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The COVID-19 pandemic is undoubtedly a major threat to the world. The preventive strategies designed to minimize the virus transmission by remaining at home, being isolated, and keeping social distance, which would substantially reform people's lifestyle, physical activity, eating habits, etc. Consequently, those measures might create a disturbance in weight management and overweight. Therefore, how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the physical activities of individuals and its impacts on the Body Mass Index (BMI) is explored herein. An online-based cross-sectional study collected data from 338 Bangladeshi adults in November 2020. The questionnaire included socio-demographics, health-related variables, physical activity-related variables, and diet measurement. Inferential statistics (i.e., chi-square test, McNemar test) were used to measure the associations between BMI and studied variables with a consideration of two scenarios ('before' and 'during' the pandemic inception), where p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results showed that the prevalence of overweight was 30.5% 'before' the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased to 34.9% 'during' the pandemic; that means 4.4% of the participants significantly gained weight after the pandemic inception. There was no significant role of socio-demographic (e.g., gender, age, current residence, occupation) or physical activity-related factors (e.g., unavailability of outdoor space, not performing regular physical exercise, exercising with a partner) in changing the BMI status after the pandemic inception. However, following a proper diet plan during the COVID-19 pandemic was observed to decrease BMI status significantly. The present study suggests that a minor portion of the participants reported increasing their overweight status after the pandemic inception, whereas having a proper diet plan during the pandemic can significantly decrease BMI status. Therefore, the importance of the appropriate diet plan should be considered while implementing any policies.

Although digital health technology (DHT) is widely used in the United States at both hospital provider and individual levels, it is beset with several challenges that have contributed to inequities in the health service delivery. Previous studies have shown that health inequities observed may be amplified many times by DHT requirements. The objectives of this scoping review are aimed at synthesizing information on DHT inequities by exploring evidence that describes DHT infrastructure needs focused on promoting health equity in the United States and identifying key challenges both at the individual or patient level and at the health service provider's level. We adapted Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review guidelines in our review. PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched. We also conducted supplementary searches on Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed publications that broadly conceptualize or analyze DHT infrastructure from a health equity perspective and the challenges of DHT requirements between 2020 and 2024. We have screened the full text of articles using eligibility criteria such as studies that were included if they examined DHT infrastructure in the United States from a health equity perspective, discussed health disparities resulting from DHT interventions, or investigated the variables influencing health inequities connected to DHT. Two researchers (SR and ZZ) evaluated each citation individually at the title and abstract levels. The thematic approach and qualitative analysis determined this scoping review's outcome. Of the 628 research papers from the search, 27 were included in the analysis based on the inclusion criteria. In this review, we discussed factors such as older adult population, education, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status leading to health inequities in DHT. Patients and service providers face challenges related to health inequities in the use of DHT. The most common challenges for service providers were infrastructure and technical issues such as inadequate integration with existing workflows, user-unfriendly health information exchange interfaces, and lack of skilled staff, while for individuals or patients, this included limited broadband web-based access, cultural or linguistic appropriateness, and access to digital tools. The study identified that in the United States, DHT is an essential part of the delivery of health services; yet, it is saddled with key challenges leading to health inequities. Finding pragmatic solutions to these challenges can improve health equity in DHT.

The adoption of new technologies and data modernization approaches in public health aims to enhance the use of health data to inform decision-making and improve population health. However, public health departments struggle with legacy systems, siloed data, and privacy concerns, which hamper the adoption of new technology and data sharing with stakeholders. This paper maps how to address these shortcomings by identifying data modernization challenges, initiatives, and progress. This study aims to characterize evidence for data modernization-associated gaps and best practices in public health. This scoping review was conducted using the 5-stage framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley and was reported according to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. A structured search was performed in databases PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, and was complemented by a further search in the Google Scholar search engine, covering publications from January 1, 2019, to April 30, 2024. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed, published in English, and focused on data modernization initiatives within US public health system and reported on best practices, challenges, and outcomes. Search terms combined concepts such as \"Data Modernization,\" \"Interoperability,\" and \"Public Health\" using Boolean operators. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts using Rayyan QCRI, with conflicts resolved through consultation with a third reviewer. Data were extracted into Microsoft Excel and thematically analyzed. This review analyzed 21 studies focused on public health data modernization. Across the literature, common components included transitioning to cloud-based systems, consolidating fragmented data into unified platforms, applying governance frameworks, and implementing analytics tools to support decision-making. Primary data sources were electronic health records, insurance claims, and disease surveillance registries. Key challenges identified across studies involved data quality issues, lack of interoperability, and limited resources, particularly in underfunded settings. Notable benefits included more timely and accessible data, improved integration across systems, and enhanced analytical capabilities, which collectively support more responsive and effective public health interventions when guided by clear standards and policy alignment. Progress hinges on balancing local adaptability with national coordination, improving data governance practices, and enhancing collaboration across institutions. These steps are vital to ensure that public health systems can deliver timely, accurate, and actionable information to support effective public health efforts.

