scholarly journals Changes in Tobacco Use Patterns during COVID-19 and Their Correlates among Older Adults in Bangladesh

Author(s):  
Sabuj Kanti Mistry ◽  
Armm Mehrab Ali ◽  
Md. Ashfikur Rahman ◽  
Uday Narayan Yadav ◽  
Bhawna Gupta ◽  
...  

The present study explored the changes in tobacco use patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic and their correlates among older adults in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1032 older adults aged ≥60 years in Bangladesh through telephone interviews in October 2020. Participants’ characteristics and COVID-19-related information were gathered using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Participants were asked if they noted any change in their tobacco use patterns (smoking or smokeless tobacco) during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic (6 months prior to the survey). Nearly half of the participants (45.6%) were current tobacco users, of whom 15.9% reported increased tobacco use during the COVID-19 pandemic and all others had no change in their tobacco use patterns. Tobacco use was significantly increased among the participants from rural areas, who had reduced communications during COVID-19 compared to pre-pandemic (OR = 2.76, 95%CI:1.51–5.03). Participants who were aged ≥70 years (OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.14–0.77), widowed (OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.13–1.00), had pre-existing, non-communicable, and/or chronic conditions (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.25–0.78), and felt themselves at the highest risk of COVID-19 (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.15–0.62), had significantly lower odds of increased tobacco use. Policy makers and practitioners need to focus on strengthening awareness and raising initiatives to avoid tobacco use during such a crisis period.

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (23) ◽  
pp. 5537
Author(s):  
Siddarth Agrawal ◽  
Mateusz Dróżdż ◽  
Sebastian Makuch ◽  
Alicja Pietraszek ◽  
Małgorzata Sobieszczańska ◽  
...  

The prevailing COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically affected the mental health and well-being of individuals. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the perceived fear of COVID-19 among older adults in Poland and identify subpopulations with the highest risk of potential mental health disorders. The study was conducted in November–December 2020 on 500 people aged ≥60 years (mean M = 67.9, standard deviation SD = 4.2). In order to collect information on participants’ characteristics and COVID-19-related information, they were asked to complete a questionnaire based on recorded telephone calls. Perceived fear of COVID-19 was measured using our generated and validated seven-item tool: “Scale of fear of COVID-19 infection”, which ranged from 7 to 35. Multiple linear regression was performed to identify factors associated with the perceived fear of COVID-19. Our results showed that the highest level of fear of COVID-19 infection was observed among women (p = 0.025) and patients taking anticoagulants (p = 0.004). Moreover, older adults with higher anxiety levels were more likely to be fearful of COVID-19 (according to the GAS-10 scale; p < 0.001). These findings may help policy makers and healthcare workers to adapt and implement better mental health strategies to help the elderly fight fear and anxiety during the prevailing pandemic.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabuj Kanti Mistry ◽  
A. R. M. Mehrab Ali ◽  
Farhana Akther ◽  
Uday Narayan Yadav ◽  
Mark F. Harris

Abstract Objective This study was aimed to assess the perceived fear of COVID-19 and its associated factors among older adults in Bangladesh. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2020 among 1032 older Bangladeshi adults aged ≥60 years. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on participants’ characteristics and COVID-19 related information. Perceived fear of COVID-19 was measured using the seven-item Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), where the cumulative score ranged from 7 to 35. Multiple linear regression was performed to identify factors associated with perceived fear of COVID-19. Results The mean fear score was 19.4. Participants who were concerned about COVID-19 (β: 2.75, 95% CI: 1.71 to 3.78) and overwhelmed by COVID-19 (β: 3.31, 95% CI: 2.33 to 4.29) were significantly more likely to be fearful of COVID-19. Moreover, older adults who felt themselves isolated from others and whose close friends and family members were diagnosed with COVID-19 were more fearful. However, the participants who received COVID-19 related information from the health workers had a lower level of fear (β: -1.90, 95% CI: − 3.06 to − 0.73). Conclusions The presence of overwhelming fear of COVID-19 among the older adults of Bangladesh underlines the psychological needs of these vulnerable groups. Health workers have a key role in addressing these needs and further research is needed to identify the effective strategies for them to use.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0253648
Author(s):  
Sabuj Kanti Mistry ◽  
A. R. M. Mehrab Ali ◽  
Farhana Akther ◽  
Prince Peprah ◽  
Sompa Reza ◽  
...  

