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Background: Portal hypertension is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Bangladeshi children. Development of esophageal varices and bleeding is one of the major complications of CLD. The mortality from each episode of variceal bleeding is 30-50% depending on the clinical status of the patient. All conditions that interfere with blood flow at any level within the portal system can lead to portal hypertension. For better management of this disorder, it is important to determine the underlying cause. Objective: To assess the Etiology of Portal Hypertension in Children. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the Emergency, Observation and Referral Unit, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period Jan 2018 to July 2019. 47 patients who were diagnosed as portal hypertension were determined by liver biopsy, abdominal sonography, abdominal computed tomography scan, and liver doppler so¬nography. Demographic data and other related information regarding etiology and complications were recorded in a standard datasheet. Results: Total 47 cases were included in this study. Their age range was 1.5-16 years. It was observed that 20 (42.6%) patients belonged to age group 6-10 years. The mean age was 9.22±9.85 years with ranged from 2.5 to 16 years. It was observed that almost two third (67.7%) patients were male and 18 (38.3%) were female. Among 47 patients 27 were diagnosed as extrahepatic portal hypertension and 20 were diagnosed as CLD with portal HTN. Shows the etiology of portal hypertension of studied patients. Extrahepatic portal hypertension was the most common etiology (57.4%). Among CLD patients Wilson disease was the most common (12; 25.5%). Two (4.3%) patients were cryptogenic CLD and two (4.3%) were Budd Chiari Syndrome. One patient was Biliary cirrhosis and one patient had Auto immune hepatitis. Conclusion: We concluded that intrahepatic diseases are the most common causes of portal .............

Introduction: Dengue epidemics are known to have occurred over the last three centuries in tropical, subtropical and temperate areas of the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that approximately 2.5 billion people living in dengue-endemic countries. Objective: To assess the various factors in pediatric to severe dengue infection-A Retrospective study. Methods: A hospital-based Retrospective study was conducted at Emergency, Observation and Referral Unit, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January to June 2021. Number of patients included in the study was 52. In children with high degree clinical suspicion of Dengue infection NS 1 antigen (who came within first 48 hours of fever) and/or Dengue Antibody IgM, IgG (who came after five days of fever) were performed. Results: The study was enrolled 102 patients of suspected dengue fever of whom 52 (50.98%) were serologically confirmed to have dengue infection. 29 (55.8%) patients were males and 23 (44.2%) were females. 38 (37.25%) patients had classic dengue fever while 12 (11.76%) fulfilled the criteria of dengue hemorrhagic fever. Of those patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever, 6 patients had developed dengue shock syndrome. Most of dengue cases occurred during the month of June to September depicts the role of rainy season on clustering of cases. Maximum number of cases 52 cases (68.49%) was in the children age groups. All cases and is the most common symptom followed by headache, myalgia, vomiting etc. Hemorrhagic manifestations were seen that included petechiae, ecchymosis, gum bleeding, hematuria, malena, hematemesis and epistaxis. Most common complications were hepatic dysfunction, renal failure, multi organ failure, encephalopathy and ARDS. Conclusion: Dengue is one amongst the key causes of dedifferentiated fever. It presents as an extremely broad wellness and is hardly recognized as a clinical entity by primary health care physicians. This study support additional studies on applying intervention measures to boost the diagnostic accuracy and exactness at the first tending level in dandy fever endemic regions.

