Students In Bangladesh Research Articles

Prevalence of IBS and its association with academic stress and dormitory lifestyle among medical students of Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder affecting a substantial portion of the global population. While the prevalence of IBS is well-documented worldwide, limited research has explored its occurrence and associated factors among medical students in Bangladesh, a population exposed to high academic stress. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of IBS among medical students and investigate its potential association with stress levels and the dormitory lifestyle. MethodsData were collected from 402 medical students using a self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic information, academic stress, lifestyle factors, and the Rome III Criteria for diagnosing IBS. Statistical analysis included bivariate and logistic regression analyses to identify significant associations and predictors of IBS prevalence. ResultsThis study among 402 university students found an overall irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) prevalence of 22.88 %, with 35.87 % diarrhea-predominant, 26.08 % constipation-predominant, and 38.04 % mixed subtype. Hostel residents had 2.11 times higher adjusted odds of IBS (95 % CI: 1.05–4.25, p < 0.001) than non-residents. IBS prevalence increased from 20.25 % for <1 year to 24.24 % for 1–3 years and 29.13 % for >3 years of hostel stay. Age 23–28 years (OR = 1.86, p = 0.030), lack of senior support (OR = 2.36, p = 0.05), second study phase (OR = 2.43, p = 0.002), inadequate exercise (OR = 2.11, p = 0.036), and frequent fatty food intake (OR = 2.98, p = 0.03) increased IBS risk. Higher academic stress (OR = 2.03, p = 0.002) predicted IBS, with 54.44 % vs. 43.78 % (p = 0.035) high stress among hostel residents who exercised less (48.23 % vs. 51.77 %) and consumed more fatty foods (53.33 % vs. 46.67 %). Mediation analysis revealed dormitory living impacts stress, physical activity, and diet - established IBS risk factors. ConclusionThe high prevalence of IBS among medical students in Bangladesh highlights the need for interventions to address changeable factors like academic stress, dormitory living conditions, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy eating habits to improve their health and wellness.

Validation of the Bangla version of the Communication Skills Attitude Scale with the medical students of Bangladesh.

Effective communication skill of physicians is an important component of high-quality healthcare delivery and safe patient care. Communication is embedded in the social and cultural contexts where it takes place. An understanding of medical students' attitudes and learning communication skills would help to design and deliver culturally appropriate medical education. The Communication Skills Attitude Scale (CSAS) is a widely used and validated tool to measure the attitude of medical students toward learning communication skills in different populations, settings, and countries. However, there is no culturally adapted and validated scale in Bangla in the Bangladesh context. This study aims to culturally adapt the CSAS into Bangla, and validate it in a cohort of medical students in Bangladesh. This study used a cross-sectional survey design to collect data from purposively selected 566 undergraduate medical students from the Rajshahi division. The survey was conducted from January to December 2023. Descriptive statistics like frequency distribution and measures of central tendency were used to measure perception regarding communication skills. The sample adequacy was measured through the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test. The internal consistency of the items was identified using Cronbach's alpha (α) coefficients. The results of the study show that the Bangla version of the scale is feasible, valid, and internally consistent in the context of a developing country, Bangladesh. The overall internal consistency of the Bangla version is good since the value of Cronbach's alpha (α) is 0.882. For PAS, the internal consistency is 0.933. While, for NAS, the value is 0.719. The item-wise average scores in the PAS indicate that female medical students are more willing to learn communication skills compared with male students (α = 0.933). While, the scores in the NAS indicate that the male students tend to have more negative attitude toward learning communication skills compared with female students (α = 0.719). The CSAS-Bangla is a valid and reliable tool for assessing communication skill attitudes among Bangla speaking medical students. This scale can be used in future studies to measure the attitude of students, designing and evaluating communication skills training programs in medical colleges.

