scholarly journals The Parental Perspective of Thalassaemia in Bangladesh: Lack of knowledge, Regret, and Barriers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Sorowar Hossain ◽  
Md. Mahbub Hasan ◽  
Mary Petrou ◽  
Paul Telfer ◽  
Abdullah Al Mosabbir
Keyword(s):  
Prenatal Diagnosis ◽  
Parental Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Similar Proportion ◽  
Carrier Status ◽  
Preventive Strategy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Premarital Screening

Abstract Background Thalassaemia, a hereditary haemoglobin disorder, is a major public health concern in some parts of the world. Despite Bangladesh is located in the world’s thalassaemia belt, the information on this disease is scarce. Besides, the awareness on this life threatening but potentially preventable disease is surprisingly poor. However, mass awareness is pivotal for developing an effective preventive strategy. In this context, the understanding of parental perspectives is essential to realize the magnitude of the problem. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the parental knowledge gaps and perceptions regarding thalassemia, the barriers confronted by the parents for caring for their thalassaemic children and their attitude to prenatal screening and prenatal diagnosis. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2018 and December 2018 at a dedicated thalassemia hospital located in Dhaka. A structured questionnaire was used for face-to-face interviews with parents of thalassaemic children. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data.ResultsOf 365 respondents, nearly all respondents (97%) had not heard about the term, ‘thalassemia’ before the disease was diagnosed in their children; all (100%) were unscreened for carrier status prior to marriage. Mean knowledge scores were significantly higher in respondents with higher income and education. Most respondents (~ 91%) had a guilty feeling for not undergoing premarital screening. Only around 36% of them had heard about prenatal diagnosis. Approximately 25% participants would consider prenatal diagnosis in a future pregnancy, while 70% of them were unsure and only ~ 5% would decline prenatal diagnosis. Only 9.3% mothers had prenatal diagnosis in a previous pregnancy. Nearly 80% of the parents faced difficulty for obtaining blood donors regularly and a similar proportion (~81%) of them did not receive support from any organized blood clubs. More than 40% of the parents reported they felt socially stigmatized. ConclusionThis study suggests poor parental knowledge on thalassaemia including prenatal diagnosis and the challenges they are facing while caring for their children. These findings would be of paramount importance in planning and devising effective prevention and intervention strategies in Bangladesh as well as in other countries with similar sociocultural setting.

scholarly journals The parental perspective of thalassaemia in Bangladesh: lack of knowledge, regret, and barriers

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Sorowar Hossain ◽  
Md. Mahbub Hasan ◽  
Mary Petrou ◽  
Paul Telfer ◽  
Abdullah Al Mosabbir
Keyword(s):  
Prenatal Diagnosis ◽  
Parental Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Similar Proportion ◽  
Carrier Status ◽  
Preventive Strategy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Premarital Screening

Abstract Background Thalassaemia, a hereditary haemoglobin disorder, is a major public health concern in some parts of the world. Although Bangladesh is in the world’s thalassaemia belt, the information on this disease is scarce. Additionally, the awareness of this life threatening, but potentially preventable disease is surprisingly poor. However, mass awareness is pivotal for the development of an effective preventive strategy. In this context, the understanding of parental perspectives is essential to grasp the magnitude of the problem. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the parental knowledge gaps and perceptions regarding thalassemia, the barriers confronted by the parents for caring for their thalassaemic children and their attitude to prenatal screening and prenatal diagnosis. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2018 and December 2018 at a dedicated thalassemia hospital located in Dhaka. A structured questionnaire was used for face-to-face interviews with parents of thalassaemic children. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. Results Of 365 respondents, nearly all respondents (97%) had not heard about the term, ‘thalassemia’ before the disease was diagnosed in their children; all (100%) were unscreened for carrier status prior to marriage. Mean knowledge scores were significantly higher in respondents with higher income and education. Most respondents (~ 91%) had a guilty feeling for not undergoing premarital screening. Only around 36% of them had heard about prenatal diagnosis. Approximately 25% participants would consider prenatal diagnosis in a future pregnancy, while 70% of them were unsure and only ~ 5% would decline prenatal diagnosis. Only 9.3% mothers had prenatal diagnosis in a previous pregnancy. Nearly 80% of the parents faced difficulty for obtaining blood donors regularly and a similar proportion (~ 81%) of them did not receive support from any organized blood clubs. More than 40% of the parents reported they felt socially stigmatized. Conclusion This study suggests poor parental knowledge regarding thalassaemia including prenatal diagnosis and the challenges faced while caring for their children. These findings would be of paramount importance in planning and devising effective prevention and intervention strategies in Bangladesh as well as other countries with similar sociocultural setting.

