Child abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh: a brutal reality

Violence against children, ranging from mental torture to forceful rape, is a critical public health issue that stifles growth. Convention on the Rights of the Children defined violence against children as “all forms of physical or mental violence, injury and abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse”. Along with all pre-existing forms mentioned in the above definition, online harassment added a new dimension to child abuse during the pandemic situation. Every year, globally, almost one out of every two children or one billion children experience some form of violence. But it is difficult to determine the situation of Bangladesh as there is a dearth of exact statistics related to violence against children. However, as stated by a recent Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) report, nearly 89% of Bangladeshi children aged 1-14 years had experienced violence against them, including physical torture, psychological hostility, etc., from their caregivers in the last one month before the MICS survey conducted. Based on reports from Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), a Bangladeshi legal aid and human rights organization, at least 6,514 children (including 705 victims aged six years or below) experienced some form of violence within the years of 2016 to 2020 in Bangladesh, but only 3,237 victims sought for legal action.  Presumably, the problem is worsening, as there has been a sharp increase in child rape and online harassment during the COVID-19 period. Considering the situation, the guardians should be more cautious about taking care of their children during the pandemic. Besides, there should be mass media coverage to encourage more reporting towards child violence which will eventually help us reform the social views by strengthening the system to reduce the overall burden

Effects of Peanut (Arachis Hypogaea L.) and Its Combination with Propranolol in Isoproterenol Induced Myocardial Damage in Rats

Background: Ischemic heart disease is the interruption of blood supply to the heart causes several biochemical alterations which may lead to cardiac dysfunction and ultimately cell death. Medicinal plants and plant based foods such as peanut (Arachishypogaea L.) have received great attention for their salutary effects and potential to treat many aspects of ischemic heart disease due to their antioxidant property. Objective: To observe the effects of peanut (Arachishypogaea L.) and its combination with propranolol in isoproterenol induced myocardial damage in rats. Method: This experimental study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College (SSMC), Dhaka in 2012. For this purpose, 20 Wistar albino rats, age 85 to 100 days, weighing 120 to 150g (initial body weight) were included in the peanut treated group.They were sub-divided into CT-P (Cardiotoxic group with isoproterenol after peanut treatment) and CT-C (Cardiotoxic group with isoproterenol after combined treatment of peanut and propranolol). Age and weight matched 30 Wistar albino rats without any peanut supplementation were taken and sub-divided into three sub-groups, BC (Baseline control), CT (Cardiotoxic group with isoproterenol) and CT-PRO (Cardiotoxic group with isoproterenol after propranolol treatment). Each sub-group consisted of 10 rats. After taking final body weight all the rats were sacrificed on 22nd day. Blood was collected from heart & supernatant serum was preserved in deep freeze until analysis. For assessment of myocardial damage, some cardiac biomarker enzymes, like serum CK-MB & LDH were estimated by using immunoassay method. The statistical analysis was done by one way ANOVA and Bonferroni test as applicable. Result: In this study, percent change from initial body weight to final body weight was significantly (p<0.01) lower both in CT-P and CT-C as compared to that of BC. Again, the mean serum CK-MB and LDH levels were significantly (p<0.01) higher in CT, CT-PRO, CT-P & CT-C in comparison to that of BC. On the other hand, the serum CK-MB and LDH levels were lower in CT-PRO, CT-P and CT-C when compared to that of CT though the differences were statistically significant (p<0.01, p<0.05) in case of CT-PRO and CT-C but not significant in case of CTP. Again, the values were also significantly lower in CT-C (p<0.01,p<0.05) as compared to that of CTP. Conclusion: The present study revealed that peanut can lower serum CK-MB & LDH levels towards normal in isoproterenol induced myocardial damaged rats. However, the combined therapy of peanut with propranolol showed synergistic effect on lowering serum CK-MB & LDH levels

The impact of climate change on the lives and livelihoods of readymade garment (RMG) workers: an exploratory study in selected readymade garment factories in Bangladesh