Psychometric Properties of the Academic Self-Efficacy Scale for Higher Secondary Students

In response to the scarcity of grade-specific academic self-efficacy scale, the present study was aimed to adapt a scale for measuring academic self-efficacy for higher secondary students in the context of Bangladesh. Main objective of this study was to assess psychometric properties of the Academic Self-efficacy Scale for Bangladeshi higher secondary students. This measure was administered on a sample 207 higher secondary students who were selected from 3 administrative districts of Bangladesh by non-probability sampling techniques. Psychometric properties were assessed through item analysis (item-total correlation, Cronbach’s Alpha and split-half reliabilities), differential item function, and Pearson product moment correlation coefficient (Predictive validity). One item excluded from the scale as this item had insufficient item-total correlation. Findings revealed that this scale had sufficient internal consistency reliabilities and predictive validity and suggested that this could be applicable for assessing academic self-efficacy of higher secondary students in Bangladesh. The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 10(1 and2):149-156, 2020

Academic Self-Efficacy, Self-Regulated Learning and Academic Achievement of Higher Secondary Students in Bangladesh

The present study aimed at investigating the role of academic self-efficacy and self-regulated learning on Bangladeshi Higher Secondary students’ academic achievement, as there was a dearth of research on such issues in the context of the study population. The data were collected from a sample of 230 higher secondary school students utilizing the convenience sampling technique. Results suggested significant mean differences in academic self-efficacy, self-regulated learning, and academic achievement by gender and residence areas. Academic self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of academic achievement that was partially mediated by self-regulated learning. Results also suggested that gender moderated this mediational relationship among study variables. The present study findings would help students, teachers, guardians, and policymakers to ensure quality education in this academic layer. The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci., Vol. 10(1 &amp; 2):157-165, 2020

Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) in Improving Speaking Skills of Tertiary Level EFL Students of Bangladesh

In the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context, students must be given a proper foundation of communication skills necessary in various dynamic real-world situations. This study investigates learner perception of the effectiveness of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) in improving the speaking skills of tertiary-level EFL students in Bangladesh. A mixed-methods approach was used to collect and analyze data from 30 students, of different private universities of Bangladesh. The data was gathered by analyzing the results from the survey. The results of the study showed there was a statistically significant improvement in the speaking skills of EFL students after the CLT intervention. The students demonstrated an increase in fluency and complexity in their speaking performance. Furthermore, findings revealed that the students had positive perceptions of CLT and found it effective in enhancing their speaking skills. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the benefits of using CLT as a teaching method in EFL environments. This suggests the importance of incorporating communicative and interactive activities in language classrooms to promote language learning and student engagement.

Suicidal behaviours and associated factors among medical students in Bangladesh: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis (2000–2024)

IntroductionSuicidal behaviour is common among medical students, and the prevalence rates might vary across various regions. Even though various systematic reviews have been conducted to assess suicidal behaviours among medical...

“Sometimes it feels like we are puppets, here to listen to but not speak”: listening to the voices of young Bangladeshi students about barriers to well-being at school

ABSTRACT Well-being commonly refers to the concept that equates to a good life. What constitutes a good life at school for students has emerged as an important education agenda over time due to its wide-reaching benefits. However, there is a limited understanding of the well-being experiences of children from diverse cultures and countries, particularly from the Global South, such as Bangladesh. This paper presents findings from a qualitative study among 40 Grade 7–10 students (aged 13–16 years) from Bangladesh, and aims to explore the barriers to their well-being experiences at school. Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, the authors found key three barriers: (i) punitive disciplinary school practices; (ii) poor pedagogic school practices; and (iii) perceived injustice at school that prevents students from experiencing well-being at school. The findings have implications for improving school practice and policy for promoting student well-being in Bangladesh.

