Browsing by Author "Ghimire, Saruna"

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A Rapid Review of Opportunities and Challenges in the Implementation of Social Prescription Interventions for Addressing the Unmet Needs of Individuals Living with Long-term Chronic Conditions
(Springer Nature, 2024-01-02) Yadav, Uday Narayan; Paudel, Grish; Ghimire, Saruna; Khatiwada, Bhushan; Gurung, Ashmita; Parsekar, Shradha S.; Mistry, Sabuj Kanti
People with long-term chronic conditions often struggle to access and navigate complex health and social services. Social prescription (SP) interventions, a patient-centred approach, help individuals identify their holistic needs and increase access to non-clinical resources, thus leading to improved health and well-being. This review explores existing SP interventions for people with long-term chronic conditions and identifies the opportunities and challenges of implementing them in primary healthcare settings.
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)
Exploring the pathways between depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of life on life satisfaction: a path analysis approach
(2024-12-21) Yadav, Uday Narayan; Ghimire, Saruna; Mehta, Ranju; Karmacharya, Isha; Mistry, Sabuj Kanti; Mehrab Ali, Arm; Yadav, Om Prakash; Tamang, Man Kumar
Life satisfaction, one promising health asset, is associated with reduced risk of several chronic diseases and mortality. Mental health conditions and quality of life (QoL) are important aspects of well-being in late life and are significantly associated with life satisfaction. Despite the complex interrelationships between mental health, QoL and life satisfaction, the current literature has evaluated the simple association between them and failed to consider the complex pathways among these variables, especially among the older population. Hence, this study explores the pathways between mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, and stress), QoL and life satisfaction among older adults in eastern Nepal. This cross-sectional study was conducted in eastern Nepal via face-to-face interviews with 847 older adults selected by multi-stage cluster sampling. The 5-item Satisfaction with Life Scale and 13-item Older People's QoL scale assessed life satisfaction and QoL, respectively. The 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress scale measured mental health conditions. The relationship between QoL, depression, anxiety, and stress with life satisfaction was first evaluated using linear regression, subsequently by path analysis. The mean (± SD) life satisfaction and QoL score were 19.7 (± 5.3) and 42.9 (± 7.1), respectively. More than one-fifth of the participants had moderate to severe depression (30%), anxiety (34%), and stress (20%). In adjusted regression analysis, QoL was positively associated (β: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.48) with life satisfaction, whereas depression, anxiety, and stress were inversely associated. In the path analysis, the relationship between depression and stress with life satisfaction was mediated by QoL. Depression was indirectly related to life satisfaction (mediated by QoL, β = -0.25), whereas stress was both directly (β = -0.11) and indirectly (mediated by QoL, β = -0.08) related to life satisfaction. Given the high mental health burden among the older Nepali population and its potential impact on life satisfaction and QoL, routine screening for mental health should be encouraged in clinical practice. Additionally, community-based interventions and mental health promotion programs should be launched at regional and local levels.
Loneliness and Its Correlates Among Bangladeshi Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic
(Springer, 22-08-26) Mistry, Sabuj Kanti; MehrabAli, A. R. M.; Yadav, Uday Narayan; Huda, Md. Nazmul; Ghimire, Saruna; Saha, Manika; Sarwar, Sneha; Harris, Mark F.
