COVID-19 Vaccination Intent and Willingness to Pay in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This article reports the intent to receive a SARS-COV-2 vaccine, its predictors and willingness to pay in Bangladesh. We carried out an online cross-sectional survey of 697 adults from the general population of Bangladesh in January 2021. A structured questionnaire was used to assess vaccination intent. The questionnaire included sociodemographic variables and health belief model constructs which may predict vaccination intent. Among the participants, 26% demonstrated a definite intent, 43% probable intent, 24% probable negative, and 7% a definite negative intention. Multivariable logistic regression analyses suggest an association between definite intent and previous COVID-19 infection (OR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.71-4.78), perceiving COVID-19 as serious (OR: 1.93; 1.04-3.59), the belief that vaccination would make them feel less worried about catching COVID-19 (OR: 4.42; 2.25-8.68), and concerns about vaccine affordability (OR: 1.51; 1.01-2.25). Individuals afraid of the side effects (OR: 0.34; 0.21-0.53) and those who would take the vaccine if the vaccine were taken by many others (OR: 0.44; 0.29-0.67) are less likely to have a definite intent. A definite negative intent is associated with the concern that the vaccine may not be halal (OR: 2.03; 1.04-3.96). Furthermore, 68.4% are willing to pay for the vaccine. The median amount that they are willing to pay is USD 7.08. The study findings reveal that the definite intent to receive the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination among the general population varies depending on their COVID-19-related health beliefs and no significant association was found with sociodemographic variables

Web Search Engine Misinformation Notifier Extension (SEMiNExt): A Machine Learning Based Approach during COVID-19 Pandemic

Misinformation such as on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) drugs, vaccination or presentation of its treatment from untrusted sources have shown dramatic consequences on public health. Authorities have deployed several surveillance tools to detect and slow down the rapid misinformation spread online. Large quantities of unverified information are available online and at present there is no real-time tool available to alert a user about false information during online health inquiries over a web search engine. To bridge this gap, we propose a web search engine misinformation notifier extension (SEMiNExt). Natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithm have been successfully integrated into the extension. This enables SEMiNExt to read the user query from the search bar, classify the veracity of the query and notify the authenticity of the query to the user, all in real-time to prevent the spread of misinformation. Our results show that SEMiNExt under artificial neural network (ANN) works best with an accuracy of 93%, F1-score of 92%, precision of 92% and a recall of 93% when 80% of the data is trained. Moreover, ANN is able to predict with a very high accuracy even for a small training data size. This is very important for an early detection of new misinformation from a small data sample available online that can significantly reduce the spread of misinformation and maximize public health safety. The SEMiNExt approach has introduced the possibility to improve online health management system by showing misinformation notifications in real-time, enabling safer web-based searching on health-related issues

Depression among the Non-Native International Undergraduate Students Studying Dentistry in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Bangladesh has been attracting international students with interests in various subjects recently. Every year students from different parts of the world come to study undergraduate and postgraduate courses, mostly at private universities in Bangladesh. This study evaluates the depression status among international students who are studying dentistry in Bangladesh. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted among International undergraduate dental students who enrolled in the Bachelor of Dental Surgery program in nine public and private dental colleges in Bangladesh. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling method. A total of 206 students completed the survey where 78.5% of them were female students and 21.5% students were male, and a CES-D 10-item Likert scale questionnaire was used for data collection. The Cronbach alpha for the 10-item CES-D scale for this population is 0.812. RESULTS: The majority of the students (79.5%) are below 24 years of age with a mean age of 23.22 years and standard deviation of 2.3, and are students who cannot communicate well in Bengali (Bangla), about 60% of them have experienced depression. About 77.3% (p < 0.00) of the international students having financial difficulties exhibited depression. The international students who went through financial problems were two times more likely to suffer from depression (OR = 2.38; p-value < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study tried to highlight the struggles faced by international students in Bangladesh studying dentistry. It is evident from the findings that several factors influence students' mental well-being during demanding dental education years

Prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution and the risk of preterm birth and stillbirth:synergy among air pollutants in causing preterm birth