The psychological impact of SARS-COV-2: assessing anxiety and wellbeing within university students in Bangladesh during the pandemic

The main focus of this study was to explore the emotional experiences of Jahangirnagar University students amid the COVID-19 pandemic, shedding light on their well-being and anxiety levels during this unprecedented time. Using a multidimensional approach, our descriptive and exploratory statistics reveal the demographic characteristics of the diverse group of students, including a skewed gender ratio attributed to the pandemic. Notably, living arrangements significantly influence emotional states, as students residing with their families report lower anxiety levels, indicating the potential protective role of familial support during crises. Online class attendance emerges as a pivotal factor impacting emotional well-being, with regular participation associated with higher levels of well-being, while sporadic or non-attendance correlates with heightened anxiety. The study further reveals the impact of part-time job loss during the pandemic on student emotional states, highlighting the economic strain experienced by many students. A substantial proportion of students’ report both moderate to severe anxiety and sufficient well-being, underscoring the complexity of emotional experiences during this tumultuous period. Binary logistic regression identifies gender-based disparities and social support as predictors of well-being and anxiety, while factor analysis illuminates the underlying structures of these constructs. In conclusion, these insights call for prioritizing mental health support and fostering conducive environments within academic institutions, particularly Jahangirnagar University, thereby facilitating student resilience and academic success during uncertain times. Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 12(1 &amp; 2): 55-71, 2023 (June &amp; December)

Adoption of Fintech for Sustainable Administrative Efficiency of Higher Educational Institutions: Bangladesh Perspective

Fintech solutions offer innovative tools and platforms that streamline financial operations, enhance convenience, and improve efficiency. The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of fintech on administrative efficiency among universities in Bangladesh. To fulfil this purpose, this research assesses the current level of fintech adoption among university students in Bangladesh and seeks to gain insights into students’ perceptions and attitudes towards fintech, particularly in relation to its impact on administrative tasks within their respective universities. Finally, this research identifies the challenges and opportunities associated with the integration of fintech in administrative processes and explores potential strategies to address them effectively. This research used both quantitative and qualitative strategies to achieve these goals. A survey was conducted to collect quantitative data from the university students of Bangladesh. Findings show that the adoption and usage of fintech have a statistically significant positive impact on administrative efficiency, resource allocation and utilisation, enhanced communication, and a sustainable and eco-friendly administrative environment.

Effects of Android phone vs. iPhone use on BlackBerry thumb symptoms among university students in Bangladesh

BackgroundIn Bangladesh, the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition among office employees is considered as BlackBerry thumb (BBT). Alike official perspectives, our educational system was significantly regulating with the digital interfaces at COVID-19 lockdown, where a greater reliance on Android phones were experienced among the adults. Numerous studies have been conducted in studying the incidences of BBT in young individuals as a result of hazards of Android phone usage (HAPU) in Bangladesh.ObjectiveThis research sought to determine the relationship between BBT symptoms and the risks associated with the using Android phones among Bangladeshi university students.MethodsA nationwide cross-sectional study was undertaken on a group of university students between the ages of 18 and 25 to determine if BBT symptoms were present based on the Finkelstein test and HAPU, which were also assessed using a well-designed questionnaire. We calculated the crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and used a generalized linear model from the Poisson family, using their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsThere were 2455 individuals in this research, with a median age of 20 and an interquartile range (IQR) of 19 to 23. Of them, 1185 males (48.27%) and 1270 women (51.75%) made up the study’s participant population. Physical exams showed that 1300 individuals had positive Finkelstein test results (52.95%), whereas 1040 people had occasional risks from using an Android phone and 115 participants had occasional risks from using an iPhone. In our generalized linear model, we observed that participants with occasional and frequent HAPU had higher rates of BBT symptoms than responders without HAPU (aPR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.47–2.05, and aPR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.29–2.00), respectively.ConclusionThe current study found that Bangladeshi university students experiencing BlackBerry thumb symptoms were more likely to have risks associated with using Android phones.

