Background: The emergent COVID-19 has impacted unprecedentedly to all classes of people. Slum-dwellers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) toward COVID-19 are currently poorly understood. The present study aimed to investigate the KAP toward COVID-19 among slum dwellers resided in Dhaka City, Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional offline survey was carried out enrolling 406 slum dwellers (53.2% male; mean age = 44.9 years [SD = 12.1]; age range = 18–85 years) between August and September, 2020. The face to face interview was conducted to collect data from six selected slum areas in Dhaka City using convenience sampling. The questionnaire consisted of informed consent along with questions concerning observational checklists, socio-demographics and KAP. Results: A sizeable minority were observed without wearing face masks during the survey periods (18.2%) and a vast portion (97.5%) without any hand protection. The mean scores of KAP were 6.1 ± 2.6 (out of 17), 12.3 ± 1.7 (out of 14) and 9.8 ± 1.6 (out of 12), respectively. Moreover, the KAP were strongly and positively correlated with each other. Conclusions: The findings revealed that the majority of slum dwellers in Bangladesh have limited knowledge of COVID-19. Poor practices (i.e. face mask and hand protection) were directly observed during the survey. The findings suggest the immediate implementation of health education programs and adequate interventions.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with suicidal ideation among university students in Bangladesh. We collected cross-sectional data from 407 students aged between 18 and 27 years at Jahangirnagar University (Dhaka, Bangladesh), using a convenience sampling technique. Of the total sample, 13.8% reported having suicidal ideation during the past 12 months. In multiple logistic regression analysis, being female, being a fifth-year student, lower socioeconomic status, exposure to traumatic events, family suicide history, and depression were associated with suicidal ideation. The findings emphasize the need for appropriate support services for university students with a focus on mental health wellbeing and suicide prevention.

The COVID-19 pandemic essentially imposes psychological effects on people. As the pandemic progresses, people experience psychological trauma gradually, which can change over time. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among Bangladeshi people four months after the COVID-19 outbreak. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among Bangladeshi citizens aged ≥18 years from June 1 to June 10, 2020. The participants completed an online questionnaire examining socio-demographic variables and COVID-19 related factors, along with the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21. A total of 1146 respondents have been included in the study. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, IBM Statistics version 22.0. The prevalence of moderate to the extremely severe levels of depression, anxiety, and stress was 47.2%, 46.0%, and 32.5%, respectively, with no significant gender differences. The prevalence of anxiety and stress was significantly higher in participants aged >30 than in participants aged 18–30 years. Daily follow up COVID-19 related news, having COVID-19 symptoms so far, having contact (direct or indirect) with COVID-19 infected person, and fear of infection were significantly associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Sizable proportions of participants had depression, anxiety and stress four months after the COVID-19 outbreak in Bangladesh. The findings of this study underscores the need for strategies aimed at reducing these psychological sufferings in Bangladeshi people in the context of COVID-19.

Background: Self-medication practice (SMP) is widely adopted among residents of such countries as Bangladesh. However, the major determinants of SMP have only scarcely been evaluated. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by assessing the prevalence and determining factors of SMP. Methods: A convenience sample of individuals residing in Savar (Dhaka, Bangladesh) > 16 years of age and suffering from an illness > 2 months underwent face-to-face interviews during January–February, 2019. Results: Among 520 interviewees fulfilling entry criteria, the prevalence of SMP was reported as 60.2%. Drug shops, previous knowledge or prescription, and consulting with peers (friends or relatives) were the most sought sources of SMP, whereas simple illness, higher consulting fees, unsatisfactory health-care services, and delayed access were reported as the motives. From the regression analysis, the sociodemographic risk factors of SMP were reported as being older (compared to < 18 years), married, illiterate (compared to having higher education), having engaged in any occupation (ie, service, business, homemaker, and others compared to student), and suffering from chronic illness. Conclusion: SMP is highly prevalent and exhibits significant socioeconomic determinants. Development of proper health care–access systems and public education should be implemented to reduce the rate of SMP.

Background: Autism, one of the most widespread problems in the world, is rising alarmingly in Bangladesh day by day. Over the most decade autism has become one of the most visible and articulated social issues in Bangladesh. Besides, in our country, journey of a mother with a special child is a challenge. Objectives: To find out the experiences and challenges of mothers having children with ASDs. Materials and Methods: The study was based on case study method where 20 mothers were selected purposively from Dhaka division. Data was collected using an open ended questionnaire and in depth interviews. Results: In this study though majority of the mothers reported having a typical pregnancy with little or no complications. Majority of the mothers had no knowledge about autism before. The average age of children when they diagnosed was 2.9 years. In response to their initial reactions to diagnosis of their child, mothers reported the following emotional states: shock, depression, self-blamed, sadness. Prayer was a clear coping strategy for parents of an autistic child. Most of the mothers reported passing many days with depression and frustration. All the mothers were satisfied with the activities of the current special school. Conclusion: Mothers reported about their most challenging part of raising their autistic child were to manage their hyperactivity and social interaction. They realize a strong familial and social support are necessary as it was found as a key factor in adjusting and coping a mother to her challenging life with her autistic child. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.19(2) 2020 p.268-272