Browsing by Author "Anwar, Afsana"

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A Tale of Osteoarthritis Among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh
(Daffodil International University, 2022-09-20) Mistry, Sabuj Kanti; Ali, A. R. M. Mehrab; Yadav, Uday Narayan; Gupta, Rajat Das; Anwar, Afsana; Basu, Saurav; Huda, Md. Nazmul; Mitra, Dipak Kumar
Background Due to restrictions in social gatherings imposed due to the pandemic, physical and other daily activities were limited among the older adults. The present study aimed to estimate the change in osteoarthritis prevalence among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. Methods This repeated cross-sectional study was conducted through telephone interviews among older adults aged 60 years and above on two successive occasions (October 2020 and September 2021) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. The prevalence of osteoarthritis was measured by asking the participants if they had osteoarthritis or joint pain problems. Results A total of 2077 participants (1032 in 2020-survey and 1045 in 2021-survey) participated in the study. The prevalence of self-reported joint pains or osteoarthritis significantly increased from 45.3% in 2020 to 54.7% in 2021 (P = 0.006), with an increasing odd in the adjusted analysis (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.04–1.54). We also found that osteoarthritis prevalence significantly increased among the participants from the Chattogram and Mymensingh divisions, aged 60–69 years, males, married, rural residents, and living with a family. A significant increase was also documented among those who received formal schooling, had a family income of 5000–10000 BDT, resided with a large family, were unemployed or retired, and lived away from a health facility. Conclusions Our study reported a significant increased prevalence of osteoarthritis among older adults from 2020 to 2021 during this pandemic in Bangladesh. This study highlights the need for the development and implementation of initiatives for the screening and management of osteoarthritis through a primary health care approach during any public health emergencies.
Anxiety and Stress Related to COVID-19 Among the Community Dwelling Older Adults Residing in the Largest Refugee Camp of the World
(Springer, 2023-03-06) Anwar, Afsana; Yadav, Uday Narayan; Huda, Md. Nazmul; Das, Sukanta; Rosenbaum, Simon; Ali, A. R. M. Mehrab; Mondal, Probal Kumar; Rizwan, Abu Ansar Md.; Hossain, Syed Far Abid; Shuvo, Suvasish Das; Mistry, Sabuj Kanti
The current cross-sectional study was conducted among 864 older adults aged ≥ 60 years residing in Rohingya refugee camp through face-to-face interviews during November–December 2021. COVID-19-related anxiety was measured using the five-point Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) and perceived stress using the 10-point Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The linear regression model identified the factors associated with COVID-19-related anxiety and perceived stress. The prevalence of COVID-19-related anxiety and perceived stress was 68% and 93%, respectively. The average COVID-19-related anxiety score expected to be significantly higher among those who were physically inactive, concerned about COVID-19, had a close friend/family member diagnosed with COVID-19, and had some difficulty in getting food and routine medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the average perceived stress score was expected to be significantly higher among those without partners, who were feeling overwhelmed by COVID-19, and who experienced COVID-19-related anxiety during the pandemic. The findings suggest providing immediate psychosocial support to older Rohingya adults.
Assessment of Mental Well-being and Its Socio-economic Determinants Among Older Adults in the Rohingya Refugee Camp of Bangladesh
(Springer Nature, 2024-08-02) Anwar, Afsana; Akter, Nahida; Yadav, Uday Narayan; Ghimire, Saruna; Bhattacharjee, Shovon; Eusufzai, Sumaiya Zabin; Mahumud, Rashidul Alam; Ali, A. R. M. Mehrab; Huda, Md Nazmul; Majumder, Md Saiful Islam; Zahid, Arnob; Mondal, Probal Kumar; Rizwan, Abu Ansar Md; Shuvo, Suvasish Das; Simon Rosenbaum; Mistry, Sabuj Kanti
Older adults residing in refugee settlements with unhealthy living environments, inadequate access to health care services, and limited psychosocial support are vulnerable to experience mental health problems jeopardizing their mental well-being. The present study aims to explore the mental well-being status and its socio-economic determinants among the older adults living in the Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged ≥ 60 residing in five sub-camps within the Rohingya refugee camp of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews conducted between November and December 2021. The 14-item Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale was used to assess mental well-being. A cumulated score was derived using the scale ranging from 14 to 70, with higher scores indicating greater levels of mental well-being. A generalized linear regression model was used to examine the socio-economic factors associated with the mental well-being of older adults. A total of 864 older adults participated in the study having a mean mental well-being score of 45.4. Regression analysis revealed that the difference in the logs of mental well-being score was expected to be significantly lower among participants aged 70–79 years (β: − 1.661; 95% CI: − 2.750 to − 0.572; p = 0.003), aged ≥ 80 years (β: − 3.198; 95% CI: − 5.114 to − 1.282; p = 0.001), and those with any non-communicable chronic conditions (β: − 2.903; 95% CI: − 3.833 to − 1.974; p < 0.001) when compared to their counterparts. Conversely, the difference in the logs of mental well-being score was expected to be significantly higher among individuals with formal schooling (β: 3.370, 95% CI: 1.855 to 4.886, p < 0.001) and those having additional income besides aid (β: 1.629; 95% CI: 0.642 to 2.615; p = 0.001), compared to their respective counterparts. Our findings highlight the need to provide psychosocial assistance to older individuals, particularly those who live in large families, suffer from chronic diseases, and live in socio-economic deprivation.
