, to increase the MPO by a faster pace, strategies should target less empowered women, particularly those who lived in districts of lower readiness.

POTENTIALS OF PRIVATE DAIRY COOPERATIVE IN PROMOTING WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN RURAL AREAS OF BANGLADESH: A STUDY ON KAZI SHAHID FOUNDATION

Although Bangladesh has changed a lot due to economic development, most of the people of Bangladesh still live in villages. And, the rural economy of Bangladesh still depends on agriculture. Besides farming and agricultural activities, a large portion of the rural population is involved with dairy production. Our rural women are largely engaged in agriculture and with dairy farming, but often their contribution is unrecognized. On the other hand, due to the traditional rural society of Bangladesh being highly dominated by men, rural women are still lagging in earning income and getting economically empowered. Thus, many non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local, national and international level donor agencies are aiming to change the lives of these rural women in Bangladesh. One of the popular approaches practiced by different organizations to empower the rural poor women is through lending them cash money. However, there are some other non-profit organizations as well who provide other means, like assets and services (for example, dairy cooperatives) to empower women rather than providing cash money. This paper tries to explore whether the initiatives of a private dairy cooperative offer an organizational approach for promoting women empowerment in rural areas of Bangladesh. From the literature, four interconnected factors have been identified as the operational indicators or the dimensions of women’s empowerment to understand the impacts of a private dairy cooperative on its women beneficiaries. This research used multiple methods (in-depth interviews, focus group discussion, survey) to explore the contact points and interactions of different dimensions of women’s empowerment through studying a private dairy cooperative (Kazi Shahid Foundation). The research findings support that the private dairy cooperative could make a positive impact in enhancing the economic, physical and social assets of women, as well as developing their mobility and leadership qualities. The beneficiaries of the project showed highest participation in economic activities, followed by access to savings, purchasing and marketing activities and decision-making capacity, while achievements in other areas of empowerment were also decent. Importantly, the private dairy cooperative played the key role in empowering rural women in the study area. This research finding asserts that more planned projects and dynamic principles of staff and officials of a private dairy cooperative are needed for empowering rural women as well as to achieve sustainable development and eradicate the overall economic adversities in the rural areas of Bangladesh.

Can Land Ownership Really Improve the Economic Status and Decision-Making Capacity of the Rural Women? Evidence from Bangladesh

ABSTRACT The study aims to reveal the impacts of land ownership on rural Bangladeshi women’s household incomes and decision-making capacity. Data were collected by using the Simple Random Sampling technique from the selected participants in Tangail district. The Propensity Score Matching (PSM) results demonstrate that land ownership had no significant impact on enhancing woman’s own income. The existing patriarchal norms restraint women from controlling their land; even their decision-making capacity regarding large purchase, crop cultivation, children’s well-being, and mobility remains very limited. Legislation concerning gender equal inheritance rights and longer action-plan for gender transformation are required for a change.

Pot Song as a Novel Cancer Communication Intervention: Lessons Learned from Developing, Implementing, and Evaluating a Culturally Grounded Intervention for Breast Cancer Education in Rural Bangladesh

Targeted public education may offer an approach to achieving more effective treatment in countries like Bangladesh, where breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in women. Effective cancer education interventions address the target population’s cultural and contextual needs. However, there is little published literature to guide the development of educational cancer interventions in a region where lack of resources combined with cultural stigma about cancer contribute to poor breast health outcomes for women. The goal of the current study was to design, test, and evaluate a culturally grounded intervention to promote breast problem care among women in rural Bangladesh. The current manuscript first describes the process of formative evaluation that led to the development of the intervention, including decisions about the audience, message construction, and mode of intervention delivery. Second, we describe the testing process, including process and outcome evaluation. Finally, we describe the lessons learned from the process. We conclude with recommendations related to cultural grounding for message development, questionnaire design, data collection procedures, and analysis.