scholarly journals Knowledge and Awareness of Parents Toward Thalassemia

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-15
Author(s):  
Tanuka Barua ◽  
Dazy Barua ◽  
Dhananjoy Das ◽  
Rupam Talukdar ◽  
Razia Sultana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prenatal Diagnosis ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Carrier Status ◽  
Therapeutic Abortion ◽  
Blood Disorders ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Premarital Screening ◽  
Awareness Level

Background: Thalassemias are the most common heritable blood disorders that represents a major public concern. Poor awareness and lack of knowledge lead to increase number of carrier that is a silent reservoir of the disease. To observe the knowledge and awareness level of parents of thalassemic children about the disease. Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Thalassemia ward of Chattogram Maa Shishu-O-General Hospital, Chattogram from July 2013 to June, 2014. Parents of 70 thalassemia patients aged 2-18 years interviewed with a formulated questionnaire based on knowledge status and awareness level of parents towards thalassemia. Data were analyzed by both manually and by SPSS-18. Results: Majority of patients were from rural background (54.3%). Only 8.6% parents were consanguineous parents and majority of them completed only secondary education. 44.3% resolved it as inherited disorder. 52.9% resolved thalassemia cannot be cured. Only 24.3% regarded bone marrow transplantation as a measure of cure. More than half (55.7%) did not know how to prevent thalassemia. Only 37.1% knew about prenatal diagnosis. Carrier status of both father and mother were unknown in majority of patients (80%) and screening of sibs was not done at all in a significant number of patients (51.5%). Only 34.3% wanted to do prenatal diagnosis after conception and 65.7% parents were ready to accept therapeutic abortion if fetus would be diagnosed as thalassemia by prenatal diagnosis. Conclusion: Knowledge level and awareness of parents of thalassemic child regarding the disease is unsatisfactory. To reduce disease burden an awareness program regarding the disease and its prevention covering premarital screening, acceptance of prenatal diagnosis and therapeutic abortion is essential. Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.20 (1); January 2021; Page 12-15

scholarly journals The Role of New Technologies to Prevent Suicide in Adolescence: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 109
Author(s):  
Alberto Forte ◽  
Giuseppe Sarli ◽  
Lorenzo Polidori ◽  
David Lester ◽  
Maurizio Pompili
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
English Language ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Preventive Strategies ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background and objectives: Suicide in adolescents represents a major public health concern. To date, a growing number of suicide preventive strategies based on the use of new technologies are emerging. We aimed to provide an overview of the present literature on the use of new technologies in adolescent suicide prevention. Materials and methods: An electronic search was run using the following keywords: Technology OR Technologies OR APP OR Application OR mobile application) AND (Adolescent OR youth OR puberty) AND (Suicid* OR Self-harm OR self-destruction). Inclusion criteria were: English language, published in a peer-reviewed journal, suicide prevention with the use of new technologies among adolescents. Results: Our search strategy yielded a total of 12 studies on the use of telemedicine, 7 on mobile applications, and 3 on language detection. We also found heterogeneity regarding the study design: 3 are randomized controlled trials (RCT), 13 are open-label single group trials, 2 are randomized studies, and 1 is a cross-sectional study. Telemedicine was the most adopted tool, especially web-based approaches. Mobile applications mostly focused on screening of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation, and for clinical monitoring through the use of text messages. Although telepsychiatry and mobile applications can provide a fast and safe tool, supporting and preceding a face-to-face clinical assessment, only a few studies demonstrated efficacy in preventing suicide among adolescents through the use of these interventions. Some studies suggested algorithms able to recognize people at risk of suicide from the exploration of the language on social media posts. Conclusions: New technologies were found to be well accepted and tolerated supports for suicide prevention in adolescents. However, to date, few data support the use of such interventions in clinical practice and preventive strategies. Further studies are needed to test their efficacy in suicide prevention among adolescents and young adults.