The present study aims to investigate the prevalence of loneliness and its associated factors among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2020 among 1032 older Bangladeshi adults aged 60 years and above through telephone interviews. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on participants’ characteristics and COVID-19-related information. Meanwhile, the level of loneliness was measured using a 3-item UCLA Loneliness scale. More than half (51.5%) of the older adults experienced loneliness. We found that participants formally schooled [adjusted odds ratio (aOR= 0.62, 95% CI 0.43–0.88)] and received COVID-19-related information from health workers (aOR= 0.33, 95% CI 0.22–0.49) had lower odds of being lonely during the pandemic. However, older adults living alone (aOR: 2.57, 95% CI 1.34–4.94), residing distant from a health facility (aOR= 1.46, 95% CI 1.02–2.08) and in rural areas (aOR= 1.53, 95% CI 1.02–2.23) had higher odds of loneliness than their counterparts. Likewise, odds of loneliness were higher among those overwhelmed by COVID-19 (aOR= 1.93, 95% CI 1.29–2.86), who faced difculty in earning (aOR= 1.77, 95% CI 1.18–2.67) and receiving routine medical care during pandemic (aOR= 2.94, 95% CI 1.78–4.87), and those perceiving requiring additional care during the pandemic (aOR= 6.01, 95% CI 3.80–9.49). The fndings suggest that policies and plans should be directed to reduce loneliness among older adults who require additional care. Loneliness is one of the most common psychological issues encountered by the older population worldwide1 . Loneliness is an emotional and mental state2 that an individual faces in terms of subjective feelings of stress3 , sadness, low self-esteem4 , and hopelessness5 . Globally, around one-third of the older adults reported being lonely6 . A high level of loneliness has negative health consequences, including increased risk for heart disease, stroke, premature death, mental stress, chronic depression, dementia, and even a tendency to suicide7–10. Evidence suggests that the sense of loneliness raises stroke and dementia risk by 30% and 50%, respectively11. Among the older population (aged 60 years and above), loneliness can result in serious public health consequences, including increased hospital visits12, decreased quality of life13, and mortality14. According to a meta-analysis, among older adults, loneliness increases the risk of all-cause mortality by 26%7 . Te older population is at increased risk for COVID-19 and associated physical and mental health consequences and deaths15. More than half of the COVID-19 deaths in China, Italy16, and India17, and almost 39% in Bangladesh18 were reported among the older population. Tey are also disproportionately afected by loneliness during this pandemic19,20. In line with this, recent evidence indicating a drastic increase in the global prevalence of mental health-related issues21–23. A longitudinal study conducted on US adults aged 50–80 years reported that the prevalence of isolation was more than doubled in 2020 compared to 2018 (56% vs. 27% in 2018)24. Te most commonly reported factors associated with loneliness among older people include chronic diseases, retirement OPEN 1 ARCED Foundation, 13/1 Pallabi, Mirpur‑12, Dhaka, Bangladesh. 2 Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. 3 BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Medona Tower, Bir Uttam AK Khandakar Road, Dhaka 1213, Bangladesh. 4 National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. 5 Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbeltown, NSW 2560, Australia. 6 Department of Sociology and Gerontology and Scripps Gerontology Center, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA. 7 Department of Human‑Centred Computing, Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3145, Australia. 8 Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh. 9 Department of Public Health, Dafodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. *email: [email protected] from work, staying alone away from children and family, widowhood, lack of social engagement and entertainment activities, sedentary lifestyle25, and physical disabilities26,27. In Bangladesh, the frst COVID-19 case was reported at the beginning of March 2020, and since then, the cases have constantly been increasing28. As of 13 July 2022, there were more than 1,992,058 confrmed COVID19 cases with 29,217 deaths related to COVID-19 in Bangladesh29. Te government of Bangladesh implemented restrictive measures such as lockdown and shutdowns30 to control the spread of the infection. While important to curb the spread of the infection, such measures also resulted in increased discomfort in getting everyday necessities and health care, in addition to creating an environment not conducive to mental health28. Some recent studies also documented increased mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety, fear, and depression among the older population in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic31–34. However, no study has explored the level of loneliness among the older population in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic, who are one of the most vulnerable population groups to the ongoing pandemic. Terefore, the present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of loneliness and its associated factors among older Bangladeshi adults amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Neighborhood environment and quality of life of older adults in eastern Nepal: findings from a cross-sectional study
(2024-08-31) Sapkota, Krishna Prasad; Shrestha, Aman; Ghimire, Saruna; Mistry, Sabuj Kanti; Yadav, Krishna Kumar; Yadav, Shubash Chandra; Mehta, Ranju Kumari; Quasim, Rubina; Tamang, Man Kumar; Singh, Devendra Raj; Yadav, Om Prakash; Mehata, Suresh; Yadav, Uday Narayan
Quality of life (QoL) is a subjective measure reflecting individuals’ evaluations based on their personal goals and values. While global research shows the role of neighborhood factors like ethnic diversity and socio-cultural dynamics on QoL, these are unexplored in the Nepali context. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between neighborhood environment and QoL among Nepali older adults in eastern Nepal. This cross-sectional study involved 847 non-institutionalized older adults (aged ≥ 60 years) from two districts in eastern Nepal. QoL was evaluated using the 13-item brief Older People’s Quality of Life questionnaire, where a mean score of < 3 indicated low/poor QoL. The neighborhood environment, conceptualized across three domains (demographic, socio-cultural, and built environment), included ethnic diversity, connections with family, friends, and neighbors, cultural ties, residential stability, and rurality. Their association with QoL was examined using multivariable logistic regression. Around 20% of older adults reported poor QoL. Higher ethnic diversity (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 0.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.04–0.36), moderate contact with family and relatives (aOR = 0.26, CI: 0.11–0.61), and high contact with neighbors (aOR = 0.09, CI: 0.03–0.21) were associated with lower odds of poor QoL. Conversely, high contact with friends (aOR = 2.29, CI: 1.30–4.04) and unstable residence (OR = 6.25, CI: 2.03–19.23) increased the odds of poor QoL. Additionally, among the covariates, chronic disease, tobacco use, unemployment, and lack of education were also significantly associated with poor QoL. Overall, the demographic environment, socio-cultural factors, and the built environment of the neighborhood influence QoL. Therefore, diversifying the neighborhood’s ethnic composition, promoting social connections such as frequent contact with family, relatives, and neighbors, and ensuring residential stability can enhance the QoL of older adults.
