Browsing by Author "Ireen, Santhia"

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Assessment of the status and its associated factors among lactating mothers taking services in an urban healthcare facility in Dhaka city: a cross-sectional study
(BRAC University, 1/5/2025) Delwar, Umama Binte; Ireen, Santhia; Akter, Fahmida
Our study aims to determine the nutritional status of lactating mothers attending an urban MNCH facility in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and identify the associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted which analyzed socio-demographic data, dietary diversity, and body mass index (BMI). Among the participants, 39.7% were aged 21–25 years, and 40% held a bachelor’s degree or higher. The majority (79.2%) were homemakers, with a median monthly income of 50,000 BDT. Nutritional assessment revealed a dual burden, with overweight and obesity prevalent in 64% of the lactating mothers and undernutrition observed in 10%. When regression analysis was done it highlighted that mothers aged more than 30 years had significantly higher the odds of being overweight or obese (AOR=9.98; p=0.001), emphasizing the impact of age on BMI. Attainment of education also influenced BMI significantly; mothers completing higher secondary education were more likely to have increased BMI (AOR=3.02; p=0.026), likely due to calorie-dense food choices, while those who had completed their education up to bachelors and above education appeared to mitigate this risk. Mothers coming from middle-income households were less likely to be overweight or obese (AOR=0.37; p=0.023), this indicated the impact of income on nutritional outcomes. Dietary factors also played a significant role; frequent consumption of sugary foods increased the likelihood of higher BMI (AOR=2.73; p=0.001), whereas sweets consumption showed an inverse association with overweight and obesity (AOR=0.40; p=0.003) which could be due to differential reporting or cultural practices. Thus interventions should focus on the enhancement of nutritional literacy particularly women of lactational phase and additionally, introduce policies that ensure access to affordable, nutrient-rich foods which could mitigate the rising burden of overweight and obesity. Future longitudinal studies are necessary to explore the long-term effects of these factors on maternal and child health in urban Bangladesh.
Healthcare worker perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing a tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) program in Dhaka BRAC TB centers
(BRAC University, 2025) Niki, Atqiya Faizah; Rahman, Ataur; Rahman, Atiya; Ireen, Santhia; Islam, Shayla
Introduction: Tuberculosis preventive Treatment (TPT) is a crucial step that will prevent the further development of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) into active tuberculosis. Yet, it faces numerous constraints when implemented in resource-limited urban environments, e.g., Dhaka, Bangladesh. This research analyzes the barriers and facilitators of TPT uptake at BRAC urban TB centers and provides direction for enhancing program delivery. Methods: Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, qualitative and quantitative data were collected. In the above procedures, interviews with 17 healthcare providers were also conducted, and 41 Field Organizers (FOs) were polled through a survey. The qualitative data were coded thematically, and quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was applied to describe the study's outcome. Results: Barriers included resource constraints, such as drug shortages, funding gaps, and insufficient human resources. Logistical difficulties, stigmatization, lack of patient information, and inefficiencies in data capture also hampered the provision of TPT. Patient adherence was influenced by beliefs, pill size, side effects, and competing demands, including daily earnings. Factors included a willingness to use BRAC health care providers, adaptable TPT guidelines (e.g., 3HP regimen), suitable staffing, and working in partnership with the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP). Community support and engagement also emerged as critical enablers. Conclusion: Results underscore the need to take action on funding, staffing, and supply chains to enhance TPT delivery. Improvements to community education, private-sector collaboration, and streamlined documentation and monitoring practices can improve adherence and coverage. These recommendations offer a pathway to enhance TPT programs in settings with limited resources and help set targets to achieve the ambitious goal of TB elimination globally.
Infant and young child feeding knowledge and practices among lactating mothers attending an urban health care facility in Dhaka, Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 1/5/2025) Tabassum, Tasbiha; Ireen, Santhia; Akter, Fahmida
Introduction: The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are critical for growth and development as proper nutrition during this period plays a significant role in health outcomes in future. In Bangladesh, though breastfeeding rates are relatively high, challenges persist in achieving optimal Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices. Concerning stunting and wasting rates with lack of data in urban areas like Dhaka highlights the need for understanding the influencing factors of IYCF adherence. This study examines IYCF knowledge and practices among lactating mothers of children aged 0-6 months attending an urban MNCH facility in Dhaka. Method: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted at two Maternal Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) facilities in Dhaka City from November 24 to December 11, 2024. The participants included 342 lactating mothers of infants aged 0-6 months, selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected via a semi-structured questionnaire on socio-demographic factors, antenatal and postnatal care utilization, and IYCF knowledge, practices and barriers. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and multivariable regression analysis. Findings: The study found that overall IYCF knowledge among the mothers was quite well, specifically regarding early breastfeeding initiation (90.4%) and colostrum feeding (99.1%). Knowledge gaps existed in complementary feeding, proper breastfeeding techniques and understanding broader benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. Out of 342 mothers, 100% breastfed their child at least once, 62.6% initiated breastfeeding within 1 hour, 81.6% exclusively breastfed and 17.0% practiced mixed feeding. Barriers such as low milk secretion, post-C-section complications, and cultural factors were significant challenges to optimal IYCF practices. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve optimal IYCF practices. Addressing barriers as well as strengthening of healthcare service are crucial for enhancing child nutrition in urban Bangladesh.
