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Abstract This study aims to evaluate the heavy metal concentration in fifteen species of vegetables as well as associated health risk. Atomic absorption spectrometry is used to assess heavy metals. The mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni and Fe in vegetables were 4.78, 0.713, 9.266, 0.083, 5.06 mg/kg/fw exceeding the reference value of FAO/WHO indicating unsafe to consumption. Based on principal component analysis, the Pb, Cr, Ni and Fe are from same sources. Health risk was estimated in terms of estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient, hazard index (HI) and cancer risk (CR). The EDI values of metals except Cr were found to be lower than maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI). The total THQs of metals were > 1 indicating non-carcinogenic health risk. The individual HI values for vegetables except potato (0.831) and total HI values were found to be > 1 (94.747). The TCR of Pb, Cd and Cr were > 1.0E−04 which indicating carcinogenic risk. Fruit and pod vegetables contribute much in carcinogenic risk for Pb and Cr whereas fruit, root and stems vegetables for Cd. The study revealed potential human health risk associated with the consumption of different types of vegetables in Bangladeshi adult population that might assist the regulatory bodies to develop new strategies to minimize the risk to human.

Objectives: Household hygiene and food safety are essential parts of food security; better food safety and hygiene will help reduce the chances of illness for young children and family members rarely studied in the selected area of coastal Bangladesh. The study aimed to discover the knowledge, attitude, and practice levels for cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety in the household. Methods: In this study, we employed a cross-sectional survey with simple random sampling to collect data from 384 childbearing mothers. The survey used the pretested, validated, and standardized (knowledge, attitude, and practice) questionnaire-model-based interview guide. Results: According to our study analysis, the knowledge, attitude, and practice scores among mothers were inadequate for household cleanliness and hygiene management. In the area context, knowledge efficiency was related to family type (joint and nuclear). Family economic conditions strongly influenced mothers’ attitudes and behavior toward knowledge, attitude, and practice score. Unemployed and illiterate mothers have lower knowledge, attitude, and practice scores. Educated mothers have better knowledge, attitude, and practice score compared to illiterate mothers ( p

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have already become the leading cause of death in Bangladesh. Hence, the purpose of the study was to identify the prevalence and determinants of NCDs risk factors among cardiovascular patients in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 355 cardiovascular patients, aged 18 years and above visiting several tertiary care hospitals in Bangladesh. A validated, structured WHO NCD STEPS questionnaire was utilized to collect information including blood glucose level and lipid profile. Among patients, 58.9% were males and 41.1% females. Tobacco use was observed in 28.7% of the patients and only 1.7% consumed alcohol. Low levels of physical activity were recorded among 44.5% of the participants. Most of the subjects (83.1%) consumed an insufficient amount of fruits and vegetables. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 41.7% and raised blood pressure was noted among 56.9% of participants. Only 1.7% of respondents were reported to be free from any selected NCDs risk factors. The present study showed a high prevalence of NCDs risk factors among cardiovascular patients and demands a multisectoral approach by the government and other stakeholders to lessen the impact of NCDs.

There are growing concerns for food safety due to the risks associated with heavy metal contamination of culinary herbs and spices in developing countries like Bangladesh. The objective of the present cross-sectional study is to determine the concentrations of the heavy metals Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), and Iron (Fe) in the branded and non-branded spices collected from the Noakhali district by Atomic absorption spectrophotometry method, as well as to assess the health hazard risk associated with heavy metals intake via consumption of spices. The findings revealed that the greatest concentrations of Pb (15.47 ± 1.93), Cd (1.65 ± 0.011), Cr (31.99 ± 3.97), Cu (18.84 ± 1.97), and Fe (9.29 ± 1.71) were found in Cardamom, Coriander leaf, Bay leaf, Dried chili, and Black pepper respectively. Around 37 % of Cr and 5 % of Fe Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) were greater than reference doses (RfD). All spices had Total Hazard Quotient (THQ) values for Pb, Cd, Cu, and Fe that were below acceptable, and 37 % of all spices had Total Target Hazard Quotient (TTHQ) values for Pb, Cd, Cu, and Fe that were over the standard range, suggesting adverse health impacts for consumers. Green chili, ginger, coriander leaf, and all kinds of chili powder and turmeric powder have been reported to have exceptionally high TTHQ levels of Cr. The estimated carcinogenic risk for chromium in non-branded coriander leaf was found to be higher than safe levels. This study provides valuable insights into the commonly consumed spices in Bangladesh and their potential health risks associated with heavy metal contamination. The findings of this study can be used by regulatory authorities to develop effective strategies and actions to mitigate these risks and safeguard public health.