Neighborhood Environment and Quality of Life of Older Adults in Eastern Nepal: Findings from a Cross-sectional Study
(Springer Nature, 2024-08-13) Sapkota, Krishna Prasad; Shrestha, Aman; Ghimire, Saruna; Mistry, Sabuj Kanti; Yadav, Krishna Kumar; Yadav, Shubash Chandra; Mehta, Ranju Kumari; Quasim, Rubina; Tamang, Man Kumar; Singh, Devendra Raj; Yadav, Om Prakash; Mehata, Suresh; Yadav, Uday Narayan
Introduction Quality of life (QoL) is a subjective measure reflecting individuals’ evaluations based on their personal goals and values. While global research shows the role of neighborhood factors like ethnic diversity and socio-cultural dynamics on QoL, these are unexplored in the Nepali context. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between neighborhood environment and QoL among Nepali older adults in eastern Nepal. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 847 non-institutionalized older adults (aged ≥ 60 years) from two districts in eastern Nepal. QoL was evaluated using the 13-item brief Older People’s Quality of Life questionnaire, where a mean score of < 3 indicated low/poor QoL. The neighborhood environment, conceptualized across three domains (demographic, socio-cultural, and built environment), included ethnic diversity, connections with family, friends, and neighbors, cultural ties, residential stability, and rurality. Their association with QoL was examined using multivariable logistic regression. Results Around 20% of older adults reported poor QoL. Higher ethnic diversity (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 0.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.04–0.36), moderate contact with family and relatives (aOR = 0.26, CI: 0.11–0.61), and high contact with neighbors (aOR = 0.09, CI: 0.03–0.21) were associated with lower odds of poor QoL. Conversely, high contact with friends (aOR = 2.29, CI: 1.30–4.04) and unstable residence (OR = 6.25, CI: 2.03–19.23) increased the odds of poor QoL. Additionally, among the covariates, chronic disease, tobacco use, unemployment, and lack of education were also significantly associated with poor QoL. Conclusion Overall, the demographic environment, socio-cultural factors, and the built environment of the neighborhood influence QoL. Therefore, diversifying the neighborhood’s ethnic composition, promoting social connections such as frequent contact with family, relatives, and neighbors, and ensuring residential stability can enhance the QoL of older adults.