Exploring the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among university students in Bangladesh and their determinants

BackgroundDepression, anxiety and stress among university students present a growing global challenge. This study aims to explore the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress and identifying their associated factors among university students in Bangladesh. MethodsWe analyzed data of 738 university students collected through a cross-sectional survey. Outcome variables considered were depression, anxiety, and stress levels. Explanatory variables considered were several socio-demographic characteristics. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was employed to explore the association of the outcome variables with explanatory variables. ResultsWe found a notable prevalence of moderate to severe levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among university students in Bangladesh, ranging from 25 % to 71 %. Among students from extended families, there was a 32 % lower likelihood of experiencing moderate depression (relative risk ratio [RRR], 0.68; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.47–0.97) and a 35 % lower likelihood of experiencing stress (RRR, 0.65; 95 % CI, 0.44–0.97) compared to their counterparts without depression and stress. Furthermore, students enrolled in the business faculty reported a significantly higher likelihood of stress, with a 2.28 times greater odds (95 % CI, 1.32–3.93) compared to students in the Science and Engineering faculty. ConclusionThis study underscores the pressing necessity for tailored interventions to address the elevated prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among university students in Bangladesh. The findings accentuate the importance of recognizing diverse risk factors and implementing mental health support programs.

Voices in peril: understanding English public speaking anxiety among university students in Bangladesh

Voices in peril: understanding English public speaking anxiety among university students in Bangladesh

Integrating indigenous languages into textbooks for ethnic minority students in Bangladesh: Empirical research on challenges and potential solutions

Integrating indigenous languages into textbooks for ethnic minority students in Bangladesh: Empirical research on challenges and potential solutions

Stress and Suicidal Tendencies among College Students in Bangladesh

Stress and Suicidal Tendencies among College Students in Bangladesh

Disaster response self-efficacy of nursing students: Perceived level and associated factors

ObjectivesThe study aimed to assess the level of disaster response self-efficacy (DRSE) among nursing students in Bangladesh and examine the factors influencing their level of DRSE. MethodsA cross-sectional study design was used for this research. A self-administered descriptive structured questionnaire was used to collect survey data from 573 students of nursing colleges in four districts: Chattogram, Dhaka, Khulna, and Rajshahi. The Bengali version of the DRSE Scale was adopted and used to measure the outcome variable. ResultsThe nursing students exhibited a moderate level of disaster response self-efficacy (Mean = 3.63; SD = 0.73), as well as moderate levels of knowledge (Mean = 3.87; SD = 0.71), skills (Mean = 4.24; SD = 0.91), and preparedness (Mean = 4.31; SD = 0.76) in disaster management. Significant positive correlations were found between respondents' disaster knowledge (r = 0.447, p < 0.01), skills (r = 0.516, p < 0.01), and preparedness (r = 0.701, p < 0.01) with disaster response self-efficacy. Gender, age, having children in the household, post-basic BSc in nursing students, and disaster knowledge were significantly associated with nursing students' DRSE. Female respondents had a 0.27-unit lower DRSE (β = −0.270 (95 % CI: −0.389, −0.115), p < 0.001) than male respondents. Besides, the respondents per unit increase in disaster knowledge occurred a 0.438-unit increase in DRSE (β = 0.438 (95 % CI: 0.367, 0.510), p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant associations were found between the respondents' disaster experience and disaster-related training with their DRSE scores. ConclusionImproving disaster management knowledge by including disaster management-related courses and organizing more training, drills, seminars, and workshops may improve their DRSE.

Knowledge attitude and convenience on self-medication practices among university students in Bangladesh exploration using structural equation modeling approach

Self-medication is a prevalent practice among university students globally and is a significant public health concern. However, previous research has been limited in scope, focusing primarily on adolescents or the general public, leaving a gap in understanding the causal relationships associated with self-medication; thus, this study aimed to investigate the factors influencing self-medication practices among university students in Bangladesh by developing a comprehensive causal model. Data from 417 students across five public universities were collected using the simple random walk technique by a team of 10 members. The study utilized constructs of knowledge, attitude, and convenience related to self-medication as independent variables, while self-medication practice as the dependent variable. One-way ANOVA and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed to develop a causal model of self-medication practice among university students in Bangladesh. The findings revealed that students with better medication knowledge and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were more likely to practice self-medication. A positive attitude towards self-medication and ADRs was also significantly associated with higher self-medication practice scores. Additionally, those who perceived self-medication as convenient and prescribed medication as inconvenient had higher self-medication practice scores. The attitude towards self-medication had the most substantial negative effect on self-medication practice, followed by the inconvenience of prescribed medication and the convenience of self-medication. The model explained 87% of the variance in self-medication practice, indicating a good fit for the data. University students in Bangladesh possess intermediate knowledge of medication and primary knowledge of ADRs. They exhibit a positive attitude towards self-medication and ADRs. Physical convenience favors self-medication, while the inconvenience of prescribed medication contributes to its lower preference. Policymakers should focus on evidence-based guidelines to reduce the extent of unnecessary self-medication practice and to enhance the quantity and accessibility of prescribed medications to address the issue effectively.