Aim This study aimed to assess the fear of COVID-19 and its associates among older Rohingya (Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals or FDMNs) in Bangladesh. Method We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 416 older FDMNs aged 60 years and above living in camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on participants’ socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics, pre-existing non-communicable chronic conditions, and COVID-19 related information. Level of fear was measured using the seven-item Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) with the cumulative score ranged from 7 to 35. A multiple linear regression examined the factors associated with fear. Results Among 416 participants aged 60 years or above, the mean fear score was 14.8 (range 8–28) and 88.9% of the participants had low fear score. Participants who were concerned about COVID-19 (β: 0.63, 95% CI: -0.26 to 1.53) and overwhelmed by COVID-19 (β: 3.54, 95% CI: 2.54 to 4.55) were significantly more likely to be fearful of COVID-19. Other factors significantly associated with higher level of fear were lesser frequency of communication during COVID-19, difficulty in obtaining food during COVID-19, perception that older adults are at highest risk of COVID-19 and receiving COVID-19 related information from Radio/television and friends/family/neighbours. Conclusions Our study highlighted that currently there little fear of COVID-19 among the older Rohingya FDMNs. This is probably due to lack of awareness of the severity of the disease in. Dissemination of public health information relevant to COVID-19 and provision of mental health services should be intensified particularly focusing on the individual who were concerned, overwhelmed or fearful of COVID-19. However, further qualitative research is advised to find out the reasons behind this.


Author(s):  
N. Sabari Raja

Background: Tobacco is a leafy plant grown around the world with its addictive substance nicotine. It becomes the need of the hour to provide enough evidence on the correlates of tobacco use in the community to assist government policy makers, health professionals and the public in developing realistic models towards effective tobacco control to cater to sections of community in need. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence and the pattern of tobacco use among the college students and to find out the reasons for the tobacco use among the college students.Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among various college students of B. G. Nagara with 1003 subjects selected. Data was collected with a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire and analysed. Results were expressed in percentages and proportions.Results: The overall prevalence of tobacco use among the study subjects was found to be 5.8% and was exclusively among male students only. Cigarette smoking was the most commonly used form of tobacco, used by 89.7% of the tobacco users and the major reasons for initiation of tobacco use were due to friends (58.6%).Conclusions: Present study showed that the prevalence of tobacco use (5.8%) was lower when compared to state and national average. But since majority of users were in the age group of 19 to 21 years and were away from their homes, strict measures should be enforced in hostel and college premises banning its use and sale.


F1000Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 216
Author(s):  
Sabuj Kanti Mistry ◽  
ARM Mehrab Ali ◽  
Uday Narayan Yadav ◽  
Nafis Md. Irfan ◽  
Binod Rayamajhee ◽  
...  

Background The COVID-19 has been appeared as the most remarkable global calamity of this century. Just as the COVID-19 spread throughout the world, so as the rumour and misconceptions related to it. The present study aimed to explore the prevalence of COVID-19 related misconceptions and its correlates among the older adults in Bangladesh. Methods The study followed a cross-sectional design and was conducted among 1032 participants aged 60 years and above from Bangladesh. Information was collected on 14 different locally relevant misconceptions related to the spread, prevention, and treatment of COVID-19, scored each misconception as one, and obtained a cumulative score, ranging from 0 to 14, with a higher score indicating a higher level of misconceptions. A multiple linear regression model explored the factors associated with misconceptions. Results The most common misconceptions were, all returning migrants carrying COVID-19 (45.5%), wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in outdoors (80.1%), not going to the funeral of people died of COVID-19 (45.2%), its prevention by nutritious food (57.6%) and drinking water (39.4%), and doctor can cure COVID-19 (49.9%). Misconceptions were higher among the participants who were living alone, whose family members were not responsive to their needs during COVID-19, and who received COVID-19 related information from Radio/TV and health workers. These misconceptions were less likely among those who were aged 70-79 years, who had pre-existing non-communicable chronic conditions, who were overwhelmed by COVID-19, and who felt themselves at highest risk of COVID-19. Conclusion Overall, we found that misconceptions were prevalent among the older adults in Bangladesh. Government and other relevant stakeholders should take immediate actions to address the prevalent misconceptions through using appropriate channels, media, and message delivery systems, and applying evidence-based risk communication methods.


Medicina ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (10) ◽  
pp. 692
Author(s):  
Muñoz-Bermejo ◽  
Villafaina ◽  
Collado-Mateo ◽  
Postigo-Mota ◽  
Adsuar

Background and objective: In an aging population, it is increasingly common for older adults to take care of other older adults. Caregiving tasks may be conditioned by the aging process. This study aims to analyze the perceived physical strength of older caregivers and its impact on the functional capacity to engage in caregiving activities. Methods: A discretionary sampling of caregivers (N = 107), ≥65 years old, in the rural health area of Badajoz (Spain) participated in this cross-sectional study. Measurements included questions about the caregiver’s role (experience, years, hours, difficulties, demands) and their perceived physical strength, ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL), need for help or difficulty for caring. Results: Older caregivers from rural areas perceived a lack of physical strength (71%). These caregivers need more help, have more difficulties, and show less ability to perform ADL. Furthermore, around 80% of the people who had a lack of strength were caring for people with severe or total dependence. There is a direct correlation between the perceived lack of physical strength and the ability to perform basic (r = 0.382, p < 0.01) and instrumental (r = 0.370, p < 0.01) activities. Conclusions: Therefore, the perception of strength and the characteristics of the cared for person may be crucial variables to successfully conduct caregiving tasks.