Older Adults With Pre-Existing Noncommunicable Conditions and Their Healthcare Access Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
(Daffodil International University, 2022-01-19) Ghimire, Saruna; Shrestha, Aman; Yadav, Uday Narayan; Mistry, Sabuj Kanti; Chapadia, Bunsi; Yadav, Om Prakash; Ali, ARM Mehrab; Rawal, Lal B; Yadav, Priyanka; Mehata, Suresh; Harris, Mark
Background: COVID-19 has greatly impacted older adults with pre-existing noncommunicable conditions (hereafter called pre-existing conditions) in terms of their access to essential healthcare services. Based on the theory of vertical health equity, this study investigated access to healthcare by Nepali older adults with pre-existing conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study surveyed 847 randomly selected older adults (≥60 years) in three districts of eastern Nepal. Survey questionnaires, administered by trained community health workers, collected information on participants reported difficulty obtaining routine care and medications during the pandemic, in addition to questions on demographics, socioeconomic factors and pre-existing conditions. Cumulative scores for pre-existing conditions were recoded as no pre-existing condition, single condition and multimorbidity for the analyses. χ2 tests and binary logistic regressions determined inferences. Results: Nearly two-thirds of the participants had a pre-existing condition (43.8% single condition and 22.8% multimorbid) and reported experiencing difficulty obtaining routine care (52.8%) and medications (13.5%). Participants with single (OR 3.06, 95% CI 2.17 to 4.32) and multimorbid (OR 5.62, 95% CI 3.63 to 8.71) conditions had threefold and fivefold increased odds of experiencing difficulty accessing routine care. Findings were similar for difficulty obtaining medication (OR single: 3.12, 95% CI 1.71 to 5.69; OR multimorbid: 3.98, 95% CI 2.01 to 7.87) where odds were greater than threefolds. Conclusions: Older adults with pre-existing conditions in Nepal, who require routine medical care and medication, faced significant difficulties obtaining them during the pandemic, which may lead to deterioration in their pre-existing conditions. Public health emergency preparedness should incorporate plans for both managing the emergency and providing continuing care.
Perceived Change in Tobacco Use and Its Associated Factors among Older Adults Residing in Rohingya Refugee Camps during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh
(International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021) Mistry, Sabuj Kanti; Ali, Arm Mehrab; Yadav, Uday Narayan; Huda, Md Nazmul; Ghimire, Saruna; Rahman, Md Ashfikur; Reza, Sompa; Huque, Rumana; Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
This study explored the perceived change in tobacco use during the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated factors among older adults residing in Rohingya refugee camps, also referred to as forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals in Bangladesh. The study followed a cross-sectional design and was conducted in October 2020 among 416 older adults aged 60 years and above. A purposive sampling technique was applied to identify eligible participants, and face-to-face interviews were conducted using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire to collect the data. 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. Binary logistic regression models determined the factors associated with the perceived change in tobacco use. More than one in five participants (22.4%) were current tobacco users, of whom 40.8% reported a perceived increase in tobacco use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adjusted analysis revealed that participants who were concerned about COVID-19 had significantly (p < 0.05) lower odds of perceived increase in tobacco use (aOR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.06-0.73), while older adults who were overwhelmed by COVID-19 (aOR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.06-1.18) and communicated less frequently with others during the pandemic than before (aOR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.03-1.20) had marginally significantly (p < 0.1) lower odds of perceived increase in tobacco use during this pandemic. Relevant stakeholders, policymakers, and practitioners need to focus on strengthening awareness-raising initiatives as part of an emergency preparedness plan to control tobacco use during such a crisis period.
Stigma Toward People With COVID-19 Among Bangladeshi Older Adults
(Daffodil International University, 22-09-13) Mistry, Sabuj Kanti; Ali, A. R. M. Mehrab; Yadav, Uday Narayan; Huda, Md. Nazmul; Rahman, Md. Mahmudur; Saha, Manika; Rahman, Md. Ashfikur; Lim, David; Ghimire, Saruna
The onset of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and its overwhelming physical and mental health burden can result in stigmatization toward the disease and those affected. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of COVID-19-related stigma and its associated factors among older people in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,045 Bangladeshi older adults aged 60 years and above through telephone interviews in September 2021. The outcome was measured using an eight-point Stigma Scale, adapted to the Bengali language. Level of stigma was indicated by the cumulative score of the eight-items, ranging from 0 to 8, with a higher score indicating a higher level of stigma. On average, participants had stigmas on three of the eight items, and 62.6% had a high stigma score. The most prevalent stigmas were as follows: COVID-19 is a punishment from God (79.3%), patients with previous COVID-19 must be isolated (67.3%), and people infected with COVID-19 did not meet hygiene standards (63.9%). Participants who lived in rural areas (β: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.95) and who perceived needing additional care during the pandemic (β: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.60) had a higher average stigma score, whereas stigma scores were lower among unemployed/retired participants (β: −0.22, 95% CI: −0.45 to 0.00). The study findings suggest implementing interventions to raise awareness through appropriate health literacy interventions and mass media campaigns.
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.