Assessment of Mental Health Status and Its Association With Willingness to Take Vaccine Against COVID-19 Among the Students of Public and Private Universities in Bangladesh.

The study investigated mental health status of the students of public and private universities, their willingness to take vaccine against COVID-19, and its association with fear, anxiety, and depression. A cross-sectional electronic survey was conducted from July 26 to September 15, 2021, using a well-structured questionnaire among 504 university students. The average age of the participants was 22.92 ± 2.28 years and 76.98% of them were willing to vaccinate against COVID-19. The fear of COVID-19 was found mild, and depression level was demonstrated moderate among the students irrespective of the university types. Moreover, Masters/MPhil/PhD students and the students living in semi-urban areas had the highest rate of willingness to vaccinate. The study demonstrated that level of fear, anxiety, and depression was directly associated with increased willingness to vaccinate among the tertiary level students in Bangladesh. The outcome of this study sketched a positive association of knowledge and education with better management of pandemic in a society.

Navigating Emergency Online Learning: A Comparative Study of University Students in Bangladesh and Indonesia During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The present study compares the university student’s experiences of learning in virtual mode during unprecedented impacts of the COVID-19 in Bangladesh and Indonesia with a focus on the enjoyment, performance, satisfaction, and cost of online learning.This was quantitative cross-sectional research conducted by using an online survey with the participation of 438 and 529 university students in Bangladesh and Indonesia. The findings reveal that university students in Bangladesh have little more comfortable with online learning compared to those in Indonesia. The students in both countries have no problem with adaptation to avant-garde online learning platforms. University students in Bangladesh appear little more satisfied with online teaching while those in Indonesia tend to be less satisfied. University students either in Bangladesh or in Indonesia consider online learning as an expensive learning mode. The present study depicts an early online remote learning experience of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the nature of the descriptive comparative study focusing on Bangladesh and Indonesia, the results of this study may not be generalised. Specific factors underlying their experiences are in need of further investigation. In future endeavours, lectures are urged to actively harness proper technologies, mix between conventional and virtual learning or blend synchronous and asynchronous learning to provide more enjoyable and interesting online learning thus the students can be more satisfied.

Increased screen time and its association to migraine and tension-type headache: a cross-sectional investigation among Bangladeshi students

BackgroundIncreasing prevalence of screens among young people is a notable characteristic of the modern digital era. The study aimed to explore the prevalence and associated factors of migraine headache (MH)...

Improving academic writing skill: Difficulties encountered by undergraduates of English studies in Bangladesh

Bangladeshi students of English programs encounter some barriers in their attempt to develop academic writing skill at undergraduate level. The majority of the students who study in English programs in Bangladesh receive their primary and secondary schooling in the instruction medium of Bangla, while a few percent in English medium and English version instructions. Testing and assessment in English studies predominantly focuses on academic writing skill and many students cut a sorry figure in formative and summative assessments in the very first semester due to poor writing competence. This study examined two issues: the difficulties that Bangladeshi undergraduates of English studies confront while developing academic writing skill, and the ways to develop L2 English writing skill. Participants of this study were 6 students studying English in different Bangladeshi universities and 3 English teachers who were teaching at tertiary level. Data collection tools were composition writing samples on a selected topic for undergraduates and a semi-structured interview schedule for teachers. Results indicated that poor grammatical competence and brainstorming skill, insufficient vocabulary, inadequate knowledge of mechanics and writing style, and mother tongue interference were the major barriers that Bangladeshi undergraduates of English studies frequently faced while writing in English.