Obstetric fistula, which develops after a prolonged or obstructed labour, is preventable and treatable. However, many women are still afflicted with the condition and remain untreated in low-income and middle-income countries. Concerns have also been raised that an increasing trend of caesarean sections is increasing the risk and share of iatrogenic obstetric fistula in these countries. The true prevalence of this condition is not known, which makes it difficult for health planners and policy makers to develop appropriate national health strategies to address the problem. The estimation of obstetric fistula with surveys is difficult because self-reporting of incontinence symptoms is subject to misclassification bias. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence and burden of obstetric fistula in Bangladesh.For a valid estimation addressing misclassification bias, we implemented the study in two steps. First, we did the Maternal Morbidity Validation Study (MMVS) among a population of 65 740 women in Sylhet, Bangladesh, to assess the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPVs), and negative predictive values of the survey questions. This was done through confirmation of the diagnosis with clinical examinations of suspected cases by female physicians; a sample of women who screened positive for pelvic organ prolapse and other urinary incontinence symptoms were also examined and used as controls for clinical diagnosis confirmation. Second, we used the estimated diagnostic test values, after correcting for verification bias, to adjust the reported prevalence in the nationally representative Bangladesh Maternal Mortality and Health Care Survey 2016 for the unbiased estimation of obstetric fistula prevalence in Bangladesh.The MMVS, done from Aug 3 to Dec 9, 2016, identified 67 potential cases of obstetric fistula; of them, 57 (85%) women completed the clinical examination, and 19 were confirmed as obstetric fistula cases. The adjusted sensitivity of the self-reports of obstetric fistula was 100% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 99·8-100) and the observed specificity was 99·9% (95% UI 99·9-100) among women aged 15-49 years. However, the PPV was low, at 31·6% (95% UI 19·2-46·2), suggesting that almost two thirds of the self-reported cases were not true obstetric fistula cases. We estimated an adjusted obstetric fistula prevalence rate of 38 (90% UI 25-58) per 100 000 women aged 15-49 years in Bangladesh. Nationally, we estimated about 13 376 (90% UI 8686-20 112) women of reproductive age living with obstetric fistula. Additionally, we estimated 4081 (1773-8790) women aged 50-64 years to be living with obstetric fistula in Bangladesh; overall, we estimated that there are 17 457 (10 459-28 902) women aged 15-64 years in Bangladesh with obstetric fistula.The burden of obstetric fistula is still high in Bangladesh. Prevention and provision of surgical treatment to so many women will need coordinated efforts, planning, allocation of resources, and training of surgeons.US Agency for International Development, Government of Bangladesh, and UKAid.

Background: The prevalence of Autism in South Asia is 1 in 93 children, where, prevalence is much higher, 3% in Dhaka city of Bangladesh. Consumption of daily required nutrient is essential for these children like normal ones but sometimes may be neglected. Objectives: This study was undertaken to assess the macro and micronutrient consumption among the children with autism in Dhaka city and compared to the requirement.Material & Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 100 subjects where male-female ratio was 3:2, were studied from urban autism centers Dhaka, Bangladesh. Anthropometric parameters height, weight, BMI and 24-hour dietary recall (individual 3days) were collected following predesigned questionnaire. Data was collected from face to face interview from both parents and center’s teacher as appropriate. Nutritive value of food was calculated using Food Composition Table for Bangladesh, 2014 using a food software. For statistical analysis, SPSS 20 was used.Results:The average age and BMI of subjects were 11 yrs and 21 kg/m2 respectively. The mean ±SDvalues (g/day) of protein, fat and carbohydrate intake were 38±15, 47±12 and 116±38 respectively. The average intake of (mg/day) thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron, niacin, and zinc was 0.68±0.32, 0.46±0.23, 33±24, 144±87, 137±55, 6.5±2, 11±4 and 5.2±2 respectively. About 94% children consumed only 33% of the required calcium. Nearly 42% children took 67% of the required magnesium. Similarly, half of the children failed to consume 33% thiamine and zinc of the requirement. Conclusions:Consumption of calcium, thiamine, folic acid, and zinc are seemed to be lower than their requirement.