ObjectivesThis study aims to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of lower back pain (LBP) among farmers, rickshaw pullers and office workers in Bangladesh, while also investigating potential contributors within these occupational groups.DesignThis cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of LBP, associated factors and management procedures among farmers, rickshaw pullers and office workers in Bangladesh through face-to-face interviews.SettingThe study was conducted in different parts of the Bogura district in Bangladesh.ParticipantsA total of 396 participants were included in the final analysis, all the participants were men and adult in age.Main outcome measurementsData were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire based on previous research. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant associations.ResultsThe prevalence of LBP was found to be 42.7% among the participants. Farmers and rickshaw pullers had approximately four-times and three-times higher odds of experiencing LBP compared with office workers. Other significant factors associated with LBP included living in a nuclear family, having a normal body weight, lacking professional training, having a chronic disease, having a family history of LBP and experiencing numbness in the legs or feet. The majority of respondents sought medical attention and took medication for their LBP.ConclusionThe study underscores occupational differences in LBP prevalence, emphasising the necessity for tailored interventions and occupational health policies. Identifying specific risk factors and management practices in these professions can aid in developing effective prevention strategies and enhancing healthcare services.

Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a term used to describe a group of conditions characterized by difficulties with social skills, speech, repetitive behaviors, and nonverbal communication. There is no cure for autism, however, early diagnosis and intervention can increase the chance of treatment success. If parents or caregivers do not have sound knowledge about autism, problems can become more complicated. The study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice among caregivers having children with ASD in Bangladesh. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 68 caregivers of children with ASD in the selected area of Mymensingh city, Bangladesh. The data were collected from May to June 2021 through face-to-face interviews by a semi-structured questionnaire including informed consent, socio-demographics, as well as questions regarding knowledge (12-item) and practice (6-item) towards children with ASD using a purposive sampling technique. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software (version 25.0). Results The mean score of knowledge among caregivers having children with ASD was 7.16 (SD = 2.09) out of 12 (59.67%). The mean score of practice among caregivers having children with ASD was 3.16 (SD = 1.10) out of 6 (52.67%). There were no significant mean differences in the mean knowledge and practice scores among participants’ different socio-demographic categories. 95.6% of caregivers have not received any formal training to care for children with ASD, and more than half (57.4%) believed that mixing with good friends would make the necessary change in children with ASD. 97.1% of the children with ASD did not have any health insurance with 72.1% receiving government allowance for ASD. Conclusions The findings indicated inadequate knowledge and practice among caregivers of children with ASD. The study suggests an immediate health education program is needed, as well as appropriate practice for children with ASD in Bangladesh.

Visual communications (VC) play a crucial role in effectively conveying public health data to diverse audiences, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the general public. Although the U.S. government invests heavily in health data and data accessibility, health data are not entirely accessible or easily understood. This can be attributed to data sharing and visualization challenges. VC challenges have created public health information gaps which are compounded in emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially impacting poor health outcomes and increasing health inequities. To examine visualization tools and techniques effective for public health visual data communication. A scoping review was conducted to summarize the available evidence related to visualization techniques and tools for public health visual data communication as well as related principles and best practices. Original peer-reviewed articles published in English that involve visualization, user-centered design of visual public health applications/interfaces, visual analytics, infographics, or dashboards from PubMed database from 2020 to 2024 were included. Also, review articles, commentaries, editorials, posters, systematic and scoping articles were excluded from this review. In all, twenty-eight (28) studies were included. There were 25 different visualization techniques identified which included charts and graphs (e.g., bar charts, line charts, pie charts, bubble charts, box plots, scatter plots), maps (e.g., choropleth maps, hotspot maps, and heatmaps), and specialized visualizations (e.g., sunburst diagrams, alluvial plots, upset plots, circos). These visuals were displayed employing different programming and statistical tools and libraries like R, Python, Power BI, Tableau, ArcGIS, and custom web-based applications. The visuals measured different types of data accessibility, pattern and trends identification, association and relationships of univariate and bivariate data, as well as exploring multidimensional forms of health data. The visualizations were applied in different public health domains, such as HIV prevention and care, public health communication, interventions, surveillance, policy measures and decision-making, and improving health education. Dashboards and web-based tools combined with static visualizations like charts, maps, or specialized plots can help with data exploration, pattern recognition, and dissemination of health information. Effective communication of public health data promotes informed decision-making, creates awareness, and leads to improved and better health outcomes.