Nutrition of children and women in Bangladesh: trends and directions for the future
(© 2012 Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 2012) Ahmed, Tahmeed; Mahfuz, Mustafa; Ireen, Santhia; Ahmed, A. M. Shamsir; Rahman, Sabuktagin; Islam, M Munirul; Alam, Nurul; Hossain, Md Iqbal; Rahman, S M Mustafizur; Ali, M Mohsin; Choudhury, Fatima Perveen; Cravioto, Alejandro
Although child and maternal malnutrition has been reduced in Bangladesh, the prevalence of underweight (weight-for-age z-score <-2) among children aged less than five years is still high (41%). Nearly one-third of women are undernourished with body mass index of <18.5 kg/m2. The prevalence of anaemia among young infants, adolescent girls, and pregnant women is still at unacceptable levels. Despite the successes in specific programmes, such as the Expanded Programme on Immunization and vitamin A supplementation, programmes for nutrition interventions are yet to be implemented at scale for reaching the entire population. Given the low annual rate of reduction in child undernutrition of 1.27 percentage points per year, it is unlikely that Bangladesh would be able to achieve the United Nations' Millennium Development Goal to address undernutrition. This warrants that the policy-makers and programme managers think urgently about the ways to accelerate the progress. The Government, development partners, non-government organizations, and the academia have to work in concert to improve the coverage of basic and effective nutrition interventions, including exclusive breastfeeding, appropriate complementary feeding, supplementation of micronutrients to children, adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women, management of severe acute malnutrition and deworming, and hygiene interventions, coupled with those that address more structural causes and indirectly improve nutrition. The entire health system needs to be revitalized to overcome the constraints that exist at the levels of policy, governance, and service-delivery, and also for the creation of demand for the services at the household level. In addition, management of nutrition in the aftermath of natural disasters and stabilization of prices of foods should also be prioritized.
Nutrition of children and women in Bangladesh: trends and directions for the future
(© 2012 Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 2012) Ahmed, Tahmeed; Mahfuz, Mustafa; Ireen, Santhia; Ahmed, A. M. Shamsir; Rahman, Sabuktagin; Islam, M Munirul; Alam, Nurul; Hossain, Md Iqbal; Rahman, S M Mustafizur; Ali, M Mohsin; Choudhury, Fatima Perveen; Cravioto, Alejandro
Although child and maternal malnutrition has been reduced in Bangladesh, the prevalence of underweight (weight-for-age z-score <-2) among children aged less than five years is still high (41%). Nearly one-third of women are undernourished with body mass index of <18.5 kg/m2. The prevalence of anaemia among young infants, adolescent girls, and pregnant women is still at unacceptable levels. Despite the successes in specific programmes, such as the Expanded Programme on Immunization and vitamin A supplementation, programmes for nutrition interventions are yet to be implemented at scale for reaching the entire population. Given the low annual rate of reduction in child undernutrition of 1.27 percentage points per year, it is unlikely that Bangladesh would be able to achieve the United Nations' Millennium Development Goal to address undernutrition. This warrants that the policy-makers and programme managers think urgently about the ways to accelerate the progress. The Government, development partners, non-government organizations, and the academia have to work in concert to improve the coverage of basic and effective nutrition interventions, including exclusive breastfeeding, appropriate complementary feeding, supplementation of micronutrients to children, adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women, management of severe acute malnutrition and deworming, and hygiene interventions, coupled with those that address more structural causes and indirectly improve nutrition. The entire health system needs to be revitalized to overcome the constraints that exist at the levels of policy, governance, and service-delivery, and also for the creation of demand for the services at the household level. In addition, management of nutrition in the aftermath of natural disasters and stabilization of prices of foods should also be prioritized.
Nutrition of children and women in Bangladesh: trends and directions for the future
(© 2012 Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 2012) Ahmed, Tahmeed; Mahfuz, Mustafa; Ireen, Santhia; Ahmed, A. M. Shamsir; Rahman, Sabuktagin; Islam, M Munirul; Alam, Nurul; Hossain, Md Iqbal; Rahman, S M Mustafizur; Ali, M Mohsin; Choudhury, Fatima Perveen; Cravioto, Alejandro
Although child and maternal malnutrition has been reduced in Bangladesh, the prevalence of underweight (weight-for-age z-score <-2) among children aged less than five years is still high (41%). Nearly one-third of women are undernourished with body mass index of <18.5 kg/m2. The prevalence of anaemia among young infants, adolescent girls, and pregnant women is still at unacceptable levels. Despite the successes in specific programmes, such as the Expanded Programme on Immunization and vitamin A supplementation, programmes for nutrition interventions are yet to be implemented at scale for reaching the entire population. Given the low annual rate of reduction in child undernutrition of 1.27 percentage points per year, it is unlikely that Bangladesh would be able to achieve the United Nations' Millennium Development Goal to address undernutrition. This warrants that the policy-makers and programme managers think urgently about the ways to accelerate the progress. The Government, development partners, non-government organizations, and the academia have to work in concert to improve the coverage of basic and effective nutrition interventions, including exclusive breastfeeding, appropriate complementary feeding, supplementation of micronutrients to children, adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women, management of severe acute malnutrition and deworming, and hygiene interventions, coupled with those that address more structural causes and indirectly improve nutrition. The entire health system needs to be revitalized to overcome the constraints that exist at the levels of policy, governance, and service-delivery, and also for the creation of demand for the services at the household level. In addition, management of nutrition in the aftermath of natural disasters and stabilization of prices of foods should also be prioritized.