Pattern of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathies Among Anemic Under-Five Children of Northern Bangladesh: A Hospital Based Cross Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Abdur Rafi ◽  
M. Morsed Zaman ◽  
Md. Golam Hossain
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Severe Form ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hemoglobin E ◽  
Under Five ◽  
Under Five Children ◽  
Thalassemia Minor ◽  
Different Types

Abstract Background Congenital hemoglobin defects are significant global health concern affecting more than 330,000 newborns every year. In Bangladesh more than half of the under-five children are anemic, but the contribution of hemoglobin disorders to childhood anemia is quite unexplored. Hence, the objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and pattern of hemoglobinopathies among anemic under-five (age 6–59 months) children visiting the hematology department of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH). Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study among anemic patients aged between 6 to 59 months conducted in the hematology department of RMCH from July 2018 to June 2020. The guideline of WHO was used to define the severity of anemia. Hemoglobinopathies was measured using standard methods. Chi-square test was used to find the association between two categorical factors. Results Female and younger children included in the study were more likely to suffer from moderate to severe form of anemia compared to their counterparts. Out of 534 patients 183 were suffering from different types of hemoglobinopathies (prevalence 34.3%). E-β-Thalassemia was the most common type of hemoglobinopathy (14%) followed by Hemoglobin E trait (11%) and β-Thalassemia minor (5.6%). Prevalence of these hemoglobin disorders was comparatively higher among female and older children (p < 0.05). Patients with E-β-Thalassemia and β-Thalassemia major of our study were mostly suffering from severe form of anemia while patients with hemoglobin E trait and β-Thalassemia minor were mostly suffering from mild anemia (p < 0.01). Conclusions A remarkable number of children were suffering from severe anemia and different types of hemoglobinopathies. Gender and age group were the risk factors of anemia and hemoglobinopathies among under-five children. Health authorities of Bangladesh should especially take care of anemic children in this country.

Detection of Genetic markers associated with Plasmodium falciparum drug resistance among malaria patients in Kaduna State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 206-213
Author(s):  
G.Y. Benjamin ◽  
H.I. Inabo ◽  
M.H.I. Doko ◽  
B.O. Olayinka
Keyword(s):  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Phylogenetic Tree ◽  
Genetic Markers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Test Kit

Malaria is a disease of public health concern in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. It is caused by intracellular parasites of the genus Plasmodium. The aim of this study was to detect genetic markers associated with Plasmodium falciparum drug resistance among malaria patients in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study was a cross-sectional study that lasted from May 2018 to October 2018. Three hundred blood samples were collected from consenting individuals attending selected hospitals, in the three senatorial districts of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Structured questionnaire were used to obtain relevant data from study participants. The blood samples were screened for malaria parasites using microscopy and rapid diagnostic test kit. Polymerase Chain Reaction was used for detection of the drug resistance genes. Pfcrt, pfmdr1, pfdhfr, pfdhps and pfatpase6 genes were detected at expected amplicon sizes from the malaria positive samples. The pfatpase6 PCR amplicons were sequenced and a phylogenetic tree was created to determine their relatedness. Result showed that Pfcrt (80%) had the highest prevalence, followed by pfdhfr (60%), pfmdr1 (36%) and pfdhps (8%). Pfatpase6 was also detected in 73.3% of the samples, and a phylogenetic tree showed relatedness between the pfatpase6  sequences in this study and those deposited in the GenBank. In conclusion, the study detected that Plasmodium falciparum genes were associated with drug resistance to commonly used antimalarials.

