Institutes

Vitamin-D status among adolescent attending in the Out Patient Department of Selected Tertiary Hospitals in Bangladesh

2026-03-03T08:32:21Z

Vitamin-D status among adolescent attending in the Out Patient Department of Selected Tertiary Hospitals in Bangladesh Jaiswal, Sanni Context/Background: Lack of vitamin D is a global issue that has been linked to a number of health problems. In Bangladesh, it is quite prevalent in all age categories, but it is particularly prevalent in children and adolescents of both sexes. Since vitamin D is produced by cutaneous synthesis when exposed to plenty of sunlight, the incidence of vitamin D insufficiency in Bangladesh is often disregarded. The objective of the current study was to assess the vitamin D status of adolescents attending in the outpatient department (OPD) of selected tertiary hospitals in Bangladesh, as well as the relationship between vitamin D status and dietary habits and socio-demographic traits. Techniques/Methods Two chosen hospitals' outpatient departments recruited adolescents (10–19 years old) for a cross-sectional survey. The study employed convenience sampling of 384 adolescents who came to these hospitals and their medical reports were available at the hospital. Vitamin D status was evaluated based on the medical reports. Alongside, dietary habits were recorded using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). A multinomial logistic regression model was built to determine the predictors of the participants' vitamin D status. Results: More than 58% of the respondents were younger adolescents (aged 10-14 years) and around two-thirds were girls. It was discovered that 36.7% of the adolescents had inadequate amounts of vitamin D, and 32% were vitamin D deficient. Deficiency level was significantly higher among older adolescents (15-19 years of age). Girls were significantly more deficient 36.2% than boys 24.6%. In addition to other socio-demographic factors, mothers with low- paying jobs, mothers whose education level was primary/below or no institutional education, families with lower incomes, etc., had higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. Regarding dietary habits, the study found that respondents who regularly consumed foods high in vitamin D i.e. beef, fatty fish, egg, dairy, fortified oils, nuts, fruits and vegetables, Horlicks had lower rate of vitamin D deficiency. A multinomial logistic regression analysis showed 7 that the occupation level of the mother (service holder), the less frequent consumption of beef, dairy, fortified oil, and Horlicks (a nutritional supplement drink) as significant predictors for vitamin D deficiency. Conclusion: The present study found a positive impact of consumption of certain vitamin D-rich food items (beef, dairy, fortified oil, and Horlicks) on vitamin D levels of adolescents. Adolescents who consumed these items frequently had a lower risk of vitamin D deficiency than those who did so occasionally or never. Therefore, if any awareness programs or campaigns could be conducted for both parents and adolescents, it might be beneficial for reducing vitamin D deficiency. Additionally, if it's feasible, more study can be done to fortify food with vitamin D through further research. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy.

Physiological Perspective of Musculo-skeletal Disorders among Older Persons in Bangladesh

2026-03-03T08:22:05Z

Physiological Perspective of Musculo-skeletal Disorders among Older Persons in Bangladesh Jahan, Sharmila Study Background: Globally the number of ageing populations increasing day by day and Bangladesh is no exception. The disease incidence and prevalence has been shifted as communicable to non-communicable disease due to lake of physical activities, indiscipline, uncontrolled use of drugs, using pesticides and food preservatives etc. Back pain, Neck pain, Knee pain, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, balance and coordination problems, and falling tendency are common global neuro-musculoskeletal problems in older people (Alexandra Villa-Forte, 2019). Aim and Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the physiological perspective of musculoskeletal disorders among older people in Bangladesh. The study's objectives were to explore the demographic characteristics, find out the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, discover the types of musculoskeletal disorders, investigate the biological, psychological and social perspective of musculoskeletal disorders and observe the quality of life of older people. Methodology: The study design was a cross-sectional survey. SP Hospitals Dhaka, all divisional centres of the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed (CRP), Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Laboratory, Jashore University of Science and Technology and BRB Hospitals Ltd., Panthopath, Dhaka was the study area. The qualified graduate physiotherapist was involved in data collection from 204 participants conveniently selected with a mixed type of questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. Ethical issues are appropriately maintained. Results: Regarding this study about 70% participants were male and 30% were female. About 36.9% of participants were living in a semi-rural area, and 31.6% of participants were living in an urban area. It was shown that about 82% of participants were not affected by COVID-19, and 18% were affected. Most of the participants' monthly income was less than 10,000 BDT, and that was 40.8%. Comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and coronary heart disease were found in 46%, 22%, and 13% of the 206 people, respectively. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders found as most three common pain sites was Knee pain at 84.4%, back pain at 77.6% and neck vi pain at 41%. It established the biological perspectives of the musculoskeletal problem of each of the participants who were suffering from conditions such as degenerative bone disease, diabetes, obesity, muscle imbalance, inadequate fitness, poor health status, and so on. Degenerative bone disease was present at its highest in 98%; poor health status had the second-highest number of participants, with about 51.3% of the total, followed by muscular imbalance, with approximately 54.3% of the total. The researchers examined 206 individuals and, from the psychological perspectives of MSD, found that n = 156 participants were experiencing symptoms of depression, which is the biggest, and the anxiety group had the second greatest number of participants (n = 128 total). The social perspectives of MSD were social isolation at 76%, lack of rehabilitation services at 84%, and improper care of older people at 85% Conclusion: The study showed that most of the older persons in Bangladesh have been suffering from different musculoskeletal problems, where back pain, knee pain and neck pain are the most common. The biological perspective of musculoskeletal problems was bone degeneration and decreased bone mineral density; the psychological aspect was depression and anxiety, which controlled the mobility of the older, and the social perspectives were social isolation, the lack of rehabilitation services and improper care of older people in Bangladesh. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy.