Author(s):  
V. Pragadeesh Raja ◽  
G. Ravivarman ◽  
E. Venmathi ◽  
M. Salomi

Background: Mosquito are one of the well known causing many diseases like Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, Lymphatic Filariasis, Japanese Encephalitis. They are more prevalent in rural area due to various social factors and lack of knowledge. The objective of this study was to assess knowledge of people and their practices regarding mosquito borne diseases in rural areas of Kancheepuram district, Tamilnadu. Materials and Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted among the residents of Pooncheri, Kancheepuram district of Tamilnadu, between the period of August 2017 to September 2017 among 124 houses selected. After obtaining informed consent from the participants they were interviewed using a pretested semi structured questionnaire regarding their knowledge and practices on mosquito borne diseases. Results: The study reported that in case of any symptoms suspected to be of mosquito born disease majority of the study population 82.2% reported consulting doctors.  The most preferred mode of prevention of mosquito bite was usage of spray (33.9%) in the breeding place followed by usage of electric repellents (31.4%). Conclusion: The study indicated that majority of the study population were unaware bout the prevention practices despite knowing about these diseases. Thus, arises the need for effective propagation in the rural area about prevention strategies of mosquito born disease through mass education and social media.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (Number 1) ◽  
pp. 3-6
Author(s):  
Ishrat Jahan ◽  
Monowar Ahmad Tarafdar ◽  
Md. Shamim Ahsan

A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess relationship between socio-demographic factors and nutritional status of adolescent of the rural areas. Respondents were from selected villages of Tangail district with a sample size of 108 using an interviewer administered semi- structured questionnaire employing purposive sampling method. Nutritional statuses of the respondents were measured by Body Mass Index (BMI). The BMI of the respondents were calculated on the basis of the height and weight of the respondents. Majority of the respondents (63.9%) were under weight on the basis of BMI and were associated with family monthly income, father’s occupation, and house type where the respondents live. On the other hand, health and nutritional status which is calculated by Body Mass Index is associated to sex of the respondents, family monthly income and respondent’s education level.


2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-39
Author(s):  
Ram Bilakshan Shah ◽  
Laxmi Subedi ◽  
Nilambar Jha

Introduction: Tobacco use is a global socio-economic hazard and medical malady. The incidence of tobacco is persisting and spreading in all walks of our modern society.Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among residents of Dhankuta Municipality where 205 households were taken as subjects. Pretested semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the study subjects and face to face interview was conducted. Chi-square test was applied to find out the association between pattern of tobacco use and awareness of tobacco use among residents of Dhankuta municipality.Results: The awareness towards tobacco use among residents of Dhankuta municipality was found to be 41 %. The awareness of tobacco consumption was significantly higher among the female (49 %) in gender and those whose education were School Leaving Certificate (SLC) and above (44.6 %) (P<0.05). The respondents consuming tobacco have forty times lesser chances of having aware as respondents not consuming tobacco (OR=0.025). The respondents consuming tobacco for more than 20 years (12.1 %) and more than 20 sticks per day (20 %) were more aware of tobacco consumption but the difference was not significant.Conclusions: The awareness towards tobacco use among residents of Dhankuta municipality was found to be less. Male in gender, lack of education and poor occupation like famer, housewife was found to be less aware of tobacco consumption. 


2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (12) ◽  
pp. 1835-1839
Author(s):  
Syed Amir GilaniSyed Amir Gilani ◽  
Muhammad Athar Khan ◽  
Muhammad Zahid Latif ◽  
Ahmad Azam Malik

Objectives: This study was conducted to find out the occupation basedHCV prevalence in the rural communities of Punjab. Settings: Rural communities of Punjab,Pakistan. Study Design: Epidemiological, descriptive, cross sectional study. Study Period:January 2013 to June 2016. Methods: Punjab was divided into three regions. Three districtswere selected from each region and from each district three rural union councils were selected.After the approval of institutional review committee, non-probability convenience basedsampling technique was adopted and study subjects of different occupations were includedin the study. A structured questionnaire was prepared for data collection. Standard procedurefor HCV screening was observed. The collected data was organized and entered into version22 of SPSS for analysis. Results: A total of 1465 subjects related to ten different occupationsincluded in the study and tested for anti HCV antibodies, out of which 323 (22%) were positive.The prevalence was much higher in the collector of hospital garbage (67.2%) followed by factoryworkers (30.3%) and white wash painters (26.6%) respectively. The lowest prevalence rate wasobserved in black smith workers (10%) and carpenters (5.5%) only. Conclusion: This studyconclude occupation based prevalence rate of (22%) in rural Punjab. This is a high prevalencewhich need the immediate attention of the policy makers. It is recommended to manage anoccupation based hepatitis awareness and screening campaign for the affected and generalcommunity.


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