scholarly journals Examining the Dietary Diversity of Children in Niger

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 2961
Author(s):  
Nafissatou Cisse Egbuonye ◽  
Ariun Ishdorj ◽  
E.L.J. McKyer ◽  
Rahma Mkuu
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Wealth Index ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Child Factors

Malnutrition is a major public health concern in Niger. The stunting rate in children in Niger is over 50%, one of the highest in the world. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine children’s dietary diversity (CDD) and the maternal factors that impact CDD. A total of 1265 mother–child pairs were analyzed. Descriptive analysis was conducted to present maternal and child characteristics. To compare the mean scores of CDD in relation to the region, an independent sample t-test was conducted. A one-way ANOVA test was conducted to evaluate the CDD score by different age groups. A linear regression model was estimated to identify household, maternal and child factors that affect the CDD score. Our results indicate that most of the participants of our survey resided in rural areas and the majority (80.7%) of the mothers had no education. Factors such as region, children’s age, woman’s empowerment, vitamin A intake and wealth index were significant predictors of CDD (p < 0.05). The children residing in rural areas were more likely to have lower CDD scores (p < 0.05) than the children in urban areas, therefore becoming more susceptible to malnutrition.

scholarly journals Sputum smear positivity grade and chest X-ray findings in tuberculosis: A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Behzadmehr ◽  
E. Nejadkehkha
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Sputum Smear ◽  
P Value ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Radiographic Findings ◽  
X Ray ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Chest X Ray

Despite many advances in the diagnosis, screening, and rapid treatment of tuberculosis, it is still a public health concern in the world. Due to the importance of this issue in diagnosis and reduction of transmission of infection and treatment of the disease especially where this study is conducted due to the high prevalence of tuberculosis, this study was done to determine The relationship between sputum smear positivity grade and chest X-ray findings in pulmonary tuberculosis patients in a hospital in southeast of Iran. This cross-sectional study was performed on all patients with pulmonary TB referencing the health centers in Zabol city, southeast of Iran from 1 January 2015 to 30 December 2020. Sputum smear and radiographic findings of the chest X-ray were evaluated. Data was collected using a form of information and finally analyzed by SPSS 22. Out of 101 patients examined in the present study, 71 were women and 30 were men. The mean age of the patients was 62.68 ± 13.61 years. The frequency of opacity in patients with grades 1, 2, and 3 was 71.4, 78.5, and 76.5%, respectively. Frequency of cavitation in patients with Grade 1, 2 and 3 was 11.5%, 28.5% and 52.9% respectively (P value 0.001). The frequency of reticulonodular presentations in patients with grade 1, 2, and 3 was 24.2, 7.1, and 0%, respectively.  In general, the results of this study showed that, with increasing grading of smears (1+, 2+, and 3+), the frequency of cavitation presentation increased significantly and the frequency of reticulonodular presentations decreased significantly. In general, the results of this study showed that, with increasing grading of smears (, the frequency of Cavitation presentation increased significantly and the frequency of reticulonodular presentations decreased significantly. The findings of the present study can help physicians better diagnose TB.

scholarly journals Perception of mucormycosis infection among Bangladeshi healthcare workers: an exploratory cross-sectional study in the year following the COVID-19 pandemic

2022 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Humayun Kabir ◽  
Md. Kamrul Hasan ◽  
Mamunur Rahman ◽  
Shimpi Akter ◽  
Golam Ishraque Chowdhury ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Monthly Income ◽  
Public Health Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Mucormycosis, a severe fungal infection, is an emerging public health concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the perception of mucormycosis among Bangladeshi healthcare workers. Results An exploratory cross-sectional study was carried out among the Bangladeshi healthcare workers from May 25, 2021, to June 5, 2021. The study found 422 responses from the healthcare workers of Bangladesh. Among the respondents, nearly half of them (45.26%) were doctors (n = 191). This study explored that the healthcare workers’ mucormycosis perception scores were significantly associated with their age, gender, profession, monthly income, marital status, job type, and death of friends and family members due to COVID-19. Conclusions This study emphasized the healthcare workers’ mucormycosis perception along with other associated factors. The findings could help policymakers to mitigate mucormycosis and related infectious diseases emergencies in the post-COVID-19 situation.

scholarly journals Take-out food frequency was associated with energy intake among mothers of young children in urban slum area in North Jakarta

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 70
Author(s):  
Fitya Safira Birahmatika ◽  
Dian Novita Chandra ◽  
Luh Ade Ari Wiradnyani
Keyword(s):  
Young Children ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Urban Slum ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Slum Area ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health And Nutrition

Introduction: Inadequate energy intake was prevalent among women of reproductive age, which may contribute to poor diet. Having great concern towards health and nutrition may play a role in shaping eating habit and food-related behavior to achieve a healthy diet. This study aims to examine the association between health concern and energy intake, while considering other factors such as cooking frequency and having food away from home.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in an urban slum area in Jakarta, involving 233 mothers of young children through consecutive sampling. Data was collected through interview using structured questionnaire, including 2x24-hour dietary recall. All statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 20.Results: Energy intake of most subjects did not meet the recommendation. There was no significant correlation between health concern measured by General Health Interest Scale and energy intake. The frequency of having take-out food was a significant predictor of the energy intake. Additionally, a significant negative correlation between health concern and having take-out food was found.Conclusion: Having take-out food was associated with energy intake. Provision of health and nutrition information in the food stores might help to increase health concern to shape a healthier diet. Thus, a collaborative effort targeting both food sellers and customers is essential.

scholarly journals Public Perceptions and Attitudes of Bangladeshi Population towards Thalassemia Prevention: A Nationwide Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nur-E- Alam ◽  
Md Shariful Islam ◽  
Umme Suriea ◽  
Ramisa Binti Mohiuddin ◽  
Md. Muzahidul Islam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transmitted Disease ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Premarital Screening ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
Bangladeshi Population

Abstract Background: Thalassemia is one of the most common life-threatening yet preventable congenital hemoglobin disorders especially in South Asian regions like Bangladesh. It has become a rising public health concern for Bangladesh as 6-12% of the population are carriers and many of them are unaware of it. The purpose of the study is to inspect the knowledge and attitude towards thalassemia among the general people of Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in eight administrative regions of Bangladesh between January and October of 2020. A self-administrative close-ended questionnaire was designed to collect information about thalassemia and socio-demographic characteristics. Pearson’s chi-square (χ2) test and One-way ANOVA were performed to assess the association between the demographic variables with knowledge and practice regarding thalassemia. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.Results: Of the 1623 participants, only 44.7% (726/1623) had heard of thalassemia. The mean knowledge of thalassemia was scored 4.75 ± 2.05 out of a total possible score of 10. Half of the participants had no idea that thalassemia was not a transfusion transmitted disease. About 73.1% knew that blood tests are a diagnosis process to determine thalassemia. The urban residing participants had the highest (5.10 ± 1.99) and participants with primary education had the lowest (3.38 ± 1.37) mean score of knowledge. Participants' knowledge score varied significantly by marital status, living pace, literacy and occupation (p< 0.05). However, about 68.2% and 85.5% of the participants showed a positive attitude towards premarital screening of themselves or their family members and donating blood to thalassemia patients, respectively. Conclusion: The study shows that there is a need to disseminate the information on thalassemia since the knowledge gap is huge among people. These findings will assist the implementation of significant steps such as educational programs, health counseling, premarital screening, campaigning, etc. to increase the awareness of thalassemia.

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