Dengue Viral Infection in Children: Epidemiological, Nutritional and Genomic Analysis

2026-03-03T08:17:44Z

Dengue Viral Infection in Children: Epidemiological, Nutritional and Genomic Analysis Ghosh, Kinkar Background: The epidemiology and genomic characteristics of dengue viral infection in children have been poorly explored in Bangladesh. The study aimed to delineate the epidemiological, nutritional, and genomic characteristics of the dengue viral infection in Bangladeshi children. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the in-patient department of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute from June 2023 to May 2024. Children of age <18 years admitted with presumptive positive dengue infection and presumptive negative dengue infection (NS1 and/IgM negative) with features like dengue infection were enrolled in this study. A total of 722 presumptive dengue-positive children were included for epidemiological analysis, 349 children under the age of five for nutritional assessment; 104 dengue-positive children, and 50 dengue-negative children (from another group) for genomic analysis and concomitant viral infections respectively. MedCalc online tools and SPSS version 21 were used for genomic and statistical analysis. Results: Among 722 children, 600(83%) were from Dhaka City Corporation (494 and 106 were from North and South City Corporation respectively) and 122(17%) were from outside of Dhaka. The age group of <1 Year were 91(12%), 1- <5 Year 258(36%),5- <10 Year 238(33%) and > 10 Year 135(19%). Out of all, fever was the compulsory presenting complaint, and vomiting 355(49%), abdominal pain 192(27%), loose motion 135(19%), cough 49(7%), headache 30(4%), reluctant to feed 23(3%), bleeding 18(2%), convulsion 16(2%) were present. Among all 516(71%) presented with warning signs and 206(29%) without warning signs; 82(16%) children with warning signs and 23(11%) without warning signs were admitted to the intensive care unit. Reinfection was in 39(5.4%), a comorbid condition in 79(10%) and shock was the predominant complication. Among 349 under-five children, 7 (2%) were overweight, 178(51%) normal, 153(44%) moderately underweight, and 11(3%) severely underweight. Real-Time PCR results reveal that out of 104 positive cases, 96(92%) were true positive and 8(8%) were false positive. Among 50 negative cases 17(34%) were false negative and 33(66%) true negative. Real-time PCR of nasopharyngeal swabs reveals that 12(12%) had Flu or Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in true positive cases(n=103) and 5 (19%) in true negative cases(n=26). Circulating serotypes were DEN2 87% and DEN3 13%. Genomic footprint shows that DEN-2-2023 in Bangladesh was most similar to 2018 and DEN-3-2023 most similar to 2017. Conclusion: In children, DEN2 was the most predominant serotype in 2023 among children which might be responsible for more severe diseases. Concomitant viral infection could be an upcoming concern for the dengue outbreak. Authorities should prioritize the feasibility of using Real-time PCR for dengue screening in the coming years and a laboratory network system like COVID-19 should be considered. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy.

A Study on Curriculum Development and Classroom Practices of out of School Children Education Program in Dhaka City

2026-03-03T08:13:25Z

A Study on Curriculum Development and Classroom Practices of out of School Children Education Program in Dhaka City Razzak Roni, Mausumi This study focused on exploring Curriculum Development and Classroom Practices of out of School Children Education Program. The specific objectives of the study are followed, first one is to explore curriculum design according to accelerated education principle. Secondly is to find out the existing classroom practices for the students of out of school children education in line with curriculum and third one is to evaluate the teacher’s performance that influence the implementation of curriculum in out of school children education program. This study is qualitative in nature. Eighteen teachers, eighteen learning centers and four experts are selected at primary level for this study. Teachers, learning centers and experts has been selected following purposive sampling. In this study, different types of data collection tools have been used. A questionnaire for teacher has been developed to primary level. A descriptive checklist and interview schedule has used to collect data for exploring curriculum development of out of school children education program. An observation schedule has been to collect data about classroom practices as well as an observation checklist has been administered for collecting data about teachers’ performance of out of school children program. There are many findings but major findings of the research are mentioned. From the study, it was found that the curriculum was age-appropriate, competency-based but not condensed properly. Literacy and numeracy skills are highlighted on the curriculum. Moreover, learning principles, pedagogy and practice of accelerated education model was integrated throughout the curriculum and teacher training manual. In addition, teaching-learning strategy, assessment strategy, model lesson plan, instruction for daily lesson presentation, accelerated education model syllabus is well-defined in the teachers ‘guide. Sometimes, teachers follow Out of School Children (OOSC) Education Program Syllabus properly for classroom practice of previous knowledge assessment, teaching-learning strategy, on-going assessment etc. But some malpractices are observed also. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy.