Microbial Quality of Restaurants Foods in Suburban Area and Antibiotic Resistance

Despite the fact that ready-to-eat foods have gained popularity across the globe. Food safety is frequently overlooked as a major problem in this case. Antibiotic resistance is a long-standing concern regarding microbial diseases. This research was intended to explore the quality of the ready-to-eat foods available in the suburban and rural areas of Bangladesh. In addition, their association with the development of multi-drug resistance was explored. For this purpose, 12 food samples were randomly selected from the restaurants in a suburban area near Dhaka city. Then, the existence of bacteria and their antibiotic resistance capacity were examined through systematic biochemical and microbial experiments. Results showed that the presence of Staphylococcus epidermitis in milk was higher and the level of growth was undesirable according to FDA guidelines. The presence of Klebsiella in fried rice was also impermissible. Apparently, both Cephradine and Ampicillin revealed that they were not capable of inhibiting microbial growth because of their resistance. From the sensitivity test report, it is clear that people in rural areas are also under the threat of food-borne diseases and the development of antibiotic resistance because of the consumption of these kinds of contaminated ready-to-eat foods

Psychological responses during the COVID-19 outbreak among university students in Bangladesh

Mental health problems in students are considered a public health challenge. We assessed the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) with the DASS-21, as well as associated factors, among university students in Bangladesh early in the COVID-19 outbreak. We hypothesized high levels of DAS and associations between DAS and factors previously reported (poor sleep, lack of exercise, heavy internet use) and those linked to disadvantage (e.g., low monthly family income). We also enquired about participants’ satisfaction with their pursuit of their academic studies while living under COVID-19 restrictions. An internet-based survey was conducted during the month of April 2020, involving 3,122 Bangladeshi university students aged 18 to 29 years (59.5% males; mean age 21.4±2 years). Prevalence estimates of depression, anxiety and stress were, respectively, 76.1%, 71.5% and 70.1% for at least mild symptoms, 62.9%, 63.6% and 58.6% for at least moderate symptoms, 35.2%, 40.3%, and 37.7% for at least severe symptoms and 19.7%, 27.5% and 16.5% for at least very severe symptoms. There was a suggestion that these rates were higher than in previous, pre-COVID-19 studies among Bangladeshi students. Regression analyses with DASS-21-score as a dependent variable revealed associations with factors mostly as hypothesized. The largest effect size on DAS symptoms was related to students’ satisfaction with their academic studies during the pandemic. As this survey used cross-sectional and self-reported methods, causality cannot be inferred. Mental health monitoring of students attempting to cope with the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak may be useful and feasible

COVID-19-specific diabetes worries amongst diabetic patients: The role of social support and other co-variates

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every individual’s life. It has been shown that mortality in people with underlying diseases including diabetes has been high. The present study aimed to measure diabetes related worries (outcome) and their associations with social support and lifestyle (exposures) amongst people with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was completed by 928 respondents (>18 years) between 15-11-2020 and 12-12-2020. The questionnaire comprised four sections: socio-demographic details, diabetic-related worries, social support, and behavioral changes due to COVID-19. Descriptive statistics, correlations and hierarchical regression analysis were performed in the study. Results: Data from 928 respondents (51.61% male; mean age = 52.48 [SD = 11.76]; age range = 18-86 years) were analyzed. The mean score for COVID-19 specific diabetes worries was 3.13 out of 8. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that the mean COVID-19-specific diabetes worries score was significantly associated with lower age, cigarette smoking, perceived poor health status, presence of other diabetic complications. Lack of social support from family, friends, work colleagues and diabetes care team and also eating more than usual were also significantly associated with COVID-19 specific diabetes worry. Conclusions: Diabetes related worries were strongly associated with a lack of social support during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings suggest the need of social support as well as improving knowledge and guidelines is important for people with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemi

Prevalence and correlates of anxiety and depression in frontline healthcare workers treating people with COVID-19 in Bangladesh

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) who are in the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic are often under significant pressures which may predispose them to mental ill-health. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression among HCWs and factors correlated with mental problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between July and August 2020. A self-reported online questionnaire was utilized to collect data. The survey included questions concerning socio-demographic, lifestyle, and work setting and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: Data from 803 HCWs (50.7% male; mean age: 27.3 [SD=6.9]; age range: 18-58 years) were included in analyses. Prevalence estimates of anxiety and depression were, respectively, 69.5% and 39.5% for at least borderline abnormal, 41.2% and 15.7% for at least abnormal symptoms. Regression analyses with HADS-score as dependent variable revealed significant (p<0.05) associations with female sex, moderate and poor health status, irregular physical exercising, smoking, having had regrets about their profession because of the pandemic and many unexpected experiences, not updating on the latest COVID-19-related research, experiencing discrimination in the workplace, and facing social problems due to working in a lab or hospital. Conclusions: Symptoms of mental ill-health are prevalent among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. The findings suggest a need for monitoring and early interventions to help these individuals