Background: Osteoporosis behaves as a silent killer. Therefore, a high percentage of the affected people are not aware they have this chronic condition. In this way, the burden of osteoporosis is the burden of its clinical outcome: osteoporotic fractures, which are generally characterized by low-trauma fractures resulting from low bone mineral density (BMD). Objectives: The present study aimed to assess BMD distribution among urban and rural subjects and its relationship with key foods.Material & Methods:In this study, a total of 140 subjects were studied from the study BMD lab of the study hospital. Data were analyzed using Mean, SD, % and correlation by SPSS 24.Results:Mean±SD value of age (yr), BMI, WHR, Lumber-T score, Lumber-BMD, Right Femur -T score, Right Femur-BMD, Left Femur-T score, Left Femur-BMD, Supplementation of the study participants were 54±19, 25±5, 1.0±0.25, -1.0±1.0, 1.0±0.2, -1±1, 1±0.2, -1±1, 1±0.15.Age (yrs), BMI, waist (cm), hip (cm), WHR, Lumber T-score, Lumber Z-score, Lumber BMD (g/cm²), Rt. Fem Neck T-score,Rt. Fem Neck Z-score, Rt. Fem Neck BMD (g/cm²), Lt. Fem Neck T-score,Lt. Fem Neck Z-score, Lt. Fem Neck BMD (g/cm²) of the urban study participants were 51±13, 30±5, 88±16, 95±20, 1±20, -1.6±1.6, -1±1.6, 0.9±0.2, -0.9±1.3, -0.2±1.9, 0.9±0.2, -1±1.2, -0.3±1, 0.8±0.1 respectively and for rural participants the values were 54±14, 25±2.5, 86±9, 92±10, 1±0.2, -2.4±1.5, 0.8±0.2, -1.5±1.3, -0.6±1, 0.7±0.2, -1.6±1.2, -0.7±1 and 0.8±2 respectively. About 48.18% rural subjects had osteoporosis, 34.54% had osteopenia and 17.27% had normal bone health. Again, 28.57% of the urban subjects had osteoporosis, 41.40% had osteopenia and 30% had normal bone density. Fish, egg and meat were associated with BMD. Fish intake had a positive association with lumber T score (r=0.194, p=0.009), LumZ (r=0.016, p=0.031), Lumber BMD (r=0.183, p=0.014). Milk intake has positive association with Lumber t and Lumber BMD (p=0.027, 0.049). Similarly, egg intake has positive association with Lumber BMD, Rt BMD, Lt BMD (p= 0.035, 0.01, 0.019).Conclusions:Nearly 48.18% rural subjects have osteoporosis, 34.54% have osteopenia and 17.27% have normal bone health. Again, 28.57% urban subjects have osteoporosis, 41.40% have osteopenia and 30% have normal bone density. The prevalence of osteoporosis is higher in rural area than urban peopleand osteopenia is higher in urban area than rural area. Fish, milk and egg consumption positivelyassociated with BMD.

Background: Selenium has been reported to be insulinomimetic and to reduce blood glucose level in type 2 diabetes.Material & Methods:This study describes an inverse correlation of serum selenium with blood glucose level. This is a case control study conducted among 30 low BMI and 70 normal BMI diabetes and 50 low BMI non-diabetic controls. Serum selenium concentration was determined by atomic absorption graphite spectrophotometry.Results:Serum selenium concentration was estimated to be 44±16µg/L, 48±15µg/L and 59±33µg/L respectively in low BMI ( 40 (41-60) µg/L was found to be inversely correlated (p

This study aimed to assess the level of concentration, nutritional contribution, and possible health risk for various age groups owing to the consumption of branded liquid and powder milk. Using atomic absorption spectrometry, sixteen liquid and thirty powder milk samples were tested for 13 elements. The concentration of essential elements showed the trends of K>Ca>Na>Mg>Fe>Zn>Mn>Cu and K>Ca>Na>Mg>Fe>Cu>Mn>Zn for liquid and powder milk samples respectively but the potentially hazard metals/metalloids showed the same trends (Cr>Pb>Hg>As>Cd) for both items. Except for Cr, Hg, and Fe, the elemental compositions of both milk categories differed considerably (

Chicken meat and hen egg are very popular foodstuffs around the world and highly consumed as curry, fast food, processed food, etc. assuming a promising source of protein. In the present study, the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, As, Hg, Mn, Fe, and Zn in nationally representative samples of chicken meat and hen egg were determined and found in the range of 0.03–2.73, 0.01–0.015, 0.025–0.67, 0.04–0.06, 0.01–0.015, 0.15–0.63, 2.50–38.6, and 1.02–19.4 mg/kg-fw, respectively. The results demonstrated that only Pb exceeded the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) for dietary food. Multivariate statistical analyses depicted that anthropogenic activities were the major source of heavy metals in the investigated foodstuffs. Human health risks associated with the dietary intake of these metals through the consumption of chicken meat and hen egg were evaluated in terms of estimated daily intake (EDI), non-carcinogenic risk of individual heavy metal by target hazard quotient (THQ), total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) for combined metals, and carcinogenic risk (CR) for lifetime exposure. The calculated values of EDI, THQ, TTHQ, and CR were below their respective permissible benchmarks indicating the safe consumption of the investigated foodstuffs with respect to heavy metal contamination.

The maize aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis is one of the most serious pests of maize crop in Bangladesh. Nowadays, it becomes a major barrier for production of maize due to create hamper of pollination. In the present research investigation, the field efficacy of some insecticides was evaluated against maize aphid infestation and their toxic effects were also studied on some natural enemies in the maize ecosystem. To achieve the research goal, a field experiment was conducted on maize at the Entomology Field Laboratory, Department of Entomology, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensigh during Rabi season of 2017-18. The experiment was set up in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments (Imidagold 20SL@ 0.1, 0.3 & 0.5ml/L; Ambush 1.8EC@ 1.5, 2.5 & 3.0ml/L; Hadhak 45WP@ 0.2, 0.4 & 0.6g/L; Suspend 5SG@ 0.5, 1.0 & 1.5 g/L and Heron 5EC @ 0.5, 1.0 & 1.5ml/L) and three replications for each treatment. Maize viz. BARI Hybrid Butta-09 was used as experimental crop. Data were collected on percent reduction of plant infestation & population of natural enemies, yield attributes and benefit cost ratio (BCR). Result clearly indicated that these mentioned parameters were highly significant with the application of insecticides. However, Imidagold 20SL@ 0.5ml/L resulted in the greatest (77.27%) percent reduction of maize plant infestation, the highest (623.51) number of grain per cob, the maximum (39.74g) 100 grain weight, the highest (10.02 t/ha) grain yield, the highest (63.27%) percent grain yield over control and maximum (1.56) benefit cost ratio compared to others tested insecticides which was statistically similar with the dose of 0.3ml/L of Imidagold 20SL. And then, this result was followed by Ambush 1.8EC, Hadhak 45WP, Suspend 5SG and Heron 5EC, respectively. Besides, the highest (93.67%) percent cumulative mean of maize plant infestation, the lowest (330.45) number of grain per cob, minimum (13.43g) 100 grain weight, the lowest grain yield (3.68 t/ha) and the lowest benefit cost ratio (0.95) were obtained from untreated control. With a view to know the toxic effect of different insecticides, the percent reduction of population of natural enemies was counted at 2 days, 5 days and 7 days after spraying. In all field trials, the harmful effects of the five insecticides were in the following rank order (least harmful to most harmful): Imidagold 20SL

This study investigated the human health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, pyrene, benzo(a)anthracene, chrycene, and benzo...

BackgroundAssessing the quality of antenatal care (ANC) is imperative for improving care provisions during pregnancy to ensure the health of mother and baby. In Bangladesh, there is a dearth of research on the quality of ANC using nationally representative data to understand its levels and determinants. The current study aims to assess the quality of ANC and identify the sociodemographic factors associated with the usage of quality ANC services in Bangladesh.MethodsWe conducted secondary data analysis using the last two Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys (BDHS) (2014 and 2017–18). A total of 8,277 ever-married women were included in the analysis (3,631 from 2014 and 4,646 from 2017–18 BDHS). We constructed the quality ANC index using a principal component analysis on different ANC components: weight, blood pressure measurement, blood and urine tests, counseling about pregnancy complications and a minimum of four ANC visits of which one is by a medically trained provider. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the strength of association.ResultsReceiving all the six components of quality ANC increased from about 13% in 2014 (BDHS 2014) to 18% in 2017/18 (BDHS 2017–18) with a significant difference of p < 0.001. Women from the poorest group, being rural areas, with no education, high birth order and unexposed to media were less likely to receive high-quality ANC than women from the richest group, from urban areas, with a higher level of education, low birth order and exposure to media.ConclusionThere is a need to improve the quality of ANC services in Bangladesh. An education program for women, with regular knowledge-enhancing sessions for pregnant mothers, may help them understand the value of ANC visits. Documentaries about maternal and child healthcare can be broadcast on television, YouTube, Facebook, radio and other digital platforms regularly.