Abstract Previous studies provided little evidence related to low-level air pollution exposure on the risk of preterm birth (PTB). Epidemiologic studies on the synergistic effects of different air pollutants on the risk of PTB are scarce. In addition, the evidence from initial studies of prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution and stillbirth is equivocal. This project assessed the independent and joint effects of prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution on the risk of PTB, and summarized the existing evidence on the relationship between ambient air pollution and the risk of stillbirth through a systematic review and meta-analysis. The study population comprised 2,568 members of the Espoo Cohort Study, born between 1984 and 1990, living in Espoo, Finland. Individual-level ambient air pollution concentrations were assessed by using dispersion modelling and the land-use regression-based method. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched for studies investigating air pollution and stillbirth. Results show that the joint effect of PM2.5 and O3 exposure during the entire pregnancy (long-term) was substantially higher with an adjusted RR of 3.63 (95% CI: 2.16, 6.10), than what would have been expected from their independent effects (0.99 for PM2.5 and 1.34 for O3) and the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) was 2.30 (95% CI: 0.95, 4.57). This indicates long-term exposure to PM2.5 and O3 may act synergistically potentiating each other’s adverse effects on the risk of PTB. The highest levels of exposure to PM2.5, PM10 and NO2 in the week just before delivery (short-term) were related to 67% (95% CI: 14%, 146%), 60% (95%CI: 9%, 134%) and 65% (95% CI: 14%, 137%) increased in the risk of PTB, respectively. There were no significant joint effects of different air pollutant exposure during the week prior to the delivery (short-term) on the risk of PTB. The meta-analysis indicated that prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution increased the risk of stillbirth. In order to prevent ambient air pollution induced PTB and stillbirth, improvements in air quality are required by implementing laws and regulations and introducing measures to reduce multiple pollutants even in those less pollutant regions of the world.Tiivistelmä Aiempien tutkimusten perusteella oli vain vähän tietoa alhaisen ilmansaastealtistuksen vaikutuksista ennenaikaisen synnytyksen riskiin. Myöskään eri ilmansaasteiden yhteisvaikutuksia ennenaikaiseen synnytykseen ei ollut aiemmin tutkittu. Tutkimustulokset raskaudenaikaisen ilmansaastealtistuksen vaikutuksista olivat vähäiset ja ristiriitaisia. Tässä tutkimushankkeessa arvioitiin ilmansaasteiden raskaudenaikaisen altistumisen riippumattomia ja yhteisvaikutuksia ennenaikaisen synnytyksen riskiin sekä vedettiin yhteen tutkimustieto raskaudenaikaisen ilmansaastealtistuksen vaikutuksista kohtukuolemariskiin toteuttamalla systemaattinen kirjallisuuskatsaus ja siihen pohjautuva meta-analyysi. Tutkimuspopulaatio käsitti Espoon kohorttitutkimuksen 2568 espoolaista jäsentä, jotka syntyivät vuosien 1984 ja 1990 välillä. Tutkimuksessa arvioitiin yksilökohtaisesti ilmansaasteiden pitoisuudet käyttäen leviämismalleja ja maankäyttötietoja regressiomalleja hyödyntäen. Ilmansaasteiden vaikutuksia kohtukuolemaan selvitettiin systemaattisesti PubMed-, Scopus- ja Web of Science-tietokannoista haettujen alkuperäisjulkaisujen pohjalta. Pienhiukkasten (PM2.5) ja otsonin raskauden aikaisen altistuksen yhteisvaikutus oli selvästi suurempi, vakioitu riskisuhde (RR) 3.63 (95 % luottamusväli: 2.16, 6.10), kuin yksittäisten ilmansaasteiden riippumattomat vaikutukset antoivat odottaa (PM2.5 RR=0.99 ja otsoni RR=1.34). Yhteisvaikutuksesta aiheutuva suhteellinen ylimääräisen riskin estimaatti (RERI) oli 2.30 (95 % luottamusväli 0.95, 4.57). Näiden tulosten perusteella PM2.5 ja otsonialtistuksella saattaa olla synergistisiä vaikutuksia ennenaikaiseen synnytykseen. Suurimmat altistumiset ilmansaasteille PM2.5, PM10 ja NO2 synnytystä edeltävällä viikolla (lyhytaikainen altistus) nostivat ennenaikaisen synnytyksen riskiä 67 % (95 % CI: 14 %, 146 %), 60 % (95 %CI: 9 %, 134 %) ja 65 % (95 % CI: 14 %, 137 %), kukin erikseen. Ennenaikaista synnytystä edeltävän viikon aikaisilla ilmansaastealtistuksilla ei havaittu tilastollisesti merkitseviä yhteisvaikutuksia. Meta-analyysin perusteella raskaudenaikainen altistus ilmansaasteille lisää kohtukuoleman riskiä. Ilmansaasteiden aiheuttaman ennenaikaisen synnytyksen ja kohtukuoleman riskien ehkäisemiseksi tulisi yhdyskuntailman laatua pyrkiä parantamaan lainsäädännön ja ilmansuojeluohjeiden tuella. Tarvitaan keinoja vähentää samanaikaisesti esiintyvien ilmansaasteiden määrää myös maailman vähemmän saastuneilla alueilla

