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.
Background Due to restrictions in social gatherings imposed due to the COVID-19 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.
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 Bangladesh. In this paper, we discussed the potential implications of this updated protocol on the malnutrition status among children from the Rohingya camp. 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 discontinuation of using weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) and use of only MUAC and presence of edema for admission, follow up and discharge of malnourished children in camps. However, evidence suggest 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.
Introduction: Diseases of elder people are a global problem. The prevalence of disease in elderly people is increasing day by day as old people often have limited regenerative abilities and are more susceptible to disease, syndromes, injuries, and sickness than younger adults. Objective: This study was conducted to identify the disease pattern of geriatric people of the host community in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. Method: A descriptive type of cross-sectional study was conducted among 381 geriatric persons in 5 selected hospitals of Cox's Bazar. The sample size was calculated in a 95% confidence interval and with a 5% level of significance. Data collection was done by using a semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire. Data quality was ensured through multiple procedures of review and cross-checking. Results: The findings revealed that a total of 32.0% had heart disease and 31% had arthritis. More than one-fifth (22.0%) of the respondents had diabetes and 18% of the total respondents had different types of communicable diseases. The occurrence of non-communicable diseases in geriatric people is significantly associated with their age and sex. Conclusion: The findings from this study illustrate that non-communicable disease is very much prevalent among the geriatric population as well as a threat to public health. The hospitals and health service providers should emphasize the management and prevention of these diseases. Also, lifestyle modification can play a vital role in preventing non-communicable diseases.
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