This article presents a mixed-method cross-sectional study reporting condom use, sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptoms, and care seeking of female sex workers (FSWs) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A survey of 1228 FSWs, in-depth interviews ( n = 24), and key informants’ interviews ( n = 26) were used for data collection. Among the 1228 FSWs included in this study, 50% of them were illiterate and 39.3% were married, and their mean age was 27.1 years. The consistent use of condoms was reported by 75.6% of the FSWs, 88.7% reported having STI symptoms in the last 6 months, while 91.8% visited one of the drop-in centers for services. FSWs without formal education had lower odds of using condoms consistently (AOR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.55–0.95), and those working elsewhere than in the streets showed higher odds (AOR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.23–2.15) to use condoms. Stigma to access health care services, poor knowledge about STI/HIV, and low perceived risk were mentioned as causes of having STI symptoms in the survey as well as in qualitative in-depth interviews. Self-reported condom use, STI symptoms, and care-seeking practices were found to be high among the FSWs. Inconsistent condom use and a high number of sex partners could be the reasons for high levels of STI symptoms. Innovative objectively verifiable approaches should be tested to collect condom use data.

Chicken meat and hen egg are very popular foodstuffs around the world and highly consumed as curry, fast food, processed food, etc. assuming a promising source of protein. In the present study, the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, As, Hg, Mn, Fe, and Zn in nationally representative samples of chicken meat and hen egg were determined and found in the range of 0.03–2.73, 0.01–0.015, 0.025–0.67, 0.04–0.06, 0.01–0.015, 0.15–0.63, 2.50–38.6, and 1.02–19.4 mg/kg-fw, respectively. The results demonstrated that only Pb exceeded the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) for dietary food. Multivariate statistical analyses depicted that anthropogenic activities were the major source of heavy metals in the investigated foodstuffs. Human health risks associated with the dietary intake of these metals through the consumption of chicken meat and hen egg were evaluated in terms of estimated daily intake (EDI), non-carcinogenic risk of individual heavy metal by target hazard quotient (THQ), total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) for combined metals and carcinogenic risk (CR) for lifetime exposure. The calculated values of EDI, THQ, TTHQ, and CR were below their respective permissible benchmarks indicating the safe consumption of the investigated foodstuffs with respect to heavy metal contamination.

Additional file 4. Linking between EN-INDEPTH survey and HDSS data.

Additional file 7. Results: Additional details. 7.1: Gestational age capture in weeks in the EN-INDEPTH survey. 7.1A: Logit estimates of adjusted ORs and 95% confidence interval of responding to GA in weeks. 7.1B: Matching of GA months with GA weeks, EN-INDEPTH survey. 7.1C: Gestational age distribution by religion, Matlab site, EN-INDEPTH survey in last five years. 7.2: Comparison of GA weeks between survey, HDSS and early pregnancy ultrasound, Matlab site. 7.2A: GA weeks in last five years by HDSS, early pregnancy ultrasound and five years prior to EN-INDEPTH survey. 7.2B: GA weeks for livebirths by HDSS, early pregnancy ultrasound and EN-INDEPTH survey in last five years. 7.2C: Early pregnancy ultrasound versus EN-INDEPTH survey and HDSS data in last five years by ultrasound timing. 7.2D: Adjusted relative risk ratios for over- and under-reporting of GA weeks, survey and HDSS versus ultrasound. 7.3: Community perceptions, practices and barriers to reporting GA, EN-INDEPTH study (five sites). 7.4: Comparison of preterm birth rates in EN-INDEPTH study to external data sources.

Additional file 8. Proposed revised questions to capture gestational age.

Additional file 2. Selection of women with a livebirth surviving the neonatal period, EN-INDEPTH survey.