: Assessment of mental well-being and its socio-economic determinants among older adults in the Rohingya refugee camp of Bangladesh
(Scopus, 2024-08-02) Anwar, Afsana; Akter, Nahida; Yadav, Uday Narayan; Ghimire, Saruna; Bhattacharjee, Shovon; Eusufzai, Sumaiya Zabin; Mahumud, Rashidul Alam; Ali, A. R. M. Mehrab; Huda, Md Nazmul; Rosenbaum, Simon; Mistry, Sabuj Kanti
Older adults residing in refugee settlements with unhealthy living environments, inadequate access to health care services, and limited psychosocial support are vulnerable to experience mental health problems jeopardizing their mental well-being. The present study aims to explore the mental well-being status and its socio-economic determinants among the older adults living in the Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged ≥ 60 residing in five sub-camps within the Rohingya refugee camp of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews conducted between November and December 2021. The 14-item Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale was used to assess mental well-being. A cumulated score was derived using the scale ranging from 14 to 70, with higher scores indicating greater levels of mental well-being. A generalized linear regression model was used to examine the socio-economic factors associated with the mental well-being of older adults. A total of 864 older adults participated in the study having a mean mental well-being score of 45.4. Regression analysis revealed that the difference in the logs of mental well-being score was expected to be significantly lower among participants aged 70–79 years (β: − 1.661; 95% CI: − 2.750 to − 0.572; p = 0.003), aged ≥ 80 years (β: − 3.198; 95% CI: − 5.114 to − 1.282; p = 0.001), and those with any non-communicable chronic conditions (β: − 2.903; 95% CI: − 3.833 to − 1.974; p < 0.001) when compared to their counterparts. Conversely, the difference in the logs of mental well-being score was expected to be significantly higher among individuals with formal schooling (β: 3.370, 95% CI: 1.855 to 4.886, p < 0.001) and those having additional income besides aid (β: 1.629; 95% CI: 0.642 to 2.615; p = 0.001), compared to their respective counterparts. Our findings highlight the need to provide psychosocial assistance to older individuals, particularly those who live in large families, suffer from chronic diseases, and live in socio-economic deprivation.
Change in Prevalence Over Time and Factors Associated with Depression Among Bangladeshi Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic
(Daffodil International University, 2022-12-15) Mistry, Sabuj K.; Ali, Arm Mehrab; Yadav, Uday N.; Huda, MD. Nazmul; Khanam, Fouzia; Kundu, Satyajit; Khan, Jahidur R.; Khan, Jahidur R.; Hossain, MD. Belal; Anwar, Afsana; Ghimire, Saruna
Background: Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic seriously affected both physical and mental health conditions. This study aims to assess changes in the prevalence of depression among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh and explore the correlates of depression in pooled data. Methods: This study followed a repeated cross-sectional design and was conducted through telephone interviews on two successive occasions during the COVID-19 pandemic (October 2020 and September 2021) among 2077 (1032 in 2020-survey and 1045 in 2021-survey) older Bangladeshi adults aged 60 years and above. Depression was measured using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). The binary logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with depression in pooled data. Results: A significant increase in the prevalence of depression was noted in the 2021 survey compared to the 2020 survey (47.2% versus 40.3%; adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11-1.75). Depression was significantly higher among participants without a partner (aOR 1.92, 95% CI 1.45-2.53), with a monthly family income of <5000 BDT (aOR: 2.65, 95% CI 1.82-3.86) or 5000-10 000 BDT (aOR: 1.30, 95% CI 1.03-1.65), living alone (aOR 2.24, 95% CI 1.40-3.61), feeling isolated (aOR 3.15, 95% CI 2.49-3.98), with poor memory/concentration (aOR 2.02, 95% CI 1.58-2.57), with non-communicable chronic conditions (aOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.06-1.69), overwhelmed by COVID-19 (aOR 1.54, 95% CI 1.18-2.00), having difficulty earning (aOR 1.49, 95% CI 1.15-1.92) or obtaining food (aOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.17-2.09) during COVID-19 pandemic, communicating less frequently (aOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.07-1.70) and needing extra care (aOR 2.28, 95% CI 1.75-2.96) during the pandemic. Conclusions: Policymakers and public health practitioners should provide immediate mental health support initiatives for this vulnerable population during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Policymakers should also invest in creating safe places to practise mindful eating, exercise, or other refuelling activities as a means of preventing and managing depression.