Abstract Background There is a paucity of resources focusing on the climate change experience of readymade garment (RMG) workers in developing countries such as Bangladesh. Therefore, this mixed method approach aims to understand the distinctive types of climate change experiences from a health and occupational perspective, along with the consequences of these changes among RMG workers in Bangladesh. Methods The study was conducted from January 2022 and February 2022 where the quantitative data were collected from 200 RMG workers in 10 randomly selected garments and two focus group discussions took place with 20 conveniently selected RMG workers. The key informants were relevant stakeholders in the industry. Quantitative findings were reported using descriptive methods and qualitative findings were analysed using a content analysis approach. Result A total of 200 RMG workers were included in the study of which the majority belonged to the age group of 26–30 years (44%), were male (55%), worked in a compliant factory (70%), and were machine operators (79%). Half of the respondents experienced damage from natural disasters (51%), but only approximately 37% received humanitarian help. Migration and urbanisation were among the aftermath of the damage caused by e natural disasters, and 42% were forced to shift their homes due to natural disasters. Competition in the job market increased, and the owners had the opportunity to take on employees at a reduced salary. The respondents flagged climate change as a major contributor to their disease patterns. More than three-quarters of the respondents became sick because of increased heat while working; however, only half received any treatment. Conclusion Employee participation in hazard recognition, employer preparedness, prevention through design, research, surveillance, and upholding workplace ethics and standards can be the answers to climate change problems for readymade garment workers

Sexually Transmitted Infections among Street, Hotel, and Residence-Based Female Sex Workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh: Prevalence from Three HIV/STI Drop-in-Centers

Introduction: Considering a growing number of female sex workers (FSWs) in Bangladesh, there remains a greater need to reduce sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates, as lower social and cultural status cause FSWs to have less access to education, employment opportunities, and health care, including opportunities for HIV tests, counseling, and medical care. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 546 street, hotel, and residence-based FSWs. This current study aimed to identify the prevalence and to ascertain the associated risk factors among the FSW populations in Dhaka. Results: We found a majority of the participants were in the working age of more than 26 years for the FSW profession, with a mean age of 28 years. While the majority were unemployed (42.5%), alcohol abuse (p = 0.01) and drug dependency (p = 0.01) had an association, and inconsistency of condom use had a higher risk factor (AOR = 3.54) for a new STI case. Conclusions: FSW-oriented service platform should be integrated with health literacy interventions in urban and rural locations in Bangladesh. Understanding the differences in risk patterns and tailoring intervention will increase contraception use and lower STI cases and improve overall FSW quality of life

Epidemiology of Dyslipidemia Among Adult Population of Bangladesh

Background and aims: evatedEl level serum of lipids stimulate atherosclerosis, which is the risk factor for stroke, peripheral vascular taeohrrratrrocvtra disease. The aim of this study was to explore the pattern and associated factors of dyslipidemia among Bangladeshi adult population

Low back pain among professional bus drivers: a cross-sectional study from Bangladesh

Abstract Background Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition contributing to impaired quality of life among professional vehicle drivers. Our study aimed to assess LBP prevalence and associated factors among professional bus drivers in Bangladesh. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 368 professional bus drivers using a semi-structured questionnaire. A Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) subscale was used to measure LBP. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with LBP. Results In the last month, 127 (34.51%) participants reported experiencing pain or discomfort in the lower backside. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age of more than 40 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.07, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14 to 3.75), the income of more than 15,000 BDT per month (aOR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.11 to 3.26), work duration more than ten years (aOR: 2.53, 95% CI: 1.12 to 5.70), working more than 15 days per month (aOR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.02 to 3.65), working more than 10 h per day (aOR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.05 to 5.75), poor condition of the driving seat (aOR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.08 to 3.02), current smoking habit (aOR: 9.71, 95% CI: 1.25 to 75.15), illicit substances use (aOR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.11 to 3.48), and four hours or less sleeping time per day (aOR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.09 to 3.06) were positively associated with LBP. Conclusion The high burden of LBP among the participants calls for a focus on this vulnerable group's occupational health and safety, with particular emphasis on implementing standard measures