Additional file 5. Calculation of survey weights. 5.1: Methods for calculation of survey weights. 5.2: Weighted numbers of livebirths by HDSS sites.

Additional file 3. Overview of gestational age data collection in Matlab and Bandim HDSS sites.

Additional file 1. STROBE guidelines checklist.

Additional file 9. Ethical approval of local Institutional Review Boards.

Additional file 6. Qualitative methods for Focus Group Discussions in the EN-INDEPTH study.

Adolescents, aged 10-19 years, constitute one fifth of Bangladesh's total population of 158 million. Similar to adolescents elsewhere, Bangladeshi adolescents also have special sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and service needs; however, these needs are not adequately addressed by the existing health service system. The present study was conducted to identify adolescents’ expectations of and preferences for receiving SRH information and services. This qualitative study was conducted in six purposively selected areas of Bangladesh using 20 Key Informant Interviews (KII) during September-November 2012. Key informants aged between 15 to 19 years were leaders of youth organizations or class monitors in school. Informants were unmarried and married, males and females, and from rural and urban areas. This study identified that there is a strong need for SRH services for adolescents. Irrespective of their residence and gender, adolescents preferred health service providers to be qualified medical doctors, who are experienced, well-trained and polite. Availability of doctors, maintaining privacy and treatment through counseling were mentioned as their priorities. Both urban and rural adolescents recommended establishing adolescent friendly environment in every government and NGO health service facility. They also asked for gender specific service provider for female and male adolescents. Urban adolescents expressed the need for school health program with provision of school health clinics. On the other hand, rural adolescents recommended for community health workers to raise awareness on adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) issues with parents and families. The adolescents also expected to receive SRH information through mass media, school curriculum, and booklets on adolescent SRH, and peer educator. Addressing the expectations of adolescents will open a new skylight to policy makers to design highly accessible health services for adolescents in BangladeshSouth East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.7(2) 2017: 19-26

Prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is the most effective preventive method against invasive cervical cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Bangladesh. Evidence on women's knowledge and perception about cervical cancer and HPV vaccination are needed for effective implementation of national cervical cancer prevention programs. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and acceptance of cervical cancer, HPV, and HPV vaccination among urban professional women in Bangladesh. We recruited 160 female professionals employed at selected private banks in Bangladesh. Participants were selected using nonprobability-based convenience sampling for interviews through a self-administered questionnaire. Later, in-depth interviews were conducted with nine of these women. Quantitative data were analyzed utilizing descriptive statistics, whereas qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic approach. Ninety-eight percent of participants reported that they had previously heard of cervical cancer, however, only half (51%) reported to have heard of HPV as a cause of the disease. Less than 1% of the 160 participants had previously undergone a pap smear, and only 2% were vaccinated with at least one dose of HPV vaccination. Although knowledge was low, intention for acceptance of vaccination was moderate for women and high for their children. Although the majority of women had heard of cervical cancer, few women had in-depth knowledge of HPV and the etiology of invasive disease. This study draws attention to the urgent need of educational interventions on cervical cancer and its prevention to improve uptake of available HPV vaccination in Bangladesh.

Concentrations of nine heavy metal (loid)s (HMs) were determined in fourteen different small indigenous species (SIS) of freshwater fish using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) technique. Mean concentrations of HMs in the investigated SIS of fish samples ranged from (0.284–1.554), (0.002–0.035), (0.055–0.431), (0.005–0.018), (0.011–0.252), (0.216–23.948), (0.460–34.616), (0.529–3.281), and (4.473–50.560) mg/kg-fw for Pb, Cd, Cr, As, Hg, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn, respectively. Statistically significant difference (p