Abstract Background and Aims Obesity is a growing public health concern in Bangladesh, which is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. The genetic variant rs9939609 of the FTO (fat mass and obesity‐associated) gene has been found to be associated with an increased risk for obesity, depending on the population studied. The purpose of this cross‐sectional study is to examine the relationship between the FTO gene polymorphism (rs9939609) and lifestyle‐related risk factors, and their impact on obesity‐related traits and biochemical parameters in the Bangladeshi population. Methods A total of 280 participants were enrolled in this study, comprising of 140 individuals with overweight and obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 23.0) and 140 non‐overweight healthy individuals (18.5 ≤ BMI ≥ 22.9). Demographic information, dietary behaviors, and physical activity‐related data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Additionally, anthropometric assessments and measurements of biochemical parameters such as lipid profile and C‐reactive protein were performed. The amplification refractory mutation system‐polymerase chain reaction technique was used to identify single‐nucleotide polymorphism in the FTO gene. Descriptive statistics, χ,2 and one‐way ANOVA were performed to evaluate the relationships between independent and dependent variables. Results The presence of rs9939609 was strongly associated with the obesity risk factors of increased BMI, cholesterol, triglycerides, and low‐density lipoprotein. We also found a significant association (p

BackgroundTeachers play a pivotal role in imparting nutritional knowledge to their students. This research aimed to evaluate the nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of selected Bangladeshi school teachers across the country.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed using a multistage sampling method. A pretested and structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis, and ANOVA tests, were performed to carry out the study.ResultsAmong the 280 participants, only 9.9% were happy with their understanding of childhood nutrition requirements, around 54.2% were familiar with basic nutrition-related knowledge, and overall, 97.7% of participants had a positive attitude towards learning about nutrition-related knowledge focusing on the well-being of children. Moreover, only 38.7% had training in pediatric nutrition. Age, type of school, type of residence, professional training of school teachers, and the intent of having ever taken part or paying attention to nutrition-related knowledge significantly impacted the respondents' nutrition knowledge score (pConclusionAdequate planning and intervention measures should be developed to improve teachers' understanding, behavior, and practice that encourage the growth of optimal nutrition-related behavior among school-aged children to establish a healthy nation.

Background: Mothers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward exclusive breastfeeding are crucial to both child and mother’s health and wellbeing. Hence, This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices of exclusive breastfeeding among lactating mothers as well as the predictors of their exclusive breastfeeding practice. Methodology: This cross-sectional study included 397 mothers having infants aged 0–6 months who sought care at Noakhali Sadar Upazila, Noakhali, Bangladesh. A field-tested and validated Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) questionnaire was utilized to collect information from participants. Results: Of those evaluated; 29.0% of mothers could not define exclusive breastfeeding accurately, 11.3% and 59.3% did not know the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for babies and mothers, respectively. More than half (51.4%) of the mothers reported feeling good about exclusive breastfeeding for six months, did not find difficulties to breastfeed exclusively for six months (39.5%) and on-demand (58.2%). The mothers had an overall favorable attitude towards exclusive breastfeeding; however, 38.3% of mothers did not exclusively breastfeed their children. Literate mothers tended to exclusively breastfeed more (AOR: 3.06, 95% CI: 1.01–9.32; P = 0.049) than illiterate mothers. Mothers having one baby were more likely to breastfeed exclusively (AOR: 3.07, 95% CI: 1.21–7.78; P = 0.018) than mothers having more than one baby. Moreover, mothers with higher knowledge and favorable attitude had more than two times (AOR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.315.07; P = 0.006) and forty-three times (AOR: 43.18, 95% CI: 21.513–86.66; P < 0.001) the higher tendency of exclusive breastfeeding compared to others. Conclusion: Despite having satisfactory knowledge and attitude, the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers was poor. We recommend that interventions must be focused more on ensuring exclusive breastfeeding practice among mothers in addition to improving their knowledge and attitudes.

Background: There are currently no reports showing the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and menopause among Bangladeshi women with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Aim: The present study aims to examine the prevalence of MetS and evaluate the impact of menopausal status on the MetS among women with CVD in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: Data for the present analysis were collected from a cross-sectional study of 355 cardiovascular patients seeking care at five tertiary care hospitals in Bangladesh. A total of 146 women were included for this secondary analysis. The MetS was identified based on the definition of the Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP). Results: About 45.83% pre-menopausal and 59.02% post-menopausal women were noticed to have MetS. The mean waist circumference, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, and random plasma glucose levels were higher in post-menopausal women whereas HDL cholesterol value was higher in pre-menopausal women. The multivariate-adjusted odds ratio showed that post-menopausal status (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-4.94) and obesity (AOR: 8.20; 95% CI: 1.15-58.77) were significantly associated with the presence of the MetS among women with CVD. Conclusion: The high prevalence of MetS among women with CVD is evident, particularly post-menopausal women. Hence, the present findings can alert women from the earlier stages of the menopausal transition to prevent the appearance of MetS.