COVID-19-Related Stigma Among Older Adults Residing in the Rohingya Refugee Camps in Bangladesh
(American Psychological Association, 2023-07-16) Anwar, Afsana; Yadav, Uday Narayan; Huda, Md. Nazmul; Ghimire, Saruna; Rahman, Mahmudur; Ali, A. R. M. Mehrab; Mahumud, Rashidul Alam; Shuvo, Suvasish Das; Nowar, Abira; Mondal, Probal Kumar; Rizwan, Abu Ansar Md.; Mistry, Sabuj Kanti
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and its overwhelming physical and mental health burden can stigmatize those affected. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of COVID-19-related stigma and its associated factors among the older people residing in the Rohingya refugee camps of Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 864 older adults aged 60 years and above residing in selected Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh. The data were collected using face-to-face interviews conducted between November and December 2021. COVID-19-related stigma was measured using the eight-item Stigma Scale adapted to the Rakhine language. A linear regression model was used to identify the factors associated with COVID-19-related stigma among the participants. Participants, on average, had stigmas on three items and 52.8% had a high COVID-19-related stigma score. The average stigma score was higher among the participants who had formal schooling (β = 0.58, 95% CI [0.21, 0.94]), was dependent on family for a living (β = 0.41, 95% CI [0.12, 0.74]), resided away from health center (β = 0.25, 95% CI [0.01, 0.50]), whose family income decreased during the pandemic (β = 0.27, 95% CI [0.03, 0.51]), had close friends or family members previously diagnosed with COVID-19 (β = 1.64, 95% CI [1.08, 2.20]), and had less communication during the pandemic (β = 1.80, 95% CI [1.24, 2.34]). The study findings suggest raising awareness among the older population on COVID-19 and the mitigating strategies to deal with physical and mental well-being through appropriate health literacy interventions and mass media campaigns in Rohingya camps. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
Fast Food Taking Status among East West University Students
(East West University, 7/2/2017) Anwar, Afsana
Fast foods are quick, reasonably priced, and readily available alternatives to home cooking. While convenient and inexpensive for a busy lifestyle, fast foods are typically high in calories, fat, saturated fat, sugar, and salt. Frequent fast-food consumption at most chains is unhealthy and contributes to weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease. The purpose of our study is to determine the knowledge level of EWU students about fastfood taking status. The survey was conducted on 300 EWU students through questionnaire supply. Major students (66%) said that they moderately like fast-food. Most of responds said they eat fast-food Few times a week (28%); once a week (25%);occasionally (22%). Most participants said that they usually eat fast-food because they like the taste. Major students (65%) said that one can enjoy his/her life without fast-food.Most of the students (82%) informed that advertisements influence fast-food eating behavior.70% students said that they are aware of balance diet.Majority of Students (86% ) considered fastfood is not healthy. Most of responds (67%) said that they did not take fast-food as an alternative to breakfast.72% students felt that fast-food can be detrimental to health and body image.56% students said that consumption of fast-food is related to the prevalence of asthma and allergy. Major students (72%) said that fast-food increases the risk of type-2 diabetes.89% students said that fast-food causes heart disease. Majority of Students (79%) really know the harmful effects of chemical present in fast-food. From this survey, we have come to know that most students are aware of harmful effect of fastfood. The government and policy makers should pay attention about improving fastfood quality.
Implications of Updated Protocol for Classification of Childhood Malnutrition and Service Delivery in World’s Largest Refugee Camp Amid This COVID-19 Pandemic
(Daffodil International University, 2022-01-12) Anwar, Afsana; Mondal, Probal Kumar; Yadav, Uday Narayan; Shamim, Abu Ahmed; Rizwan, Abu Ansar Md.; Mistry, Sabuj Kanti
Objectives: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the authorities made a change in the classification of malnutrition and concomitant service delivery protocol among the Rohingya children, residing in world's largest refugee camp, located in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. In this paper, we discussed the potential implications of this updated protocol on the malnutrition status among children residing in the Rohingya camps. Design: This paper reviewed relevant literature and authors' own experience to provide a perspective of the updated protocol for the classification of malnutrition among the children in the Rohingya camps and its implication from a broader perspective. Setting: Rohingya refugee camps, Bangladesh. Participants: Children aged less than five years residing in the Rohingya camps. Results: Major adaptation during this COVID-19 was the discontinuation of using weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) and the use of only mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) and presence of oedema for admission, follow-up and discharge of malnourished children in the camps. However, evidence suggests that use of MUAC only can underestimate the prevalence of malnutrition among the children in Rohingya camps. These apparently non-malnourished children are devoid of the rations that they would otherwise receive if classified as malnourished, making them susceptible to more severe malnutrition. Conclusions: Our analysis suggests that policymakers should consider using the original protocol of using both MUAC and WHZ to classify malnutrition and retain the guided ration size. We also believe that it would not take an extra effort to adopt the original guideline as even with MUAC only guideline, certain health measures needed to adopt during this pandemic.