The inheritable thalassemia and other structural hemoglobinopathies are prevalent globally. In Bangladesh, there is a scarcity of studies concerning thalassemia and other structural hemoglobinopathies. Hence, the present study investigated the prevalence and distribution of β-thalassemia and other hemoglobinopathies among the university students and ready-made garment (RMG) workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted, whereas a total of 989 subjects were selected randomly from 10 garments industries (n=495) and five universities (n=494) for diagnosis and counseling from April 2018 to August 2018. Basic information related to the study and venous blood was collected and subjected to capillary Hb-electrophoresis for each participant. The present study identified thalassemia carriers and other hemoglobinopathies among 13.6% of the participants (14.1% university students and 13.2% RMG workers). The most common form of hemoglobin formation disorder was the Hb-E trait (10.5%), considering both participants' groups. Other forms of hemoglobin formation disorders observed were a β-thalassemia trait, Hb-D trait, Hb-E disease, and β-thalassemia major. The hemoglobinopathies were significantly associated with the individuals who had a family history of thalassemia and were not vaccinated against hepatitis B in the total sample. Although not statistically suggestive, the most considerable portion (87.3%) of the carriers was unmarried in the present findings. The present study findings are anticipated to help the public health authorities by providing novel data (of a neglected cohort, ie, RGM workers), facilitating the upcoming comprehensive national thalassemia prevention programs.

Background A group of 63708 Bangladeshi adults from a rural area were screened in 2011–12 for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk using a questionnaire based tool developed as part of the ‘WHO CVD-RISK Management Package for low-and medium resource setting’. In the current study participants who were found to be high risk and a sample of the not high risk participants from the screening were further characterized clinically and biochemically to explore the burden and determinants of CVD risk factors in a remote rural Bangladeshi population. Methods The high risk participants comprised all 1170 subjects who screened positive in 2011–12 and the not high risk group comprised 563 randomly sampled participants from the 62538 who screened negative. Socio-demographic, behavioral, anthropometric, clinical and biochemical data (glucose and lipids) were collected by standardized procedures. Body Mass Index (BMI) was classified following Asian BMI criteria. Data was analyzed using univariable and multivariable methods. Results On univariable analysis in high risk and not high risk participants respectively, age in years (M ± SD) was 50 ± 11 for both groups, ratio of male: female was 40:60 and 66:44, current smoking 28.5 % and 50.6 %; smokeless tobacco use 37.1 % and 34.8 %; overweight and obesity measured by body mass index (BMI) was 39.1 % and 20.5 %; high waist circumference (WC) 36.1 % and 11.9 %; high waist to hip ratio (WHR) 53.8 % and 26.3 %; and with high waist to height ratio (WHtR) 56.4 % and 28.4 %, existence of hypertension (HTN) was 15.8 % and 3.6 %, pre-HTN 43.8 % and 12.1 %, diabetes (DM) 14.0 % and 10.5 %, pre-DM 16.9 % and 12.1 % and dyslipidaemia 85.8 % and 89.5 %. In multivariable logistic regression analysis female sex, BMI, WC, WHR and WHtR, HTN and dyslipidaemia remain significantly more common among high risk participants (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001). Conclusions The prevalence of clinical and biochemical risk factors of CVDs are quite high even in this rural population and this may be related to the socioeconomic and cultural transition in Bangladeshi society. Surprisingly more of the high risk group was female and there were fewer smokers. Obesity and hypertension were more frequent in high risk participants.

Abstract not available. Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, October 2020;7(suppl_2):S1-S2