COVID-19: Situation of European Countries so Far

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Intimate partner violence constrains timely utilisation of antenatal care services among Armenian women: Results from a nationally representative sample

Background: Well-timed utilisation of antenatal care (ANC) services during pregnancy emphatically impact pregnancy outcomes. Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) predominance during pregnancy is exceptionally noticeable in Armenia, yet we have restricted information on the association between IPV and ANC attendance. The aim of this study was to determine the association between IPV and utilisation of adequate ANC services among Armenian women. Methods: A nationally representative sample survey from 2015 to 2016 Armenia Demographic and Health Survey was considered for this study. A total of 6116 women were interviewed. To estimate the association between outcome and explanatory variable, Pearson's Chi-square test followed by bivariate logistic regression analysis were performed. Results: About 58% of participants, more than 35 years old has encountered IPV. Women with advanced education (54.7%) attended ANC services between 0 and 3 months. It was found that only the richer women are two times more likely to visit ANC services above four times than other groups and its association with IPV claimed that richer women are more likely to face IPV. Moreover, women who are residing with alcoholic husbands/partners are two times more likely to suffer from partner abuse (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The impact of IPV on accessibility and timely utilisation of ANC services in Armenia cannot be overlooked as IPV is causing risk in healthy delivery and the country's overall productivity in a broader perception

Oral Healthcare during Pregnancy: Its Importance and Challenges in Lower-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)

Oral health is essential in general health and well-being to maintain overall quality of life [...

Obesity and Abdominal Obesity in Indian Population: Findings from a Nationally Representative Study of 698,286 Participants

This study aims to determine and compare the prevalence and correlates of obesity and abdominal obesity in India among participants aged 18–54 years. Data were acquired from the nationally representative National Family Health Survey 2019–21. Age and sex standardized descriptive analyses were conducted to determine the prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity, and multivariable multilevel logistic regression was performed to identify the factors associated with these conditions. Gender-specific analyses were also conducted. The sample weight was adjusted throughout. The final sample size for this study was 698,286. The prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity was 13.85% and 57.71%, respectively. Older age, being female, increased educational status and increased wealth index, being married at any point, and residing in an urban area all increased the odds of both obesity and abdominal obesity. Being a resident of the North zone and having a current alcohol intake increased the odds of abdominal obesity. On the other hand, being a resident of the South zone of India increased the odds of obesity. Targeting these high-risk groups can be a strategy for public health promotion programs

Prevalence and associated factors of last dental visit and teeth cleaning frequency in Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal: Findings from nationally representative surveys.

This study evaluated the prevalence and frequency of teeth cleaning and last dental visits, along with associated socio-demographic factors, among residents of Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. The World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise approach to surveillance (STEPS) survey data from Bangladesh (N = 8,164), Bhutan (N = 5,374) and Nepal (N = 5,371) were analyzed. After descriptive analysis, a multivariable multilevel logistic regression was conducted to identify the factors associated with oral hygiene. The following variables were considered as outcomes of interest: daily teeth cleaning frequency and visitation to the oral healthcare providers in the last six/twelve months at the time of data collection. Bangladesh had the highest proportion of respondents who cleaned their teeth at least once or twice a day, while Nepal had the lowest. Bhutan had the highest proportion of respondents who visited a dentist within the last six months (10.5%) or 12 months (16.0%). Almost 94.5% of Nepalese participants never visited a dentist. Participants of older age, who were females and had increased educational attainment, were more likely to follow oral hygiene measures. The populations of all the countries included in the study show poor adherence to oral hygiene practices. Health promotion programs should raise awareness regarding the advantages of regular teeth cleaning and dental check-ups

Obesity and abdominal obesity in Indian population:findings from a nationally representative study of 698,286 participants

Abstract This study aims to determine and compare the prevalence and correlates of obesity and abdominal obesity in India among participants aged 18–54 years. Data were acquired from the nationally representative National Family Health Survey 2019–21. Age and sex standardized descriptive analyses were conducted to determine the prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity, and multivariable multilevel logistic regression was performed to identify the factors associated with these conditions. Gender-specific analyses were also conducted. The sample weight was adjusted throughout. The final sample size for this study was 698,286. The prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity was 13.85% and 57.71%, respectively. Older age, being female, increased educational status and increased wealth index, being married at any point, and residing in an urban area all increased the odds of both obesity and abdominal obesity. Being a resident of the North zone and having a current alcohol intake increased the odds of abdominal obesity. On the other hand, being a resident of the South zone of India increased the odds of obesity. Targeting these high-risk groups can be a strategy for public health promotion programs