Prevalence and Determinants of Self-Reported Functional Status Among Older Adults Residing in the Largest Refugee Camp of the World
(Springer Nature, 2023-06-01) Anwar, Afsana; Yadav, Uday Narayan; Huda, Md. Nazmul; Rifat, M. A.; Ali, ARM Mehrab; Mondal, Probal Kumar; Rizwan, Abu Ansar Md.; Shuvo, Suvasish Das; Mistry, Sabuj Kanti
Background The older adults of refugee camps might be vulnerable to exhibiting limited functional abilities because of the limited resources available to create a supportive environment for older population in the camps. This study aims to explore the prevalence and determinants of self-reported functional status among the older adults residing in the Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 864 older adults aged 60 years and above living in five selected sub-camps of Rohingya refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews of the participants between November-December 2021. Functional status was measured using the Barthel Index. Information on participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, self-reported chronic diseases and lifestyle characteristics were also collected. A multiple logistic regression model was used to assess the factors associated with self-reported functional abilities among the participants. Results The overall percentage of people having limited self-reported functional ability was 26.5% (male: 22.6% and female: 31.5%) with inability most found in grooming (33.2%), bathing (31.8%), stair using (13.2%) and mobility (10.7%). In the final adjusted model, having age of 80 years or more (aOR = 2.01,95% CI: 1.08,3.75), being female (aOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.04,2.0), having low memory or concentration (aOR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.30,2.56), loneliness (aOR = 2.89, 95% CI:1.74,4.80) and living with aid alone (aOR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.74,4.80) were found to be associated with self-reported limited functional ability. Conclusion The findings of this study highlight the need for attention from policymakers and public health practitioners on addressing functional limitations among older adults residing in the Rohingya refugee camp. Our findings emphasize the need for the development of comprehensive interventions that can address the wider unmet needs (e.g., ensuring family/caregiver support, engaging in social and physical activities, providing nutritional support packages, etc.) to improve the health and well-being of older Rohingya adults.
The burden of non-disabled frailty and its associated factors among older adults in Bangladesh
(Daffodil International University, 2023) Mistry, Sabuj Kanti; Ali, A R M Mehrab; Yadav, Uday Narayan; Ghimire, Saruna; Anwar, Afsana; Huda, Md Nazmul; Khanam, Fouzia; Mahumud, Rashidul Alam; Parray, Ateeb Ahmad; Bhattacharjee, Shovon; Lim, David; Harris, Mark Fort
Objective The present study aims to measure the prevalence of non-disabled frailty and its associated factors among Bangladeshi older adults. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted during September and October 2021 among 1,045 Bangladeshi older adults (≥60 years). Telephone interviews, using a semi-structured questionnaire, were undertaken to collect data on participants’ characteristics and level of frailty. The non-disabled frailty was measured using the ‘Frail Non-Disabled (FiND)’ questionnaire. A multinomial logistic regression model assessed the factors associated with frailty among the participants. Results Around a quarter of the participants (24.8%) were frail. The multinomial regression analysis showed that older participants aged ≥80 years (RRR = 3.23, 95% CI: 1.41–7.37) were more likely to be frail compared to participants aged 60–69 years. Likewise, the participants living in a large family with ≥4 members (RRR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.01–1.92) were more likely to be frail compared to those living in smaller families. Also, participants having memory or concentration problems (RRR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.12–2.17) were more likely to be frail compared to those who were not suffering from these problems. Moreover, participants whose family members were non-responsive to their day-to-day assistance (RRR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.06–2.03) were more likely to be frail compared to those whose family members were responsive. Furthermore, participants who were feeling lonely (RRR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.07–1.98) were more likely to be frail than their counterparts who were not feeling lonely. Conclusions The findings of the present study suggest developing tailored interventions to address the burden of frailty among the older populations in Bangladesh. In particular, providing long-term care and health promotion activities can be of value in preventing frailty and reducing adverse health outcomes among this vulnerable population group.