Background: The aim of donor selection should protect donors from any potential harm which may occur as a direct result of the donation process; secondly, shall protect recipients of blood transfusions from adverse effects, such as transmission of infectious diseases or other medical conditions and unwanted effects caused by any medications taken by the donor. Any reason for deferral, whether temporary or permanent, have been explained to the donor and recorded as per National Guideline and Blood Safety Law. Literature search showed there is dearth information on replacement blood donors in Bangladesh. So this study has been done to evaluate replacement family blood donors, exploring their demographic status, occupation, blood groups and why they were rejected during donor selection.Methods: This study was done to assess the demographic profile and blood group among family blood donors during donor selection. Age, weight, occupation, blood group and blood pressure have been explored among randomly selected two hundred ninety one blood donors attending Transfusion Medicine Department of BIRDEM as per Guideline.Results: Among them 261 (89.69%) were male and 30 (10.31%) were female with M±SD age 29±6 and 29±7 (yrs), respectively. Blood group of replacement family donors were, ‘A’ positive (39.7%), ‘B’ positive 90(32%), ‘O’ positive 18 (6%), ‘AB’ positive 39 (13%) majority (57.04%) were unmarried , 52.58% were doing business, while students were 29.90% and job holders were only 17.53%. Among nine deferred donors females were mainly rejected (89.28%) and the contributing factor was low blood pressure according to guideline. Finally 96.91% successful family blood donors donated blood for the patient party.Conclusion: Our study showed proper selection and following of blood donation guideline help to determine the eligibility to donate blood. Moreover, this pilot study may contribute in evaluation of Bangladeshi family blood donors those had positive blood group and negative serological markers as per WHO (World Health Organization) guideline for Bangladesh.Birdem Med J 2016; 6(2): 112-117

Male involvement in maternal and child health is recognised as a valuable strategy to improve care-seeking and uptake of optimal home care practices for women and children in low- and middle-income settings. However, the specific mechanisms by which involving men can lead to observed behaviour change are not well substantiated. A qualitative study conducted to explore men’s and women’s experiences of male involvement interventions in Tanzania and Zimbabwe found that, for some women and men, the interventions had fostered more loving partner relationships. Both male and female participants identified these changes as profoundly meaningful and highly valued. Our findings illustrate key pathways by which male involvement interventions were able to improve couples’ emotional relationships. Findings also indicate that these positive impacts on couple relationships can motivate and support men’s behaviour change, to improve care-seeking and home care practices. Men’s and women’s subjective experiences of partner relationships following male involvement interventions have not been well documented to date. Findings highlight the importance of increased love, happiness and emotional intimacy in couple relationships – both as a wellbeing outcome valued by men and women, and as a contributor to the effectiveness of male involvement interventions.

Background The objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of cervical cancer among Bangladeshi women and to assess their willingness to receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Methods A population-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to December 2011 in one urban and one rural area of Bangladesh. A total of 2037 ever-married women, aged 14 to 64 years, were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge of cervical cancer were collected. Willingness to receive the HPV vaccine was assessed. Univariate analyses were completed using quantitative data collected. Multivariable logistic regression models were developed to identify factors associated with having heard of cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine. Results The majority of study participants reported to have heard of cervical cancer (urban: 89.7%, rural 93.4%; P = 0.003). The odds of having heard of cervical cancer were significantly higher in urban women aged 35–44 years (aOR: 2.92 (1.34–6.33) and rural women aged 25–34 years (aOR: 2.90 (1.24–6.73) compared to those aged less than 24 years. Very few women reported to have detailed knowledge on risk factors (urban:9.1%, rural: 8.8%) and prevention (urban: 6.4%, rural: 4.4%) of cervical cancer. In our sample, one in five urban women and one in twenty rural women heard about a vaccine that can prevent cervical cancer. Among urban women, secondary education or higher (aOR: 3.48, 95% CI: 1.67–7.25), age of 20 years and above at marriage (aOR: 2.83, 95% CI: 1.61–5.00), and high socioeconomic status (aOR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.28–3.95) were factors associated with having heard of the HPV vaccine. Willingness to receive the HPV vaccine among study participants either for themselves (urban: 93.9%, rural: 99.4%) or for their daughters (urban: 91.8%, rural: 99.2%) was high. Conclusions Detailed knowledge of cervical cancer among Bangladeshi women was found to be poor. Education on cervical cancer must include information on symptoms, risk factors, and preventive methods. Despite poor knowledge, the study population was willing to receive the HPV vaccine.